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Chemical Sampling Information (CSI)
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General Description

Synonyms: n-Octane

OSHA IMIS Code Number: 1957

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 111-65-9

NIOSH Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) Identification Number: RG8400000

Department of Transportation Regulation Number (49 CFR 172.101) and 2012 Emergency Response Guidebook [4 MB PDF, 392 pages]: 1262 128

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Octane: Physical description, chemical properties, potentially hazardous incompatibilities, and more

Exposure Limits and Health Effects

Exposure Limit

Limit Values

HE Codes

Health Factors and Target Organs

OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) - General Industry
See 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1

500 ppm
(2,350 mg/m3) TWA

The PEL was developed from an analogy with heptane, pentane, and gasoline.

OSHA PEL - Construction Industry
See 29 CFR 1926.55 Appendix A

400 ppm
(1,900 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

Narcosis

HE16 Mucous membrane irritation

OSHA PEL - Shipyard Employment
See 29 CFR 1915.1000 Table Z-Shipyards

400 ppm
(1,900 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

Narcosis

HE16 Mucous membrane irritation

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL)

75 ppm
(350 mg/m3) TWA

385 ppm
(1,800 mg/m3)
Ceiling (15 minutes)

HE8

Narcosis

HE11 Chemical pneumonia (from aspiration)
HE16 Eye and nose irritation; dermatitis

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Value (TLV) (2001)

300 ppm
(1,401 mg/m3) TWA

HE8

Narcosis

HE16 Mucous membrane irritation
CAL/OSHA PELs

300 ppm
(1,450 mg/m3) TWA

375 ppm
(1,800 mg/m3) STEL

HE8

Narcosis

HE16 Mucous membrane irritation

National Toxicology Program (NTP) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not listed

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carcinogenic classification: Not listed

EPA Inhalation Reference Concentration (RfC): Not established

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Inhalation Minimal Risk Level (MRL): Not established

NIOSH Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) concentration: 1,000 ppm (10% LEL)

Notes on Other Potential Health Effects and Hazards

  1. Highly flammable and vapor/air mixtures are explosive (NIOSH/IPCS 1997).

Date last revised: 09/06/2012

Literature Basis

Monitoring Methods used by OSHA

Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method:

  • sampling media: Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh)
    analytical solvent:     (99:1) Carbon Disulfide:Dimethylformamide
    maximum volume: 4 Liters
    maximum flow rate: 0.05 L/min
    current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID
    method reference: OSHA Analytical Method (OSHA PV2138)
    method classification: Partially Validated
Alternative Sampling/Analytical Method:
  • device: Detector Tube
    manufacturer: AUER/MSA
    model/type: Hexane-20, MSA P/N 497664, AUER P/N 5086-832
    sampling information: follow manufacturer's instructions
    upper measurement limit: 3000 ppm
    detection limit: approximately 25 ppm
    overall uncertainty: unknown
    method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)

  • device: Detector Tube
    manufacturer: Gastec
    model/type: 105
    sampling information: 1 to 2 strokes
    upper measurement limit: 3000 ppm
    detection limit: 20 ppm
    overall uncertainty: 16% for 200 to 1000 ppm, 8% for 1000 to 3000 ppm
    method reference: on-site air secondary (manufacturer)

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