ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
METHYL ACETATE (CH3COOCH3)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a spark proof fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with a pleasant odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This is a combustible substance which readily ignites when
exposed to a naked flame. It is a skin and eye irritant and
produces narcosis when the vapour is present and it is inhaled
in high concentrations. There is very little data about its
effects on the body when it is ingested but it is assumed that
it will be harmful. The threshold level for exposure is 200ppm.
TREATMENTS Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately
wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all
evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If signs of narcosis develop seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. If signs of narcosis develop seek immediate
medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Methyl acetate can react vigorously with oxidising materials.
Heating produces acrid fumes of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat, naked flames or
oxidising materials.
HANDLING
Take precautionary measures against static discharges. No naked
flames and the receptacle holding the chemical must be earthed.
Use a fume hood that is spark proof to keep the level of
exposure below the recommended threshold level, ie. 200 ppm. If
exposure is expected to exceed this level then a respirator must
be worn. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory
coat or gown, rubber gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety
goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. Have an all
purpose canister respirator available.
SPILLS:
A gas leak: keep the concentration of the gas below the
explosive mixture range by forced ventilation. Remove the tank
to an open area and allow dissipation to the atmosphere. Attempt
to cap the valve outlet and return the tank to the supplier.
A liquid: absorb on paper. Evaporate in an iron pan in a flame
proof fume hood then burn the paper.
A solid: sweep on to paper and place in an iron pan in a fume
hood. Burn the paper and compound.
PACKAGE LOTS:
A gas leak: pipe the gas into an incinerator or lower into a pit
and allow to burn.
A liquid: atomise into an incinerator. Combustion may be
improved by mixing with a more flammable solvent.
A solid: make up packages in paper or other flammable material.
Burn in the incinerator. Or the solid may be dissolved in a
flammable solvent and sprayed into a fire chamber.
ENVIRONMENT:
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List