How to Store Hexane?

How to Store Hexane?

Hexane is a chemical that we get from crude oil and petroleum. It is a transparent liquid that has a subtle odor resembling that of gasoline. It is a very flammable component, which is why you need to store it properly. While potentially dangerous, hexane can be found in various household items and cosmetics.

You can buy hexane at the Simple Solvents online shop. Our company ensures that the substance is delivered to your address as soon as possible so that you never encounter manufacturing delays. It is stored in solid, well-protected barrels ensuring there is no spillage.
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Due to the potential dangers, it is very important for companies to learn how to use hexane. Not only does the management need to utilize proper protective measures, but they also need to teach their employees how to properly store and handle the chemical.

​Furthermore, the employees need to know what to do in case of a fire, direct exposure, or spillage.

How Do We Use Hexane?

Hexane is a substance that has a wide variety of applications. When someone buys this chemical, they commonly use it for manufacturing purposes. However, you can also utilize it within your household for various painting and restoration work.

Here is how the chemical is commonly utilized:

• Companies use it for plant oil extraction.
• It is added to various productions such as glue, varnishes, gasoline, and ink.
• You can utilize hexane for furniture, textile, and printing processes.
• Small entrepreneurs and DIY enthusiasts use it for shoemaking, roofing, and leather items.
• You can use hexane to extract grease and oil from water and soil to be analyzed at a later date.

What Are the Common Risks Associated with Hexane?

As mentioned, hexane is a toxic, volatile substance that should be handled with care. If a person is exposed to the chemical, it can have a negative impact on the nervous system leading to nausea, headache, dizziness, and unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious nervous system damage.

Hexane shouldn't be swallowed. In case this happens, an employee might experience severe pain, various respiratory issues such as coughing, burning in the mouth, shortness of breath, as well as chemical pneumonitis. This is why a company should not only have a proper environmental system, but they will also need to provide equipment to all its workers.

How to Store Hexane?

A company needs to implement a set of protective measures that will reduce the chance of exposure.
First off, you need a good ventilation system that would remove vapors from the air. The chemical shouldn't be ingested. Whether it's a short-term exposure or long-term exposure, it can cause major issues for the nervous system.

Besides ventilation, a company will need to have a fire extinguishing system. Ideally, you should remove all potential sources of fire or objects that would create sparks. Still, you should be wary of a potential fire.

The barrels shouldn't be opened unless you mean to use them. In fact, it would be ideal if you were to have a system that would transfer the substance from barrels to tanks where they will be utilized.

Needless to say, this chemical shouldn’t be combined with other substances.

How to Safely Handle Hexane?

Even if a company provides its employees with great protective gear and an environmental system, there is still a good chance that the workers will get exposed to hexane sooner than later.

Things such as goggles, safety clothing, gloves, breathing protection are a must. However, employees also need to be very careful when handling the chemical, making sure they never eat, drink, or smoke near the barrels.

If and when a person gets exposed to the substance, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention. You should also rinse the area as soon as possible with normal water. Furthermore, a company should install sinks and other sources of water that are easy to access in case of exposure.
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• In the case of hexane inhalation, a person should go to an area with fresh air. The clothes should be loosened (for example, things such as belt, tie, collar, and waistband). If a person starts breathing heavily or starts exhibiting other breathing difficulties, the other employees need to administer oxygen. If a person loses consciousness or if their breathing stops, a trained expert should provide artificial respiration.
• When hexane splashes employee's eyes, they need to remove the goggles and rinse the eyes with water for 15 to 20 minutes. A person should never wear contact lenses when handling toxic chemicals. In case of eye exposure, it is crucial not to use any oils, creams, or eye medication without the doctor's approval.
• Skin contact is a common issue when handling hexane. If this happens, a person will have to wash away the whole area with water and soap. After that, the surface of the skin needs to be covered with an anti-bacterial cream. Lastly, the employee will have to remove all the clothing and have them washed.
• Ingestion can cause all sorts of problems. No matter what you do, avoid inducing vomiting. By drinking one or two glasses of water, you are able to dilute the substance. However, if a person is unconscious or convulsing, you shouldn't give them anything by mouth. Like with other types of exposure, it is important for an employee to seek medical attention immediately.

How to Prevent a Hexane Fire?

In order to prevent an explosion, a company and its employees will have to store the chemical compound in a closed environment. This space will need to have a proper ventilation system as well as electrical equipment and lighting that are resilient to explosions.

Employees will have to avoid using compressed air for handling, filling, or discharging. Here is what needs to be done in case of a hexane fire:

• Try to stop the chemical discharge. However, you should try this only if you can execute it safely.
• Make sure to shut all the sources of ignition.
• The space should be flooded with water. But, you need to avoid using water sprays as they can lead to fire spreading.
• If you wish to use fire extinguishers, you need to make sure they are based on carbon dioxide, foam, and dry chemicals.