ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
DIETHYL ETHER ((C2H5)2O)
SYNONYMS
ethyl ether, diethyl oxide, ether, oxybisethane, oxyde d'ethyle,
solvent ether.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, hygroscopic, very volatile, highly flammable. May
travel considerable distance to source of ignition to cause a
flash back. Has aromatic odour and sweet taste. Slightly soluble
in water; soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzene, solvent
naphtha and oils. Unstable peroxides can be formed.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Hazardous reactions with explosives, toxicants, radioactive
materials, oxidising materials or organic peroxides. Easily
ignites by contact with nitric acid or fuming sulphuric acid, or
by mixing with liquid oxygen or liquid air, resulting in
explosion hazard. Unstable peroxides are formed on standing. The
bottle should be checked periodically for peroxides and the
container purged with nitrogen then resealed.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Anaesthetic, irritant to skin and mucous membranes, is highly
narcotic. Disturbances of central nervous system by inhalation
and absorption. Exposure can cause conjunctivitis, irritation of
respiratory tract, defatting, dermatitis, headache, dizziness,
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, paralysis and albuminuria. In
addition to above, chronic exposure may cause psychic
disturbances, will cause unconsciousness. TLV 400 ppm.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid inhalation.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid static electricity, may ignite.
Highly flammable, keep away from heat or naked flames.
Take care when opening container, explosive, unstable peroxides
form in closed container.
Wash hands well after handling.
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles as a minimum standard. If
large quantity used a respiratory should be used.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area with
soap or mild detergent and large amounts of water until all
evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes). If sensitisation occurs seek medical attention. Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash affected eye with large amounts of water
until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
advice.
Inhalation remove to fresh air. If breathing has ceased apply
artificial respiration. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion causes vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Stored only in standard flammable liquid storage room, isolated
from other combustible material. Avoid direct sunlight and
protect from static electricity.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large, heavy face shield (if any doubt also use a
body shield) and self contained breathing apparatus.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb the spill on a paper
towel. Evaporate from an iron pan in a fume hood that is flash
proof. Allow time for the vapours to completely escape the hood
vents, then burn the paper. If a large spill, absorb using
larger quantities of paper or vermiculite. Then proceed as
above.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Pour on the ground in an open area. Allow to evaporate or
ignite from a safe distance by means of a long fuse.
OR
2 Dissolve the waste in a high alcohol (eg. butyl), benzene or
petroleum ether then incinerate.
OR
3 If ether peroxides are present - DO NOT OPEN THE CONTAINER.
Explosions have occurred when stoppers were removed or caps
turned. Transport the can or bottle to an isolated area (eg.
deserted quarry). Each container or bottle should be wrapped in
padding material or packed in sawdust. At the site, uncover the
containers and arrange a fuse. from a safe distance puncture the
container near the bottom with rifle fire. Ignite the fuse.
Always observe local regulations.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available
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