1. Process Use of methyl chloride in a laboratory environment. 2. EH&S Notification q Before this material is purchased or used, EH&S must be contacted to ensure all appropriate protective devices and equipment are in place and available for use in the event of a product release. 3. Physical Hazards q Colorless, flammable gas with a faint, sweet odor which is not noticeable at dangerous concentrations. (NOTE: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.) q Incompatibilities and Reactivities: oxidizing agents; aluminum, magnesium and zinc, and their alloys, potassium. Sodium, aluminum trichloride, ethylene, moisture and rubber. 4. Health Hazards q Typical exposure routes for methyl chloride include inhalation, skin and/or eye contact (liquid). q Effects of overexposure include: · Dizziness · Nausea, vomiting · Visual disturbance · Stagger, slurred speech, convulsions, and/or coma · May cause lung, liver, kidney and central nervous system damage · May irritate eyes and mucous membranes · May cause frostbite · Reproductive and teratogenic effects. q It is a potential occupational carcinogen. 5. Personal Protective Equipment q EYE PROTECTION · Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which methyl chloride 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 methyl chloride exposure. q HAND PROTECTION · Use of Ultraflex™ Neoprene gloves are recommended for use with methyl chloride which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-11778. q LAB COATS, ETC. · Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling methyl chloride. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with methyl chloride. q SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH · Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to methyl chloride, 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. 6. Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices q All methyl chloride work shall be done in the 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. 7. Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements q Keep tightly closed. q Moisture sensitive. q Contents under pressure. q Close valve when not in use and when empty. q Make sure cylinder is properly secured when in use or stored. q This is an extremely flammable gas, which is also toxic. Protection of all personnel and the area must be maintained. q Post MSDS in immediate work area. q WORK PRACTICES AND HYGIENE PRACTICES: · As with all chemicals, avoid getting chloride on self. · Be aware of any signs of effects of methyl chloride exposure. · Exposures to fatal concentrations of methyl chloride could occur rapidly. q Cylinders shall be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas away from sources of heat. Cylinder temperature shall not exceed 125°F (52°C). q Compressed gases can present significant safety hazards. q Store containers away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. q Store away from oxidizers, corrosives and other incompatibles such as aluminum chloride, alkali metals, such as sodium, magnesium and sodium potassium alloy. q Warning: suck-back into cylinder may cause rupture. Use back-flow-preventive device in piping. q Refrigerate before opening. q Use with equipment rated for cylinder pressure, and of compatible materials of construction. q Post “NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES” signs in storage or areas of use. q SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING GAS CYLINDERS: · Protect cylinders against physical damage. · Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sources of heat, ignition and direct sunlight. · Do not allow area where cylinders are stored to exceed 52°C (125°F). · Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow. · Cylinders shall be stored upright and be firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinders can be stored in the open, but in such cases, shall be protected against extremes of weather and from the dampness of the ground to prevent rusting. · Never tamper with pressure relief devices in valves and cylinders. · Electrical equipment shall be non-sparking or explosion proof. · The following rules are applicable to work situations in which cylinders are being used: Ø BEFORE USE: v Move cylinders with a suitable hand-truck. v Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. v Do not drop cylinders or permit them to strike each other. v Secure cylinders firmly. v Leave the valve protection cap, if provided, in-place until cylinder is ready for use. Ø DURING USE: v Use designated CGA fittings and other support equipment. v Do not use adapters. v Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of the product from the cylinder. Use check valve or trap in discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder. v Do not use oils or grease on gas-handling fittings or equipment. Ø AFTER USE: v Close main cylinder valve. v Replace valve protection cap, if provided. v Mark empty cylinders “EMPTY”. 8. Waste Disposal Excess or Empty or Full cylinders of methyl chloride and all waste material containing methyl chloride must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARADOUS WASTE METHYL CHLORIDE". 9. Decontamination of Equipment and Area Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information. 10. Spill and Accident Procedures In the event of any spill, immediately vacate and secure the area. Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111. |