Petroleum jelly is a petroleum-based product that can be found in most homes. As a result, knowing information about petroleum jelly safety, like eye contact, swallowing, flammability, etc is essential.
Also, petroleum jelly safety and storage recommendations help you to keep its quality, stay safe in industrial places, and handle large quantities properly.
In this article, helpful suggestions about petroleum jelly safety, storage and handling are provided.
Petroleum Jelly Storage and Handling
Petroleum Jelly Storage Packing
Petroleum jelly can be packed in new steel drums and new plastic drums. New steel drums are more suitable for transporting highly sensitive types of petroleum jelly, such as pharmaceuticals.
Steel drums should be inside coated with epoxy polymer to avoid damage from long-term contact with the oily materials.
Plastic drums are lighter and have a lower price, whereas steel drums are more durable and better for long-term storage.
Read the petroleum jelly packing article to learn about the packings of petroleum jelly, their differences, and their specifications.
Petroleum Jelly Storage Condition
Drums and containers should be cleaned without any rust for petroleum jelly storage. Especially white petroleum jelly that is used for cosmetic and medical purposes.
Keep petroleum jelly storage containers away from heat and ignition sources. Also, avoid any contact between petroleum jelly and oxygen sources, like any other oily products.
Petrolatum is semi-solid at room temperature, but it has a relatively low melting point (37 °C–40 °C). As a result, there is the possibility of leakage in the hot area. Make sure that petroleum jelly storage containers are sealed, away from direct sunlight, and kept in a cold place as possible.
If you are interested in knowing important properties of petroleum jelly like flash point, melting point, consistency, etc., read the petroleum jelly properties article.
Petroleum Jelly Safety
Petroleum Jelly Flammability
Petroleum jelly isn’t flammable unless at an extremely high temperature greater than 200 °C.
Petroleum jelly creates flammable vapors at its flash point (185 °C–210 °C by the open cup method). Inhalation of these vapors is dangerous for the lungs. If it has been inhaled, get some fresh air and in the case of breathing difficulties, get medical help.
If a fire occurs, use dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, foam, or water spray to extinguish it.
Petroleum Jelly Eye Contact
Petrolatum eye contact may cause irritation, which includes redness and tears. In case of eye contact, remove any lenses and wash your eyes with lots of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation becomes worse, get medical attention.
Petroleum Jelly Skin Contact
Petroleum jelly is safe for the skin and also provides several benefits. Petrolatum doesn’t penetrate into the skin, so it can’t have a dangerous effect on the internal part of the body.
Remember to use petroleum jelly on clean skin to prevent infection. Avoid putting petroleum jelly on the skin with open wounds and serious burns. It’s also recommended not to keep it on the skin for a long time.
Petroleum Jelly Swallow
Petroleum jelly isn’t toxic and eating small amounts of it doesn’t cause serious problems. However, if large quantities of petroleum jelly are swallowed it can cause diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, and stomach problems. In this situation, get medical attention immediately.
We hope the safety guides in this article were helpful for you. Use the comment section or WhatsApp to contact us for any questions or orders.
