Phenol-Chloroform Extraction Safety?

Question

I read the MSDS on Phenol:Chloroform:IAA solution -and geez, it seems scary to work with. I worked with DNA extraction before in labs but haven't looked at the MSDS for PCI until recently.

I know MSDS often exaggerates to stay on the safe side and I don't doubt that Phenol is very caustic and chloroform enhances it, but I see more experienced workers in my lab handling it outside of the fume hood and with quite a bit of expedience (what about splashes?)

I guess my concern is:

sometimes I do get a wiff of the acrid-smelling phenol when I take it out of the fume hood and put it in the centrifuge, and once or twice I had a few droplets splash onto my wrist (not covered by lab coat or gloves), but no burns or anything like that - is this bad? Should I honestly rush myself to the hospital everytime this happen and recommend those expensive Barricade/Responder gloves for my lab?

Answer 1

Both of these solvents should be handled in a hood and at least latex gloves should always be worn in a lab when using solvents. The risk is not great, but those procedures are part of any lab safety plan.  I would discuss this with the safety officer or CHO.

Now, you did not give us any volumes.  If we are talking microliters instead of milliliters, the risk assessment may change.  Again, talk to your safety officer.  You should not be whiffing either solvent on a regular basis.

Answer 2

Go and check msds.com if you know the strength of the phenol chloroform you're handling it will give you the right msds for it. I still think you should at least take the first-aid measures into consideration. As far as I know, chronic inhalation/exposure will result in health problems.