Oleth-5 is a nonionic surfactant with relatively low overall toxicity (rat oral LD50 >2000 mg/kg), but its GHS classification indicates clear local irritation and respiratory tract irritation risks. According to the Safety Data Sheet, this product is classified as Skin Irritation Category 2 (H315), Serious Eye Irritation Category 2 (H319), and Specific Target Organ Toxicity Single Exposure Category 3 (H335), meaning direct contact can cause skin redness, itching, and discomfort; splashing into the eyes can lead to serious eye damage; and inhalation of vapors or aerosols can cause respiratory tract irritation.
In daily operations and formulation use, effective engineering control systems must be established—workplaces should be equipped with local exhaust ventilation or general ventilation to ensure that the concentration of vapors or aerosols in the air is below occupational exposure limits. Containers should be kept closed during operation to avoid direct contact with the product and skin or eyes. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in the workplace, and food should not be stored. After operation, hands and any body parts that may have come into contact with the product should be thoroughly washed.
The selection of personal protective equipment is equally critical: Hands should be protected with chemical-resistant gloves certified to EN 373, such as nitrile rubber or chloroprene rubber, and the integrity and permeation time of the gloves should be regularly checked; Eyes should be protected with sealed goggles or full-face shields conforming to EN 166; Body should be covered with impermeable chemical protective clothing; In case of insufficient ventilation or risk of aerosol generation, certified organic vapor/particulate combination filter respirators must be worn.
| Parameter Category | Specific Indicator |
|---|---|
| GHS Skin Irritation | Category 2 (H315: Causes skin irritation) |
| GHS Eye Irritation | Category 2 (H319: Causes serious eye irritation) |
| GHS Respiratory Tract Irritation | Category 3 (H335: May cause respiratory irritation) |
| Aquatic Toxicity | Category 3 (H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects) |
| Acute Oral Toxicity (Rat) | LD50 >2000 mg/kg |
| Flash Point (Closed Cup) | >150°C (Not flammable, but can be ignited at high temperatures) |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | 5–35°C, avoid high temperature exposure and freezing |
Formulation Operation: In practical applications (such as cosmetic creams/lotions, industrial cleaners, textile auxiliaries, metalworking fluids, pesticide formulations, etc.), it is recommended to add materials in a well-ventilated area using closed or semi-closed feeding methods to minimize aerosol generation. Add gradually according to the formulation ratio and stir thoroughly. When used as a W/O emulsifier, it is typically recommended to first dissolve and disperse it in the oil phase, then mix with the water phase for emulsification.
Storage Management: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, away from heat sources, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizers (such as peroxides, permanganates, concentrated acids, etc.). Keep containers tightly closed and placed on corrosion-resistant trays or spill containment dikes to prevent leakage. Avoid storage in the same area as food, feed, and drinking water sources. The recommended storage temperature is 5–35°C, avoiding high temperature exposure and freezing to prevent product deterioration or separation.