2-methoxyethanol

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Inhalation.  Remove to fresh air. Keep warm and at rest. Get medical attention.

Skin: Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash skin with soap and water. Get medical attention if skin cracking or redness occurs.

Eyes: Immediately flush eye with large quantities of water for at least 15 minutes holding the eye open. Avoid contaminating unaffected eye.

Ingestion: Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Keep patient warm and at rest. Give 240-300 ml water to drink ( only if patient is conscious). Repeat if patient vomits. Get medical attention immediately.

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media: Suitable: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, water spray.  Unsuitable: Water in a jet.

Special hazards: Hazardous combustion products may include carbon monoxide.  Flammable vapour that may form explosive vapour concentrations. Containers may explode when heated.

Protective equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Accidental release measures

Advice for non emergency personnel: Evacuate all non-essential personnel.  Avoid eye and skin contact, and inhalation of vapour.  Eliminate all ignition sources. Wear appropriate protective clothing.  Wear respiratory protection. Ventilate area.  Be aware of possible accumulation of vapour. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

Environmental precautions: Keep away from drains, water and soil. Advise authorities if spilled material has entered water courses or sewer or has contaminated soil or vegetation.

Clean up methods: Absorb or contain liquid with sand, earth or spill control material. Collect and place in a labelled sealable container for subsequent safe disposal. Flush contaminated area with plenty of water. Put leaking containers in a labelled drum or overdrum.

Advice for emergency responders: Splash goggles. Full suit. Boots. Gloves. A self-contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product.  

Handling and storage

Handling:  Avoid contact with skin. Do not breathe vapour. Only use in well ventilated areas. Keep container tightly closed when not in use.  Provide emergency eye washing and shower facilities. Keep away from heat, sparks and flame. Use explosion-proof electrical (ventilating, lighting and material handling) equipment. Wash thoroughly after handling.  Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas.  Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before entering eating areas.

Storage:  Storage area should be cool and dry.  Keep away from direct sunlight.  Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area.  Store in a bunded area.  For containers use mild steel or stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene or glass.  Incompatible materials: aluminium, copper.  Transfer by earthing and bonding containers and equipment before transferring material.. Store in a segregated and approved area.. Keep container tightly closed and sealed until ready for use. Avoid all possible sources of ignition (spark or flame).

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

1188

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

Chemical name:

2-methoxyethanol

Language:

English

SpecialProvisions

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

1188

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

Chemical name:

2-methoxyethanol

Language:

English

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Danger label tanks: 3
Danger label packages: 3

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

1188

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

Chemical name:

2-methoxyethanol

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

MFAG: 19

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

1188

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

Chemical name:

2-methoxyethanol

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Packaging instructions passenger aircraft: 309/Y309
Packaging instructions cargo aircraft: 310

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Occupational exposure standards: EU agreed limit 1ppm (8hr TWA).  Can be absorbed through the skin.

Technical control measures: Use engineering control measures such as containment to limit exposure.  Use local exhaust ventilation if concentrations in air could exceed occupational exposure standard.  Regular exposure measurements should be taken to ensure compliance with exposure limits

Respiratory protection:  Use positive pressure breathing mask if concentrations in air could exceed occupational exposure standard.

Eye protection:  Protective goggles with side-shields

Hand protection:  Gloves made from butyl rubber min thickness 0.3mm.

Body protection: Neoprene™ apron. Rubber boots.

Environmental protection: Defined as a volatile organic chemical under directive 99/13. Special limits apply.

Stability and reactivity

Stability: Hydroscopic.  May form peroxides on prolonged exposure to air and light.

Conditions to avoid: High temperatures and sources of ignition.  Prolonged exposure to air/oxygen and light.

Materials to avoid: Oxidising agents, acids, bases, halogens, water/moisture.

Hazardous decomposition products: Oxides of carbon on combustion.

Disposal considerations

Waste disposal: Dispose of as hazardous waste.  Recover or recycle if possible.  Otherwise incineration.  Dispose of in accordance with all local regulations.  Waste material code (directive 91/689, council decision 2001/118) 07 01 04 'other organic solvents, washing liquids and mother liquors'.

Container disposal: Drain container thoroughly.  After draining, vent in a safe place.  Send to drum recover or metal reclaimer.