Polyether F-68 is a low-toxicity, non-hazardous substance, but is classified by GHS as a skin/eye irritant and respiratory irritant (H315/H319/H335). Personal protective measures and ventilation must be implemented during operation.
Hazard Overview
According to GHS classification, Polyether F-68 (Poloxamer 188) is classified as: Skin corrosion/irritation category 2 (H315: Causes skin irritation), Serious eye damage/eye irritation category 2A (H319: Causes serious eye irritation), Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure category 3 (H335: May cause respiratory irritation). Signal word: "Warning", Pictogram: GHS07 (exclamation mark).
Safe Operation and Personal Protection
Personal Protective Equipment
- Respiratory protection: When dust or vapor is generated, wear a certified dust/particulate mask; use appropriate respiratory protective equipment if ventilation is insufficient.
- Hand protection: Wear chemically resistant gloves such as nitrile rubber or neoprene, regularly check integrity and replace according to usage conditions.
- Eye protection: Wear sealed chemical safety goggles or full-face shield to prevent splash and dust contact.
- Body protection: Wear chemical protective clothing to avoid skin exposure.
Operating Procedures
- Operate in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust ventilation to reduce dust or vapor accumulation.
- Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing; do not eat, drink, or smoke during operation.
- After work, wash hands and exposed areas thoroughly with soap and plenty of water immediately.
- Equip work areas with eyewash stations and emergency shower facilities.
- When handling, minimize mechanical agitation and dust generation, avoid inhaling dust.
Storage Conditions
- Keep containers tightly closed, store in a cool (recommended below 25°C), dry, and well-ventilated place.
- Keep away from high temperature, heat sources, sparks, open flames, and strong oxidizers.
- Storage area should have impermeable flooring and secondary containment; avoid prolonged exposure to humid environments (to prevent caking or degradation).
- Do not store with food, feed, or beverages.
Emergency Response
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air, keep in a comfortable position for rest; seek medical attention immediately if respiratory irritation, coughing, or breathing difficulty occurs.
- Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash thoroughly with plenty of soap and warm water; seek medical attention if irritation or rash occurs. Wash clothing before reuse.
- Eye contact: Immediately rinse with flowing clean water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes, keep eyelids open; contact lens wearers should safely remove after 5 minutes of rinsing and continue rinsing; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth with clean water, do NOT induce vomiting, drink 1-2 glasses of water to dilute; seek medical attention immediately if discomfort occurs.
Leak Handling
- Wear personal protective equipment, ensure ventilation.
- Cover and collect spilled solids with inert absorbent materials (sand, vermiculite, etc.), transfer to labeled chemical waste containers.
- Prevent entry into drains, surface water, or soil; for large spills, dike and contain.
- Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with water and detergent, cleaning solution treated as chemical waste, not directly discharged.
Firefighting and Waste Disposal
- Firefighting: This product is a non-flammable solid. In case of fire, use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide according to surrounding materials; may release CO, CO₂, and irritating vapors when heated, firefighters must wear self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus.
- Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with chemical waste management regulations, hand over to qualified incineration or treatment facilities; do not discharge into sewers, water sources, or soil. Empty containers must be cleaned and managed as hazardous waste.
Transportation Instructions
According to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Polyether F-68 is not classified as dangerous goods (unrestricted). During transport, keep containers tightly closed, prevent damage, moisture, and excessive temperature fluctuations.
