Safety & Handling

Safety & Handling

Safe Use and Handling of Essential and Fragrance Oils and Aroma Chemicals


Aroma chemicals, essential and fragrance oils are volatile and some are highly flammable.  The SDS will give you clear information regarding storage and handling the oils plus other precautionary information.  Please take time to read the SDS documenatin for each oil.

When handling these oils you should adhere to the following safety guidelines:

Handling

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke when handling essential oils. 
  • Respect good personal hygiene and wash your hands before use.  
  • As a precaution, consider wearing protective nitrile gloves
  • Keep oils away from children and pets
  • Work in a well ventilated room
  • Do not touch your face or eyes when handling the oils
  • Do not use the oils neat on the skin
  • If oils accidentally get splashed in your eye - flush with copious amounts of MILK for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if painful stinging or reddening symptoms persist.
  • In the event of accidental swallowing, rinse your mouth with MILK and seek medical attention 
  • If you are pregnant, take extra care when handling essential oils especially during your first trimester
  • Some oils may stain furniture and surfaces
  • Some oils may remove your nail varnish
  • Some oils may dissolve acrylic nail glue
  • Clean any spillage with an absorbent material such as kitchen roll.  Remember to wear protective gloves especially if the spillage is excessive
  • Wash your hands after handling the oils
  • Always have a fire extinguisher and/or fire blanket nearby when handling oils 

Storage

  • Keep the lids on bottles when not in use
  • Store in a cool, dark place
  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Keep away from fire or open flame
  • Store the oils in the containers they arrived in
  • If you do need to decant into other bottles, make sure you label the bottle clearly
  • Store essential oils in glass bottles
  • Some fragrance oils should be stored in glass; some can be stored in HDPE plastic bottles.  See SDS for more information