CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Isopropyl alcohol (2024)

FAQs

What hazard class is isopropyl alcohol? ›

Hazard class: 3, Flammable liquid.

The OSHA PEL for isopropyl alcohol is 400 ppm based on an 8-h TWA.

Hazard Statements : Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

Isopropyl alcohol should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Due to the chemical's extreme flammability, it must be kept away from all possible ignition sources, including heat, sparks, and flames.

EFFECTS ON HUMANS

The lethal dose of isopropyl alcohol is estimated as 160-240 ml (Ashkar and Miller, 1971) and 250 ml (McBay, 1973). In 1978, 372 Melanesian men consumed a solution of 82% methyl alcohol and 18% isopropyl alcohol in the mistaken belief that the solution was methylated spirits; 18 of them died.

No flares, smoking or flames in hazard area. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate.

You can buy rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting.

Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol / Classification

- Goggles or face shields will protect the eyes from IPA vapor and splashes and; gloves will protect from skin contact. - Appropriate respirators when ventilation or other controls do not keep IPA exposures within regulated limits.

REPORTABLE QUANTITY (RQ): 5000 POUNDS

If the release of this substance is reportable under CERCLA Section 103, the national response center must be notified immediately at (800) 424- 8882 or (202) 426-2675 in the metropolitan Washington, D. C. area (40 CFR 302.6).

What hazard class is alcohol? ›

Alcoholic beverages are Class 3 flammable liquids and are subject to the HMR when shipped and transported in commerce.

Inhaling large amounts of isopropyl alcohol can cause nausea, vomiting, irritation of the nose and mucous membranes, throat irritations, and even difficulty with breathing as coughing can occur making it difficult for you to catch your breath.

DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD. OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 400 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is 400 ppm averaged over a 10-hour workshift and 500 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15-minute work period.

But using large amounts of isopropyl alcohol, or covering a large area of your skin, can cause serious damage. Avoid using rubbing alcohol to clean wounds or other more serious injuries, since it can delay healing and lead to even more skin irritation.

As briefly mentioned above, isopropyl alcohol is considered a hazardous material. This is according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration(PHMSA). It's categorized under class 3 which contains flammables and combustible liquids.

Class IB Flammable Liquid: Fl. P. below 73°F and BP at or above 100°F.