According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), polyethylene glycol PEG-600 (CAS: 25322-68-3) is not classified as a hazardous substance. The oral acute toxicity LD50 in rats is greater than 2000 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. In animal tests, this product is non-irritating to the skin (rabbit) and slightly irritating to the eyes (rabbit). Therefore, in daily operations, eye protection is the primary focus.
Although toxicity and irritation are low, good industrial hygiene practices should still be followed in large-scale industrial use or long-term exposure scenarios. Chemical safety goggles and appropriate protective gloves (e.g., nitrile rubber or polyvinyl alcohol gloves) should be worn during operation to avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact. The work area should have good ventilation, and eating, drinking, or smoking is prohibited at the job site. Hands must be thoroughly washed after operation, and contaminated work clothes should be cleaned before reuse.
| Category | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Wear chemical safety goggles, nitrile rubber or polyvinyl alcohol protective gloves |
| Ventilation Requirements | Ensure general ventilation or local exhaust; engineering controls preferred when aerosols are generated |
| Storage Temperature | Recommended not to exceed 40°C, avoid solidification or overheating |
| Storage Environment | Cool, dry, well-ventilated; keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption; keep away from heat, sparks, and direct sunlight |
| Incompatible Materials | Keep away from strong oxidizers (peroxides, hypochlorites, permanganates), strong acids, and strong bases |
| Segregation Requirements | Store separately from food, beverages, and animal feed |
| Accident Type | Response Measures |
|---|---|
| Skin Contact | Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if discomfort occurs |
| Eye Contact | Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water or saline for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open; seek medical attention if irritation persists |
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air, keep at rest; administer oxygen if respiratory discomfort, seek medical attention if symptoms persist |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water, do NOT induce vomiting; drink 1-2 glasses of water to dilute; if vomiting occurs, keep head lower than hips to prevent aspiration; seek medical attention immediately |
| Spill Response | Cover with inert absorbent material (sand, vermiculite, etc.), collect in a closed container; do not allow entry into sewers or waterways |
| Fire Fighting | Use water fog, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; do not use direct water stream; firefighters must wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus |
When using PEG-600 in daily applications, safety emphases vary by scenario: in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, strict control of product purity and microbial indicators is required, and the operating environment must comply with GMP or hygiene standards; in industrial fields (metalworking, textiles, ceramics, etc.), focus on ventilation and skin protection to avoid prolonged or repeated contact; for large-scale production or dispensing, pre-train operators on the above emergency procedures and equip the work area with eyewash stations and emergency showers.