MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

 

Wausau Chemical Corporation, 2001 N. River Drive, Wausau, WI 54403

                                                                             Last Revision:               January 28, 2004

HMIS Hazard 4 – Extreme                  Health              2 3 – High                       Fire                  3 2 – Moderate               Reactivity         0 1 – Slight                      Other 0 - Least

Emergency       CHEMTREC               800-424-9300

Phones:            Wausau Chemical         715-842-2285

SECTION 1 - MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION

 

 

 

NAME:            METHYL ETHYL KETONE

FORMULA:                C₆COCH₂CH₃     MW. = 72.12

SYNONYMS:             MEK, Ethyl Methyl Ketone; 2-Butanone; Methyl Acetone

MANUFACTURER:   Celanese Corp; Exxon Corp, Arco Chemical; Shell Chemical

SECTION 2  - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

 

 

 

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL               CAS #             PERCENT       PEL/TWA        SARA III, SEC 313    

Methyl Ethyl Ketone                             78-93-3           100%               200ppm                       YES

SECTION 3 – CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

 

 

 

Appearance:           Clear, colorless liquid                      Boiling Point (^oF):                                 175.1 ^oF

Odor:                     Acetone like                                   Freezing Point (^oF):                               -122.62 ^oF

pH:                         NA                                                            Specific Gravity (H₂O=1 @ 68^oF):       0.806

Water solubility:            27.5%                                      Vapor Pressure, mm Hg, 20^oC: 71.2mm

Vapor Density (air=1):  2.42                             Volatile Organic (VOC) content:           100%

Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 4.6) 2.7

SECTION 4 – FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

 

 

Flash Point (Method):               75^oF                 Explosive Limits: Lower            1.4%    Upper              7.5%   

Auto Ignition Temperature:        860^oF

Extinguishing Media:                 Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide or alcohol resistant foam.

 

Special Fire Fighting Procedures and Hazards:  Flammable/combustible liquid. Could be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors could travel to ignition source and flash back. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, and in sewers. Wear chemical protective clothing and positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus. Approach upwind to avoid toxic vapors.

 

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards:       Container could explode in heat of fire. Runoff to sewer could cause fire or explosion.

SECTION 5 – REACTIVITY INFORMATION

 

 

Stable:    X  Unstable:               Hazardous Polymerization:   Occurs:                 Does not Occur:           X

 

Conditions to Avoid:                 Strong oxidizers, excessive heat, sparks, flame and other ignition sources.

 

Materials to Avoid:                   Strong oxidizers, amines, ammonia, copper, inorganic acids, caustics, isocyanates, alkanol, and pyridines.

 

Decomposition Products:          Harsh smoke and irritating fumes. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide could occur.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)                                                                                                            Page 2

SECTION 6 – HEALTH HAZARDS – PROTECTIVE MEASURES  – FIRST AID

 

 

Carcinogen:      No

EYES:              Severe eye irritant, causing pain and redness. Prolonged contact could lead to blindness. Use chemical goggles when handling this product. Do not wear contact lenses. In the event of contact flush with water for 15 minutes, holding apart upper and lower lids. Get medical attention if symptoms develop.

 

SKIN:              Can cause dermatitis on repeated or prolonged contact. Use neoprene or rubber gloves and apron when handling this product. In the event of contact wash with water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if symptoms develop.

 

INHALATION:           Repeated of prolonged inhalation of mist or vapors can cause headache, dizziness, nausea, sleeplessness, and alteration of memory. Remove victim to fresh air. If not breathing, perform artificial respiration. Get immediate medical attention.

 

INGESTION:              Dilute solutions may cause severe abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Higher concentrations could lead to blurred vision and speech, blindness, unconsciousness, and death. Drink large amounts of water. Do Not induce vomiting. Get immediate medical attention.

IN ALL CASES:          GET PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IF ADVERSE EFFECTS PERSIST

PRIMARY ROUTES OF ENTRY:      Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion.

HYGIENE:      Wash hands and face before eating or drinking. Wash soiled clothing before wearing again if contact occurs.

SECTION 7 – PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING, STORAGE AND USE

 

 

 

SPILLS AND LEAKS:            For small spills, absorb with dry material. Collect excess material. For larger spills shut off all ignition sources. Dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Keep from sanitary sewers and waterways.

 

STORAGE AND HANDLING:           Keep containers tightly closed. Store at ambient temperatures. Keep away from any ignition sources. Outside storage is preferable. Keep separate from oxidizers.

 

WASTE DISPOSAL:              Follow recommendations of local, state and federal regulations.

 

EMPTY CONTAINERS:        Replace and firmly tighten closures. Send to a recycling center or return to Wausau Chemical Corporation.

SECTION 8 – REGULATORY INFORMATION

 

 

 

DOT SHIPPING DESCRIPTION:                  Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 3, UN 1193, PG II

 

LABEL REQUIRED                                        Flammable

 

The information contained herein is given in good faith, but no warranty, representation, inducement or license of any kind is made, except that the information is accurate to the best of Wausau Chemical Corporation’s knowledge, or is obtained from sources believed by Wausau Chemical Corporation to be reliable and accurate. Wausau Chemical Corporation does not assume any legal responsibility for use or reliance upon the information being furnished. Customers are encouraged to conduct their own tests. Before using any product, read the container label directions as well as the Material Safety Data Sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ND – Not Determined              NA – Not Applicable               NE – Not Established