Hexane safety data
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
health, fire, reactivity
Hazard classes and categories
- Flam. Liq. 2
- Asp. Tox. 1
- Skin Irrit. 2
- STOT SE 3 (narcotic effects)
- Repr. 2
- STOT RE 1
- Aquatic Chronic 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.
Health hazards
- H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.
- H315Causes skin irritation.
- H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- H361fSuspected of damaging fertility.
- H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Environmental hazards
- H411Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements
P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal
Prevention
- P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- 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.
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P273Avoid release to the environment.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
Response
- P301 + P316If swallowed: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
- P303 + P361 + P353If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P331Do not induce vomiting.
- P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
- P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
- P391Collect spillage.
Storage
- P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P403 + P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
- P405Store locked up.
Disposal
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
First aid
General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell
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. Use non-sparking handtools. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
Inhalation: Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin: Protective gloves.
Eyes: Wear safety goggles, face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Storage
Store only in original container. Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Well closed. Ventilation along the floor. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
Disposal
Hexane may be disposed of by atomizing in a suitable combustion chamber. Spray into the furnace. Incineration will become easier by mixing with a more flammable solvent. Recommendable methods: Incineration, open burning, use as a boiler fuel, & evaporation. Not recommendable method: Landfill. Peer review: Care. Highly flammable. Evaporate only small amt. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))
Exposure limits and toxicity
Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data
- OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA
- 500 ppm (1800 mg/m³)
- NIOSH REL, TWA
- 50 ppm (180 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV, 8-hour TWA
- 50 ppm
- IDLH
- 1100 ppm (10% LEL)
Short-term exposure: The substance is irritating to the skin. The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Exposure to high concentrations of vapour could cause unconsciousness. If this liquid is swallowed, aspiration into the lungs may result in chemical pneumonitis. Long-term exposure: Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. This may result in polyneuropathy. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.
Transport information
UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air
- UN number
- UN 1208
- 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 Hexane yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes
Safety questions
Quick answers about handling Hexane safely
Is Hexane hazardous?
Which GHS pictograms apply to Hexane?
What is the UN number of Hexane?
How should Hexane be stored?
Where can I get the SDS for Hexane?
GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error