Posted By Sarah J Shaw Does anyone know of or posess a training video which outlines the hazards associated with working with phenol? Failing that has anyone put together a training programme on the specific hazards of working with phenol?

Posted By Robert K Lewis Sarah You have not stated, as noted by Diane, whether you are lab-scale or proces plant scale. On the lab scale the hazards are best looked at in the context of any other chemical which has toxic and acidic properties, which is also water and solvent soluble and therefore is readily absorbed through all layers of the skin. Its melting point is also relatively low but I don't have it to hand. The major problem is that people's perception of it is often as an antiseptant/disinfectant in such as coal tar soaps and the original lifebouy soap, if you can remember it. Carbolic acid is the common term for it. The toxity is high 64 sq inch coverage of the skin with 100% phenol is almost always fatal without rapid treatment. Copious water wash/drench is the best followed by rapid medical aid is the simplest treatment. The treatment for ingestion is the standard water to drink and hospital rapidly. Pegmeths(Polyethylene Glycol in Methylated Spirits) used to be used as a neutralising swab but its use has virtually ceased I understand. The emphasis has to be on the correct use of PPE. Industrial processes where the phenol is not 100% enclosed must rely on full body protection with PVC or other resistant overalls and full face protection. In the laboratory the amounts used would not normally require more than eye protection and gloves in addition to normal labwear. You will need to assess this seperately for the tasks being performed. Video wise - Isn't anyone in the Chemical industry reading this?? Bob

Posted By Jane Blunt Dear Sarah I can vouch for the toxicity. One of my contemporaries from my Chemistry class was walking along the lids of a line of drums of phenol. One of the lids gave way, resulting in his leg going into the phenol, and he subsequently died. Not a chemical to be messed around with. Jane

Posted By Phil Roberts Sarah, I do not have any videos on phenol but have had a lot of experience with it in my previous existance in the petrochemical industry I worked on a high volume production unit. It is very toxic and works by paralising the brain thus shutting down bodily functions. It is easily absorbed through the skin and is difficult to remove. It has to be leeched out of the skin by the use of pegmeths or water and rapid response is essential. Phenol burns are not like other acid/caustic burns they appear as white blotches on the skin and in severe cases sometimes has a reddish outline. In any cases of contact with phenol medical attention should be brought to the patient as soon as possible whilst continuing to wash the effected area with water/pegmeths. The importance of full PPE protection cannot stressed too much especially with the use of crystals which can lodge in clothing and footwear if they are not protected fully.I too have been involved with a number of serious incidents two of which resulted in long hospitalisation but fortunately no fatalities. If you would like more information please e-mail me Regards Phil Roberts