tert-butyl methyl ether

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Product-Specific hazards and other issues :

- Low acute toxicity

- May be moderately irritating to skin and slightly irritating to eyes and respiratory system.

- Harmful:   may cause lung damage if swallowed (Aspiration).

- At high doses, effects on the CNS are possible.

General advice :

- Always observe self protection methods.

- Move out of dangerous area.

- Remove contaminated shoes and clothing.

- Consult a physician.

- Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.

Inhalation :

- Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

- Do not leave the victim unattended.

- Keep patient warm and at rest.

- Immediately seek medical attention.

- If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

- If unconscious place in recovery position and seek medical advice.

- In the event of unconsciousness , apnea or cardiac arrest (no Pulse) apply cardiopulmonary

 resuscitation.

Skin contact :

- Immediately flush affected area with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while

 removing contaminated clothing and shoe.

- If irritation persists get medical advice/attention.

Eye contact :

- Flush eyes with water thoroughly and continuously for 15 minutes.

- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

- If irritation persists get medical attention. The patient should be seen by an ophthalmologist.

Ingestion :

- Clean mouth with water and drink afterwards plenty of water.

- Do NOT induce vomiting.

- Do not give milk or alcoholic beverages.

- Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

- If vomiting does occur, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration.

- Get medical attention immediately.

Advice to Physician :

- If inhalation of high concentrations occur signs and symptoms may include coughing, choking, wheezing, difficulty in - breathing,

 chest congestion, shortness of breath and/or fever. The onset of respiratory   symptoms may be delayed.

- Absorption by Inhalation or Ingestion of high doses may cause CNS symptoms like headache, dizziness,  fatigue, muscular, weakness,

 drowsiness and lack of coordination.

- In case of ingestion the stomach should be emptied by gastric lavage under qualified medical supervision.

Fire-fighting measures

Suitable extinguishing media :

- SMALL FIRE: Use dry chemicals, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam  

- LARGE FIRE: Use water spray, water fog or alcohol-resistant foam  

Unsuitable Extinguishing Media :

- Do not use solid water stream.  

Specific hazards during fire fighting :

- Releases flammable vapors below normal ambient temperatures.

- Flammable vapors may be heavier than air.

- May travel long distances along the ground before igniting and flashing back to vapor source.

- When mixed with air and exposed to ignition source, vapors can burn in open or explode if

 confined.

- Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.

- Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.

- Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

- Do not use straight streams.

- Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of

 tank.

- Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.

- For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw

 from area and let fire burn.

Further information :

- Collect contaminated fire extinguishing water separately. This must not be discharged into

 drains.

- Fire residues and contaminated fire extinguishing water must be disposed of in accordance with

 local regulations.

Special protective equipment for fire-fighters :

- Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

- Structural firefighters protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions :

- Use personal protective equipment.

-  Ensure adequate ventilation.

- Evacuate personnel to safe areas.

- Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations. Vapors can accumulate in low

 areas.

Environmental precautions :

- MTBE is highly volatile, partially water soluble and has only a minimal tendency to adhere to soil

 particles.  

- Even small volumes can pose a threat to the environment and nearby water resources.  

- Surface spills can reach groundwater through porous soil or cracked surfaces.

- All efforts should be made to prevent any leaks or spills, and to protect water resources.  

- Where spills are possible, a comprehensive spill response plan should be developed and

 implemented.

- If a leak or spill reaches the groundwater, the groundwater may become contaminated.  

- If the groundwater is a source of drinking water, the associated drinking water well(s) could

 become contaminated.  

- MTBE can impart an unpleasant taste and odor to water at very low concentrations.

Methods for cleaning up :

- Extremely flammable liquid.

- Release can cause fire or explosion.

- Eliminate all sources of ignition.

- All equipment used when handling this product must be grounded.

- Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

- Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

- Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

- A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

- Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to

 containers.

- Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

- Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

- Dike large spills and place materials in salvage containers.

Handling and storage

Handling :

Advice on protection against fire and explosion :

- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

- Extinguish all ignition sources.

- Wear recommended personal protective equipment.

- Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.

- All electrical equipment should be grounded and conform to applicable electric codes and

 regulatory requirements.

- Check atmosphere for explosiveness and oxygen deficiencies.

- Ensure adequate ventilation.

- Observe precautions pertaining to confined space entry.

- Use only non-sparking tools.

- Carefully vent any internal pressure before removing closure.

- Isolate, vent, drain, wash and purge systems or equipment before maintenance or repair.

- Handle empty containers with care; vapor/residue may be flammable.

- Avoid contact with incompatible agents.

- Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.

- Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge.

Storage :

Requirements for storage areas and containers:

- Store only in tightly closed, properly vented containers away from heat, sparks, open flame and

strong oxidizing agents.

- Carbon steel; avoid most plastics, Viton and Flourel.

- Store closed drums with bung in up position.

- Vapor space above stored liquid may be flammable/explosive unless blanketed with inert gas.

- Store in a well-ventilated place.

- Electrical installations / working materials must comply with the technological safety standards.

- No smoking.

- Store in cool place.

- Do not pressurize, cut, weld, braze solder, drill, or grind on containers.

- Do not puncture or incinerate containers.

- Empty pressure vessels should be returned to the supplier.

Container Advice :

- Carbon steel; avoid most plastics, Viton and Flourel.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

UN-Number : 2398

Shipping

Labels:

Labels : 3

SpecialProvisions

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

UN number:

UN-Number : 2398

Shipping

Labels:

Labels : 3

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

UN-Number : 2398

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Description of the goods : METHYL tert-BUTYL ETHER

Chemical name:

tert-butyl methyl ether

Labels:

Labels : 3

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

Shipping

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

This way of transportation is not supported by Lyondell Basell Industries.

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Engineering measures :

- Provide adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other

 engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits.

Respiratory protection :

- In case of dusts/vapours/aerosols being formed or if the limit values like TLV are

 exceeded:  wear respirator conforming to EN140 with type A filter or better".

Hand protection :

- Chemical-resistant protective gloves (EN 374)

- The selected protective gloves have to satisfy the standard EN 374 derived from it.

 Glove material for example, Glove (multi-layer) - PE/EVAL/PE

 (PE=Polyethylene; EVAL=Ethylene-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer); Break through time  >= 480 min.

 Source: GESTIS substance database (hazardous substance information system of commercial

 professional associations)

 Suitability for specific workplaces should be clarified with protective glove manufacturers.

 Gloves should be discarded and replaced if there is any indication of degradation or chemical  

 breakthrough.

Eye protection :

- Wear safety glasses as minimum eye protection.

- Conditions may warrant the use of tightly fitting chemical goggles and possibly a face shield.

Skin and body protection :

- Choose body protection according to the amount and concentration of the dangerous substance

 at the work place.

- Use PPE that is chemical resistant to the product and prevents skin contact.

- Fire retardant clothing is appropriate for routine occupational use.

Hygiene measures :

- Selection of appropriate personal protective equipment should be based on an evaluation of the

 performance characteristics of the protective equipment relative to the task(s) to be performed,    

 conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and/or potential hazards that may be

 encountered during use.

- Emergency eye wash fountains and safety showers should be available in the immediate vicinity

 of any potential exposure.

- Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

- Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.

- Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Stability and reactivity

Conditions to avoid :

- Heat, sparks, open flame, other ignition sources, and oxidizing conditions.

- May accumulate static electrical charges, and may cause ignition of the vapors.

Materials to avoid :

- Contact with strong acids can decompose this material and generate extremely flammable

 isobutylene.

Thermal decomposition :

- Note: Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide and other toxic vapors.

Hazardous reactions :

- Not expected to occur.

- Note: This material is stable when properly handled and stored.

Disposal considerations

Product :

- Contaminated product, soil or water may be hazardous waste due to potentially low flash point.

- Dispose of in compliance with respective national and local regulations.

- Assure effluent complies with applicable regulations.

- Landfill solids at permitted sites.

- Use registered transporters.

- Burn concentrated liquids in systems designed for low flash point material.

- Avoid flame-outs.

- Assure emissions comply with applicable regulations.

- Avoid overloading/poisoning plant biomass.

- Dilute aqueous waste may biodegrade.