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Bacteriostatic Water COSHH Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
🖨️ NovaVitality COSHH Safety Data Sheet Document ID: NV-SDS-BAW-001 Version: 2.1 Effective Date: 10 December 2025 Product: Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% w/v Benzyl Alcohol in 0.9% w/v Sodium Chloride) — Research Grade
🔶 SECTION 1: IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE/MIXTURE AND OF THE COMPANY/UNDERTAKING
Item
Details
Product Name
Bacteriostatic Water (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol in 0.9% NaCl) — Research Grade
Use
Laboratory reagent for peptide/protein reconstitution (RUO)
Supplier
NovaVitality Ltd, Cambridge, UK
Recommended Use
In vitro and ex vivo research only — not for human or veterinary therapeutic use
Emergency Contact
+44 (0)20 XXXX XXXX (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm GMT)
🔶 SECTION 2: HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Hazard Class
Classification (CLP)
H-Statements
Skin Irritation
Category 2
H315: Causes skin irritation
Eye Irritation
Category 2
H319: Causes serious eye irritation
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (Single Exposure)
Category 3 (Respiratory tract irritation)
H335: May cause respiratory irritation
Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment
Chronic Category 3
H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects
| Signal Word | Warning | | Precautionary Statements (P-Statements) | | P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray | P271: Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area | P280: Wear protective gloves/eye protection | P302+P352: IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water | P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing | P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing | P337+P313: If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention | P501: Dispose of contents/container to approved waste disposal plant |
⚠️ Note for Researchers: Benzyl alcohol (0.9%) is not classified as hazardous under COSHH Schedule 2 (no WELs), but requires risk assessment due to irritant properties.
🔶 SECTION 3: COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Component
CAS No.
Concentration (w/v)
CLP Classification
Benzyl alcohol
100-51-6
0.9%
Skin Irrit. 2; Eye Irrit. 2; STOT SE 3
Sodium chloride
7647-14-5
0.9%
Not classified
Water
7732-18-5
98.2%
Not classified
No ingredients ≥1% are CMR, respiratory sensitisers, or PBT/vPvB.
🔶 SECTION 4: FIRST-AID MEASURES
Exposure
First Aid
Inhalation
Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Seek medical attention if coughing or discomfort persists.
Skin Contact
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and water for 15 min. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact
Rinse immediately with lukewarm water for ≥15 min, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give 1–2 glasses of water. Seek medical attention.
🚨 Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
🔶 SECTION 5: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Parameter
Detail
Extinguishing Media
Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, CO₂
Specific Hazards
Vapours may form explosive mixtures with air. Containers may rupture when heated.
Protective Equipment
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective gear.
🔶 SECTION 6: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Step
Action
Personal Precautions
Ventilate area. Wear PPE (gloves, goggles, lab coat).
Environmental Precautions
Do not discharge into drains or watercourses. Contain spill with inert absorbent (e.g., vermiculite).
Clean-up Methods
Absorb with inert material, place in sealed chemical waste bag. Wash area with water.
🔶 SECTION 7: HANDLING AND STORAGE
Requirement
Guidance
Handling
• Use in well-ventilated lab (≥10 air changes/hour)
• Avoid contact with skin/eyes
• Do not pipette by mouth
• Ground containers during transfer
Storage
• Store at 2–25°C, protected from light
• Keep in original amber glass vial
• Store away from strong oxidisers (e.g., H₂O₂, peracids)
Incompatible Materials
Strong oxidising agents, isocyanates
🔶 SECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Control
Specification
Engineering Controls
Fume hood recommended for >10 mL handling or open-vial work >5 min
Respiratory Protection
Not required for routine use. If vapour >50 ppm (TLV-TWA), use N95 mask
Hand Protection
Nitrile gloves (≥0.11 mm thickness, e.g., Ansell Sol-Vex® 37-155) — breakthrough time >480 min
Eye Protection
Safety goggles (BS EN 166 B) or face shield for splash risk
Skin Protection
Lab coat (cotton or polyester), closed-toe shoes
Hygiene Measures
Wash hands after handling. Do not eat/drink in lab.
