Trimethyl orthoformate

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

EYE CONTACT

Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid.

SKIN CONTACT

Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical aid.

INGESTION

If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid.

INHALATION

Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical aid.

Fire-fighting measures

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA

This substance is a highly flammable liquid category 2 (CLP). Use water spray to cool fire-exposed containers. This material is lighter than water and not very soluble in water. The fire could easily be spread by the use of water in an area where the water cannot be contained. Do NOT use straight streams of water. For small fires, use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray or regular foam. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For large fires, use water spray, fog or regular foam.

Flashpoint: 13 degrees C (closed cup).

Explosion limits LEL 1.4%, UEL 44.6%

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES

None.

UNUSUAL FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS

Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Containers may explode when heated.

SPECIFIC HAZARDS

Vapours may be heavier than air. They can spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES IN FIRE

As in any fire, wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH -approved or equivalent, and full protective gear. Vapours may form an explosive mixture with air. Vapours can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.

Accidental release measures

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

See below

EXPOSURE LIMITS:None listed.

USE LIMITS: Only to be handled in an industrial environment as industrial feedstock for further chemical synthesis.

.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS

Take precautionary measures against discharges into the environment.

SPILL CLEAN UP METHODS

Remove all sources of ignition and absorb spilled material with inert material, then place into a suitable closed container for disposal as chemical waste. A vapour suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapours.

Water spray may reduce vapour but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Handling and storage

USAGE PRECAUTIONS

Use with adequate ventilation and avoid inhalation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin or clothing.

Ground and bond containers when transferring material.

Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating, drinking or smoking.

Empty containers retain product residue and can be dangerous (highly flammable liquid and/or vapour)

Keep containers tightly closed and avoid contact with heat, sparks and flames. Do not pressurise, cut, weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose empty containers to heat, sparks or open flames.

STORAGE PRECAUTIONS

To protect product quality, store in sealed container out of direct sunlight.

Keep away from heat, sparks and flames and other sources of ignition.

Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry and well ventilated place away from incompatible substances such as acids or strong oxidising agents

Transport information

Shipping

SpecialProvisions

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

Shipping

Remarks

Shipping

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

EXPOSURE LIMITS

None listed.

USE LIMITS

Only to be handled in an industrial environment as industrial feedstock for further chemical synthesis

PNECs:

aqua-freshwater:       1.572              mg/L

aqua-marine water:       0.1572              mg/L

aqua-intermittent:       15.72              mg/L

sewage treatment plant:       0.672              mg/L

sediment-freshwater:       1.37              mg/kg dw

sediment-marine water:       0.137              mg/kg dw

soil:              2.99              mg/kg dw

DNELs:

The main derived long-term DNELs for systemic effects are:

             Workers              General population

Oral              not relevant              1.73   mg/kg bw/day

Dermal              3.46 mg/kg bw/day       1.73   mg/kg bw/day

Inhalation                                  3.05 mg/m3              0.753 mg/m3

The Chesar version 2.3.0 exposure model shows for this substance for indoor industrial activities taking more than 4 hours/day, with local exhaust ventilation (LEV) present (and running), provided workers wear masks with at least 90% respiratory protection and gloves with at least 90% dermal protection, the following exposures:

      Inhalation (mg/m3)       dermal (mg/kg/day)       RCR (inh)       RCR (dermal)       RCR (total)

PROC1       0.003              0.003              < 0.01       < 0.01       < 0.01

Use in closed process, no likelihood of exposure

PROC2       0.155              0.014              0.051       < 0.01       0.055

Use in closed, continuous process with occasional controlled exposure

PROC3       0.309              0.007              0.102       < 0.01       0.104

Use in closed batch process (synthesis or formulation)

PROC4       0.619              0.069              0.203       0.02       0.223

Use in batch and other process (synthesis) where opportunity for exposure arises

PROC5       1.548              0.137              0.507       0.04       0.547

Use in closed batch process (synthesis or formulation)

PROC8a       1.548              0.137              0.507       0.04       0.547

Transfer of substance or preparation (charging/discharging) from/to vessels/large containers at non-dedicated facilities

PROC8b       0.387              0.069              0.127       0.02       0.147

Transfer of substance or preparation (charging/discharging) from/to vessels/large containers at dedicated facilities

PROC9       1.548              0.069              0.507       0.02       0.527

Transfer of substance or preparation into small containers (dedicated filling line, including weighing)

PROC15       0.309              0.003              0.102       < 0.01       0.103

Use as laboratory reagent

The applied RMMs/OCs will not control the risks of the highly flammability of liquid and vapour (H225).

Notes:

•       Good general ventilation is assumed in all cases (3-5 air exchanges per hour)

•       LEV is considered for both inhalation and dermal exposures and its efficiencies are as follows:

o       For PROC1 LEV is not an exposure modifier

o       For PROC2, PROC3, PROC4, PROC5, PROC8a, PROC9 and PROC15 LEV reduces both inhalation and dermal exposure with 90%

o       For PROC8b LEV reduces both inhalation and dermal exposure with 95%

The same CHESAR tool predicts the following for the relevant ERCs (ERC2, ERC6a, ERC6b) at a level of 1000 ton/y (fraction of tonnage to region = 1):

Total daily intake man via the environment regional              RCR < 0.01

ERC2 = Formulation

ERC6a = Industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates)

ERC6b = Industrial use of reactive processing aids

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Protective gloves, safety goggles, breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Avoid any source of ignition and/or static charge.

RESPIRATORY EQUIPMENT

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus classified under EN 137:2006 and give operators basic training. Cartridges must be

discarded after each working day.

HAND PROTECTION

Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Use chemically resistant gloves classified under EN 374, class 6 (breakthrough time >

480 minutes). Give operators basic training. An advanced occupational health and safety management system must be in use. Discard gloves after

one working day or when they have come into direct contact with the substance.

EYE PROTECTION

Wear approved safety goggles classified under EN 166:2001.

HYGIENE MEASURES

Wash at the end of each work shift and before eating, drinking, smoking or using the toilet.

SKIN PROTECTION

Wear protective clothing and boots.

Stability and reactivity

STABILITY

Stable under normal temperature conditions and recommended use.

MATERIALS TO AVOID

Strong oxidising agents, acids.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS

Carbon monoxide, irritating and toxic fumes and gases, carbon dioxide.

Disposal considerations

GENERAL INFORMATION

Place into a suitable closed container for disposal as chemical waste3

DISPOSAL METHODS

Dispose of in accordance with local and national regulations.