ASTM D3852-20

Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling Phenol, Cresols, and Cresylic Acid

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This practice is issued to provide information useful in establishing sampling and handling procedures. It is expected that this information will only be utilized in conjunction with an existing health and safety program and consultation with an appropriate SDS. The information provided cannot be used as a substitute for expert safety and medical advice as provided in an appropriate SDS, but rather as a supplement to such advice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for sampling and handling phenol, cresols and cresylic acid in solid and liquid forms, including liquids at elevated temperatures, in a safe manner that represents and preserves quality. In general, this practice also applies to xylenols, and some other alkylated phenolic materials; however, specific information regarding these materials should be sought and used if available.  
1.2 Any person sampling or handling these products should consult the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific first aid instructions and information on the proper equipment to have available for use in the event of personal contact or exposure.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and an appropriate SDS.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2020
• ICS: 71.080.15 - Aromatic hydrocarbons
• ICS: 71.080.40 - Organic acids
• Technical Committee: D16 - Aromatic, Industrial, Specialty and Related Chemicals
• Drafting Committee: D16.08 - Handling and Sampling Aromatic and Cyclic Hydrocarbons

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3852-16 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling Phenol, Cresols, and Cresylic Acid
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D6142-21 - Standard Test Method for Analysis of Phenol by Capillary Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D5310-23 - Standard Test Method for Tar Acid Composition by Capillary Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D4471-22 - Standard Test Method for Pyridine Bases in Cresylic Acid by Direct Titration
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D1631-10(2018)e1 - Standard Test Method for Water in Phenol and Related Materials by the Iodine Reagent Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D6875-23 - Standard Test Method for Solidification Point of Industrial Organic Chemicals by Thermistor
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D1686-19 - Standard Test Method for Color of Solid Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Related Materials in the Molten State (Platinum-Cobalt Scale)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D6621-21 - Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Process Analyzers for Aromatic Hydrocarbon Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020
• Referred By: ASTM D2439-20 - Standard Specification for Refined Phenol
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2020

Overview

ASTM D3852-20: Standard Practice for Sampling and Handling Phenol, Cresols, and Cresylic Acid provides essential guidance for safely and effectively sampling and handling phenolic materials-specifically phenol, cresols, and cresylic acid, in both solid and liquid forms. This ASTM standard outlines proper procedures that help protect personnel, maintain chemical quality, and ensure regulatory compliance during storage, sampling, and handling operations. It emphasizes the importance of integrating these practices into existing health and safety programs and using the recommendations in conjunction with Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidance.

Key Topics

• Product Identification and Properties
  • Phenol: A colorless to light pink crystalline substance, highly sensitive to moisture and discoloration.
  • Cresylic Acid: Mixtures of alkyl-substituted phenols (e.g., cresols, xylenols), typically liquids at ambient temperature but can become viscous or solid at low temperature.
• Hazards and Precautionary Measures
  • Both phenol and cresylic acid pose significant risks, including corrosive burns and toxic exposure through skin, inhalation, or ingestion.
  • Strict adherence to appropriate SDS, OSHA regulations, and local safety protocols is required.
• Sampling Methods
  • Detailed procedures for safely sampling from drums, tanks, and bulk containers, covering mixing, equipment selection, container labeling, and measures to avoid contamination.
• Handling Practices
  • Emphasis on careful handling, transportation, and storage, including the need to avoid over-pressurization, overheating, and ignition sources.
  • Special recommendations for unloading heated materials and managing containers safely.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Comprehensive recommendations for PPE such as chemical-resistant gloves, safety showers, and eye wash stations.
• First Aid and Emergency Response
  • Immediate medical attention and proper first aid equipment must be readily available.

Applications

ASTM D3852-20 is vital for industries and professionals involved in:

• Chemical Manufacturing and Processing
  • Ensuring safe operations when working with phenol, cresols, cresylic acid, and related alkylated phenolic materials.
• Bulk Storage and Transportation
  • Establishing consistent, compliant sampling and unloading protocols for tank cars, tank trucks, drums, and barges.
• Quality Control and Laboratory Analysis
  • Obtaining representative samples for quality verification and regulatory compliance.
• Occupational Health & Safety Compliance
  • Meeting OSHA, DOT, and NFPA requirements while protecting worker safety.

This standard significantly reduces health and environmental risks, safeguards product quality, and supports regulatory adherence during all stages of handling and sampling phenolic compounds.

Related Standards

For those implementing ASTM D3852-20, the following standards and regulations are also highly relevant:

• ASTM E300 - Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
  • Provides additional detail on methods for collecting representative samples from industrial chemical lots.
• OSHA Regulations
  • 29 CFR 1910.1000 (Air Contaminants)
  • 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication)
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations
  • 49 CFR Parts 171-180, governing the transportation of hazardous materials.
• NFPA 704
  • Standard System for the Identification of Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response.

Practical Value

ASTM D3852-20 is an indispensable reference for anyone responsible for handling phenol, cresols, cresylic acid, or similar phenolic substances. By following this standard, organizations can:

• Reduce workplace accidents and health risks
• Protect the integrity and quality of sensitive chemical products
• Remain compliant with safety, environmental, and transportation regulations
• Support best practices in chemical sampling and handling across diverse industrial environments

Keywords: phenol, cresols, cresylic acid, sampling, handling, ASTM D3852-20, chemical safety, industrial chemicals, quality control, regulatory compliance, chemical handling practices, PPE, OSHA, DOT, NFPA

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3852 − 20
Standard Practice for
Sampling and Handling Phenol, Cresols, and Cresylic Acid
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3852; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 2.2 Other Documents:
OSHA Regulations, 29 CFR paragraphs 1910.1000 and
1.1 This practice covers procedures for sampling and han-
1910.1200
dling phenol, cresols and cresylic acid in solid and liquid
U.S. DOT Regulations, 49 CFR Transportation, Subchapter
forms, including liquids at elevated temperatures, in a safe
C, Parts 171 – 180
manner that represents and preserves quality. In general, this
NFPA No. 704-1996 Standard System for the Identification
practice also applies to xylenols, and some other alkylated
of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response
phenolic materials; however, specific information regarding
these materials should be sought and used if available.
3. Significance and Use
1.2 Any person sampling or handling these products should
3.1 This practice is issued to provide information useful in
consulttheapplicableSafetyDataSheet(SDS)forspecificfirst
establishing sampling and handling procedures. It is expected
aid instructions and information on the proper equipment to
that this information will only be utilized in conjunction with
have available for use in the event of personal contact or
an existing health and safety program and consultation with an
exposure.
appropriate SDS. The information provided cannot be used as
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
a substitute for expert safety and medical advice as provided in
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
an appropriate SDS, but rather as a supplement to such advice.
standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Description of Products
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 Phenol is a colorless to light pink crystalline material
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
which melts at 40 to 41°C. Technical and USP grades melt at
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
lower temperatures.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.2 Phenol is both extremely hygroscopic and sensitive to
For specific hazard statements, see Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
discoloration. Therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that
an appropriate SDS.
proper precautions must be undertaken when unloading or
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
sampling the product. Moisture must be excluded. The use of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
sampling devices that contain metals that may catalyze discol-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
oration (iron, copper) must also be avoided.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.3 Cresylic acid is a common chemical name applied to
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mixtures of alkyl-substituted phenols. Included are mixtures of
cresols, xylenols, and higher alkylated phenols. Many cresylic
2. Referenced Documents
acid mixtures contain measurable amounts of phenol.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.4 Most cresylic acid mixtures are liquids at ambient
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
temperatures.However,atlowtemperatures(<0°C)theysome-
timesbecomeveryviscousanddifficulttopour.Somemixtures
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D16 on Aromatic,
containing high concentrations of high melting isomers may
Industrial, Specialty and Related Chemicals and is the direct responsibility of
form thick slurries or become solids at low temperatures.
Subcommittee D16.08 on Handling and Sampling Aromatic and Cyclic Hydrocar-
bons.
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D3852 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/D3852-20. AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.access.gpo.gov.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
the ASTM website. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3852 − 20
4.5 While phenol or cresylic acids are highly dangerous 6. Protective Equipment
when handled improperly, particularly at the elevated tempera-
6.1 Use of personal protection equipment in and of itself is
tures sometimes required to unload tank cars or tank trucks,
not an adequate substitute for safe working conditions and
handling and sampling need not be hazardous provided the
intelligent conduct on the part of employees who work with
dangers are recognized. Proper precautionary measures must
phenol or cresylic acid. Employees who work with phenol or
be provided and scrupulously adhered to as prescribed by the
cresylic acid should be well trained and should maintain safe
SDS or other locally relevant guidelines.
working conditions.
6.2 Persons engaged in the handling of phenol or cresylic
4.6 Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Mate-
rials Regulations regarding the shipment of this chemical are acid shall use protective equipment as dictated by the extent of
their exposure, the appropriate SDS, and any and all local
specified in 49 CFR.
regulations and guidelines. It is highly recommended that
working areas have immediately and easily available deluge-
5. Hazards
type safety showers as well as eye wash fountains.
5.1 ForinformationontoxicityconsulttheappropriateSDS.
7. First Aid
5.2 Consult current OSHA regulations, suppliers’ Safety
7.1 The establishment of first aid procedures must be done
Data Sheet (SDS), and local regulations for all materials
prior to sampling and handling of phenol, cresols and cresylic
utilized in this practice.
acid under the guidance of competent safety and medical
5.3 Health—Phenol is very corrosive to the skin and pro-
advice, and based on recommendations in the appropriate SDS.
duces painful and dangerous burns in a very short time. Since
With phenol and cresylic acid, speed in acting to remove the
phenol is a skin anesthetic, the first reaction is not pain, but a
contacting material and seeking medical care is imperative.
whitening of the exposed area. It is readily absorbed through
8. Precautions
the skin and mucous membranes or lungs, and severe expo-
8.1 Any person sampling or handling these products should
sures may prove fatal unless prompt first aid and medical
have specific first aid instructions and equipment available for
treatment are exercised. Consult the appropriate SDS and any
use in the event of personal contact or exposure as detailed in
other applicable local regulations and guidelines for recom-
the appropriate SDS or other local rules and guidelines.
mended unloading procedures. Producers/suppliers typically
have guidelines for these procedures. Workers should wear
8.2 It is recommended that sampling be conducted only by
appropriate protective clothing and personal protective equip-
carefully instructed, experienced, reliable employees, under
ment as recommended in such guidelines and the appropriate
adequate supervision following all the procedures recom-
SDS.
mended in the appropriate SDS, by the supplier, or by any
other applicable local guidelines and rules, or combinations
5.3.1 Qualitativel
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3852 − 16 D3852 − 20
Standard Practice for
Sampling and Handling Phenol, Cresols, and Cresylic Acid
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3852; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This practice covers procedures for sampling and handling phenol, cresols and cresylic acid in solid and liquid forms,
including liquids at elevated temperatures, in a safe manner that represents and preserves quality. In general, this practice also
applies to xylenols, and some other alkylated phenolic materials; however, specific information regarding these materials should
be sought and used if available.
1.2 Any person sampling or handling these products should consult the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific first aid
instructions and information on the proper equipment to have available for use in the event of personal contact or exposure.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and an appropriate
SDS.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
2.2 Other Documents:
OSHA Regulations, 29 CFR paragraphs 1910.1000 and 1910.1200
U.S. DOT Regulations, 49 CFR Transportation, Subchapter C, Parts 171 – 180
NFPA No. 704-1996 Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This practice is issued to provide information useful in establishing sampling and handling procedures. It is expected that
this information will only be utilized in conjunction with an existing health and safety program and consultation with an
appropriate SDS. The information provided cannot be used as a substitute for expert safety and medical advice as provided in an
appropriate SDS, but rather as a supplement to such advice.
4. Description of Products
4.1 Phenol is a colorless to light pink crystalline material which melts at 40 to 41°C. Technical and USP grades melt at lower
temperatures.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D16 on Aromatic Hydrocarbons Aromatic, Industrial, Specialty and Related Chemicals and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee D16.08 on Handling and Sampling Aromatic and Cyclic Hydrocarbons.
Current edition approved June 1, 2016June 1, 2020. Published June 2016June 2020. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 20122016 as
D3852 – 07 (2012).D3852 – 16. DOI: 10.1520/D3852-16.10.1520/D3852-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3852 − 20
4.2 Phenol is both extremely hygroscopic and sensitive to discoloration. Therefore, it cannot be overemphasized that proper
precautions must be undertaken when unloading or sampling the product. Moisture must be excluded. The use of sampling devices
that contain metals that may catalyze discoloration (iron, copper) must also be avoided.
4.3 Cresylic acid is a common chemical name applied to mixtures of alkyl-substituted phenols. Included are mixtures of cresols,
xylenols, and higher alkylated phenols. Many cresylic acid mixtures contain measurable amounts of phenol.
4.4 Most cresylic acid mixtures are liquids at ambient temperatures. However, at low temperatures (<0°C) they sometimes
become very viscous and difficult to pour. Some mixtures containing high concentrations of high melting isomers may form thick
slurries or become solids at low temperatures.
4.5 While phenol or cresylic acids are highly dangerous when handled improperly, particularly at the elevated temperatures
sometimes required to unload tank cars or tank trucks, handling and sampling need not be hazardous provided the dangers are
recognized. Proper precautionary measures must be provided and scrupulously adhered to as prescribed by the SDS or other locally
relevant guidelines.
4.6 Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations regarding the shipment of this chemical are specified
in 49 CFR.
5. Hazards
5.1 For information on toxicity consult the appropriate SDS.
5.2 Consult current OSHA regulations, suppliers’ Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and local regulations for all materials utilized in this
practice.
5.3 Health—Phenol is very corrosive to the skin and produces painful and dangerous burns in a very short time. Since phenol
is a skin anesthetic, the first reaction is not pain, but a whitening of the exposed area. It is readily absorbed through the skin and
mucous membranes or lungs, and severe exposures may prove fatal unless prompt first aid and medical treatment are exercised.
Consult the appropriate SDS and any other applicable local regulations and guidelines for recommended unloading procedures.
Producers/suppliers typically have guidelines for these procedures. Workers should wear appropriate protective clothing and
personal protective equipment as recommended in such guidelines and the appropriate SDS.
5.3.1 Qualitatively, cresylic acid is slightly less acute as a health hazard than phenol. However, contact of cresylic acid with the
skin can produce painful and serious burns in a short time. It is readily absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, through
the gastro-intestinal tract, or through the lungs (either as a vapor or in droplet form), potentially resulting in systemic poisoning.
Consult the appropriate SDS and any other applicable local regulations and guidelines for recommended unloading procedures.
Producers/suppliers typically have guidelines for these procedures. Workers should wear appropriate protective clothing and
personal protective equipment as recommended in such guidelines and the appropriate SDS.
5.4 Fire—For general fire hazards, consult the appropriate SDS as well as any other applicable guidelines such as the NFPA
704M fire hazard classification system.
5.5 Molten phenol or cresylic acid can dissolve carbon dioxide and releases it on solidification. Therefore, special precautions
should be observed if “inert gas” containing carbon dioxide is used to agitate or empty containers of phenol or cresylic acid to
avoid pressure build-up (for example, leave vents open).
5.6 For chemical emergency (spill, leak, fire, exposure, or accident) consult the appropriate agency or contact as documented
in the SDS.
6. Protective Equipment
6.1 Use of personal protection equipment in and of itself is not an adequate substitute for safe working conditions and intelligent
conduct on the part of employees who work with phenol or cresylic acid. Employees who work with phenol or cresylic a
...