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Session 5D
Control Procedures for Laser Dyes and Solvents Upon completion of this session, you will learn additional methods to protect
yourself from the hazards of laser dyes and laser dye solvents.It should take you about 10 minutes to complete this training session. When you have read through the material, you will be asked
to answer 5 questions. The information presented in this section is a summary of the hazards and controls for these compounds. This is done for training purposes. However, if you wish to get
more detailed information, please consult the CHSP. Dye lasers normally use
a lasing medium consisting of a fluorescent organic dye dissolved in an organic solvent. For most dyes, little is known about their toxic properties, except that they are often members of chemical families that contain
highly toxic materials. Furthermore, limited testing has indicated that some laser dyes are carcinogenic or mutagenic. Consequently, most dyes should be treated as hazardous chemicals. In many cases, the solvent
in which the dye is dissolved plays a major role in the hazards. Most solvents used for dye solutions are flammable and toxic by inhalation and/or skin absorption. The following measures were developed to combine the
need for a cautious approach to preventing exposures to hazardous chemicals, proper waste management, fire prevention, and practical operating requirements.Control Measures Line
managers shall evaluate the laser dye handling procedures in the work area to determine the extent of the hazard and to evaluate the controls necessary to safeguard employee health. MSDSs and other hazard
databases (refer to the EH&S Chemical Safety Web Page)
should be reviewed. An EH&S I
ndustrial Hygienist should be contacted to provide guidance. Some
operations involving laser dyes and solvents may require an AHD.Label containers and dye plumbing clearly with the name of the dye or solvent. This includes dye pumps. Mark "TOXIC" on
containers of ethylene glycol and dioxane. Mark "FLAMMABLE" on containers of alcohol.
The entrance to the work area shall be posted with a Pictogram Hazard Key depicting the hazards.Substitution and Chemical Management If possible, use a less hazardous dye or a less concentrated form. This also
applies to dye solvents. Note that certain solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are skin absorbers (readily penetrate the unbroken skin). Dyes can enter the body through skin absorption when dissolved in
solvents such as these. Procure and use the minimum amount of material required for the operation. Engineering Controls
- A fume hood or other appropriate exhaust ventilation shall be used when mixing laser dyes or handling them in a manner that may generate an airborne hazard.
- Install spill pans under pumps and reservoirs or, preferably, enclose them. Make sure that knobs and other protuberances extend through the holes in the enclosures
- Leak-test dye pump loops, as appropriate.
Work Practices
- Minimize the quantity of pure dye or solutions containing >0.1% of mutagenic/carcinogenic dyes in storage or in use at any time..
- Ensure maintenance and emergency personnel who may come in contact with dyes and solvents are aware of hazards in order for them to take appropriate precautions.
Personal Protective Equipment At a minimum, safety glasses with side shields laboratory coats and closed toed shoes will be worn when handling laser dyes and solvents. Use
chemically resistant gloves
when handling dye powders and solvents. See the following table for selecting gloves. Contact an EH&S Industrial hygienist for further assistance.Glove Selection Table Glove Type
|
Solvents |
Neoprene |
Butyl |
PVC |
Nitrile |
Natural Rubber |
Viton |
|
Benzyl alcohol |
OK |
OK |
-- |
-- |
-- |
OK |
|
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) |
-- |
OK |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) |
-- |
OK |
-- |
-- |
-- |
-- |
|
Ethylene glycol |
OK |
-- |
OK |
OK |
OK |
-- |
|
Ethylene glycol phenyl ether (2-phenoxyethanol) |
-- |
OK |
-- |
OK |
-- |
-- |
|
Glycerol (glycerin) |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
|
Methanol (methyl alcohol) |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
OK |
-- |
|
Propylene carbonate |
-- |
OK |
-- |
OK |
-- |
-- |
Neoprene, Nitrile and natural rubber (latex) gloves are available through Stores Bldg. 76, extension 5087. If you have difficulty
obtaining gloves or any type of PPE, contact an EH&S Industrial Hygienist.StorageStorage guidelines can be found in Storage Guidelines. Additional guidance is presented in Storage Guidelines section. General
guidelines are presented below:
- Separate incompatible chemicals from one another.
- Store dyes and solvents in a cool, dry environment, away from light and free from extremes of temperature and humidity. Separate powders from liquids. Storage cabinets provide the
best means of storage for liquids.
- All dyes and solvents should be stored in sealed, air-impermeable containers. Dark amber glass containers with tight-fitting caps are recommended. Containers with loose
fitting lids or glass stoppers should not be used.
- Use secondary containment for all liquids including dye pumps.
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