Scheduled maintenance - Thursday, July 12 at 5:00 PM EDT
We expect this update to take about an hour. Access to this website will be unavailable during this time.
CAS Registry No.: 78-93-3
Other Names: MEK, 2-Butanone, Methyl acetone
Main Uses: Solvent, chemical intermediate
Appearance: Clear colourless volatile liquid.
Odour: Sweet
Canadian TDG: UN1193
B2 - Flammable Liquid; D2B - Toxic (Eye irritant)
Emergency Overview: Clear colourless volatile liquid. Sweet odour. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID AND VAPOUR. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. May cause drowsiness and dizziness. IRRITANT. Causes moderate or severe eye irritation. ASPIRATION hazard. May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways.
Main Routes of Exposure: Inhalation. Skin contact. Eye contact.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC): Not specifically evaluated.
American Conference for Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH): Not specifically designated.
Inhalation: Take precautions to prevent a fire (e.g. remove sources of ignition). Move victim to fresh air. Call a Poison Centre or doctor if the victim feels unwell.
Skin Contact: Take off contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands, belts). Flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 5 minutes. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor. Thoroughly clean clothing, shoes and leather goods before reuse or dispose of safely.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 15-20 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open. If a contact lens is present, DO NOT delay flushing or attempt to remove the lens. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. If irritation or pain persists, see a doctor.
Ingestion: Have victim rinse mouth with water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Have victim rinse mouth with water again. Immediately call a Poison Centre or doctor.
First Aid Comments: All first aid procedures should be periodically reviewed by a doctor familiar with the chemical and its conditions of use in the workplace.
Flammable Properties: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE LIQUID. Can ignite at room temperature. Releases vapour that can form explosive mixture with air. Can be ignited by static discharge.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, appropriate foam, water spray or fog. Foam manufacturers should be consulted for recommendations regarding types of foams and application rates. Use water to keep non-leaking, fire-exposed containers cool.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical: Vapour may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back to a leak or open container. Vapour may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, resulting in a toxicity hazard. Closed containers may rupture violently when heated releasing contents. In a fire, the following hazardous materials may be generated: very toxic carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide; toxic, flammable aldehydes; and other chemicals.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Eliminate all ignition sources. Use grounded, explosion-proof equipment.
Methods for Containment and Clean-up: Contain and soak up spill with absorbent that does not react with spilled product. Contaminated absorbent poses the same hazard as the spilled product. Large spills or leaks: contact emergency services and manufacturer/supplier for advice.
Other Information: Report spills to local health, safety and environmental authorities, as required.
Handling: Eliminate heat and ignition sources such as sparks, open flames, hot surfaces and static discharge. Post "No Smoking" signs. Electrically bond and ground equipment. Ground clips must contact bare metal. Avoid generating vapours or mists.
Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, well-ventilated, clear of combustible and flammable materials (e.g. old rags, cardboard), separate from incompatible materials, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources. Electrically bond and ground containers. Ground clips must contact bare metal.
ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 200 ppm BEI
ACGIH® TLV® - STEL [C]: 300 ppm
Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. BEI® = Biological Exposure Index. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit
NOTE: In many (but not all) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH® TLVs®. Since legislation varies by jurisdiction, contact your local jurisdiction for exact details. A list is available in the OSH Answers on Canadian Governmental Occupational Health & Safety Departments.
A list of which acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and biological agents is available on our website. Please note that while you can see the list of legislation for free, you will need a subscription to view the actual documentation.
Engineering Controls: Use a local exhaust ventilation and enclosure, if necessary, to control amount in the air. For large scale use of this product: use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas where this product is used and stored.
Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles and face shield when contact is possible.
Skin Protection: Avoid repeated or prolonged skin contact. Wear chemical protective clothing e.g. gloves, aprons, boots. Suitable materials include: Barrier® - PE/PA/PE, Silver Shield® - PE/EVAL/PE, Trellchem® HPS, Trellchem® VPS, Tychem® BR/LV, Tychem® Responder® CSM, Tychem® TK.
Respiratory Protection:
Up to 3000 ppm:
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode*; or Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s)*.
(APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s); or Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister; or Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece; or Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece.
*Causes eye irritation or damage; eye protection needed.
APF = Assigned Protection Factor
Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. Refer to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for more information.