1. Process q Use of the following in laboratory environments: · Glycol Ethers including but not limited to: Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether and their acetates 2. Physical Hazards q Colorless liquids with a sweet, pleasant, or mild, ether-like odor. q Flashpoint ranges from 97°F to 143°F. q All glycol ethers have a low vapor pressure. q Incompatibilities and Reactivities: acids, caustics, oxidizers. · Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether is hygroscopic (i.e., absorbs moisture from the air). (It may slowly form reactive peroxides during prolonged storage.) 3. Health Hazards q Glycol Ethers and their acetates may enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption, skin and/or eye contact. q Effects of overexposure may include: · Irritation of eyes, skin, nose, throat or respiratory system. · Blood changes, hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, anemic pallor. · Liver, kidney and/or lung damage. · Reproductive, teratogenic effects. · Central nervous system depressant/depression including headache, drowsiness, weakness, ataxia, tremor, somnolence (sleepiness, unnatural drowsiness). · Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. q For further toxicity information, please consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for the specific Glycol Ether that is being used. 4. Personal Protective Equipment q EYE PROTECTION · Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which glycol ethers might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution). · Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. · Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended. · Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exists for glycol ethers exposure. q HAND PROTECTION · Uses of butyl rubber gloves are recommended. Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-14998, medium weight. Check catalogue for sizes and finish. q LAB COATS, ETC. · Lab coat, closed toe shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling glycol ethers. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with glycol ethers. q SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH · Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to glycol ethers, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. · Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable. 5. Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices q Due to the low vapor pressure of glycol ethers, a chemical fume hood is not necessary to control exposure via inhalation. q However, if glycol ethers are heated this will cause the generation of considerable vapors and this type of use shall require a laboratory fume hood. q The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved. 6. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements q Avoid skin contact by using recommended butyl rubber gloves. q Spill-X-S Kit which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14628 must be available in the event of a liquid spill less than 300 cc. 7. Waste Disposal Excess glycol ethers and all waste material containing glycol ethers must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE GLYCOL ETHERS ". Full containers of glycol ethers waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program. 8. Decontamination of Equipment and Area Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information. 9. Spill and Accident Procedures |