International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ACETATE

ICSC: 0507

Acetic acid methyl ester
C₃H₆O₂ / CH₃COOCH₃
Molecular mass: 74.1

ICSC #    0507
CAS #     79-20-9
RTECS # AI9100000
UN #        1231
EC #         607-021-00-X
October 09, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough. Drowsiness. Dullness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Dry skin. Redness. Roughness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting. Weakness. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Collect leaking and spilled liquid in sealable containers as far as possible. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids. Cool. Keep in the dark. Well closed.

Note: 6
F symbol
Xi symbol
R: 11-36-66-67
S: 2-16-26-29-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0507

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL ACETATE

ICSC: 0507

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The vapour is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating under influence of air, bases, strong oxidants, UV-light , causing fire and explosion hazard. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts with oxidants. Attacks many metals in presence of water. Attacks plastic.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 200 ppm as TWA; 250 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 200 ppm (610 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 200 ppm (610 mg/m³) ST 250 ppm (760 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 3100 ppm LEL

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in lowering of consciousness. Exposure far above the OEL may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin. The substance may have effects on the optic nerve , resulting in impaired vision.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 57°C
Melting point: -98°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.93
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 24.4
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 21.7
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.6

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.3
Flash point: -13°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 455°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.1-16
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.18

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

The symptoms of damage to the optical nerve do not become manifest until a few hours have passed. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Devoton, Tereton are trade names. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1231

NFPA Code: H1; F3; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0507	METHYL ACETATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.