Common Chemicals
Toluene
Toluene is a group of 2 IMPA-coded items (codes 550981–550982) under Common Chemicals in the Cleaning Material & Chemicals section (IMPA 55). They are priced per can (1) and per drum (1).
Buying guide
Toluene is a colourless solvent with a benzene-like smell, insoluble in water. On board it is used as a paint and coating diluent, a thinner for nitrocellulose lacquers and a cleaning solvent. The catalogue supplies it in an 18-litre can and a 200-litre drum.[1]
It is flammable, a dangerous fire risk, and toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption, so the quantity ordered should match what can be stored safely.[1]
How to specify it
Give the pack (18 L can or 200 L drum), the number of packs and the use. If you are buying it as a paint thinner, check first that the paint maker’s data sheet allows it.
Ask for the safety data sheet with the delivery; COSWP asks for a risk assessment using the SDS before using paints and similar products, and the SDS gives the flash point needed for storage and handling.[3]
Rules and certificates
NIOSH lists toluene (CAS 108-88-3) with a flash point of 40 °F (about 4 °C) and explosive limits of 1.1–7.1 % in air. Exposure limits: NIOSH REL 100 ppm TWA and 150 ppm short-term; OSHA PEL 200 ppm TWA; IDLH 500 ppm. It enters the body by inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion and eye or skin contact, and causes eye and nose irritation, dizziness, headache and confusion. Keep it away from strong oxidizers.[2]
COSWP: do not store paints, solvents, oil or other flammable materials in boiler rooms or machinery spaces, including steering gear compartments; store them in a designated location with fixed fire-fighting arrangements. Cleaning solvents can be toxic — follow the maker’s instructions, ventilate the area and do not allow smoking.[3]
Questions buyers ask
- Is toluene the same as paint thinner?
- It is one of the solvents used as a paint and coating diluent and a thinner for nitrocellulose lacquers. Check the paint data sheet for the thinner it specifies before using toluene.
- Where can I store toluene on board?
- In the designated flammable store with fixed fire-fighting, never in the engine room, boiler room or steering gear compartment. Its flash point is about 4 °C, so vapour can ignite at normal temperatures.
Sources
Published by Sherif Awad, founder of GeoMarineHub — in ship supply since 1990, a family business since 1981 (45 years). Last checked .
At a glance
Part of Cleaning Material & Chemicals (IMPA section 55): Detergents, degreasers, tank and hold cleaners, disinfectants and cleaning consumables.
It is one of 47 groups under Common Chemicals; the others include Acetone, Activated alumina, Activated carbon, Aluminium oxide, Ammonia solution and 41 more.
Post the ones you need as a requirement and verified suppliers activated at your port bid on them — sealed, so nobody sees another bid.
- Items
- 2
- IMPA codes
- 550981–550982
- Priced
- per can · per drum
Items
| IMPA | Item | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| 550981 | TOLUENE 18LTR | CAN |
| 550982 | TOLUENE 200LTR | DRM |
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