Ethanol safety data

GHS hazards, precautions, first aid, handling and transport for Ethanol. A classification summary, not a safety data sheet.

CAS 64-17-5Formula C₂H₆O

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

GHS classification

Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification

Flammable

Signal word

Danger

NFPA 704 rating
health, fire, reactivity

Hazard classes and categories

Flam. Liq. 2

Hazard statements

H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement

Physical hazards

H225Highly flammable liquid and vapour.

Precautionary statements

P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal

Prevention

P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
P242Use non-sparking tools.
P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.

Response

P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.

Storage

P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

Disposal

P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

First aid

General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell

If inhaled

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area, take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used, if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

Skin contact

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.

Eye contact

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

If swallowed

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Volatile chemicals have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital.

Handling, storage and disposal

Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade

Safe handling

Fire: NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers

General: STRICT HYGIENE! PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

Inhalation: Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.

Skin: Protective clothing. Apron. Protective gloves.

Eyes: Wear safety goggles.

Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

Storage

Fireproof. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.

Disposal

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality, potential migration in air, soil or water, effects on animal, aquatic and plant life, and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Exposure limits and toxicity

Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data

OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA: 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL, TWA: 1000 ppm (1900 mg/m³)
ACGIH TLV, STEL: 1000 ppm
IDLH: 3300 ppm (10% LEL)

Short-term exposure: The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The vapour at high levels is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Long-term exposure: The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking. The substance may have effects on the upper respiratory tract and central nervous system. This may result in irritation, headache, fatigue and lack of concentration.

Transport information

UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air

UN number: UN NA1987
Transport hazard class: 3
Packing group: II

Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.

Supplier safety data sheets

SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical

No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Ethanol yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes

Safety questions

Quick answers about handling Ethanol safely

Is Ethanol hazardous?

Ethanol carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: highly flammable liquid and vapour. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

Which GHS pictograms apply to Ethanol?

The GHS classification of Ethanol shows 1 pictogram: GHS02 (flammable).

What is the UN number of Ethanol?

Ethanol is transported under UN NA1987, hazard class 3, packing group II. Check the supplier SDS and the current ADR, IMDG or IATA rules before shipping.

How should Ethanol be stored?

Fireproof. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.

Where can I get the SDS for Ethanol?

Ask the supplier for the safety data sheet of the exact grade you buy. Suppliers on CompoundList can attach their SDS to listings and send it with a quote. This page is a GHS classification summary, not an SDS.

GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error

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