International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL FORMATE

ICSC: 0664

Formic acid methyl ester
Methyl methanoate
C₂H₄O₂ / HCOOCH₃
Molecular mass: 60.1

ICSC #    0664
CAS #     107-31-3
RTECS # LQ8925000
UN #        1243
EC #         607-014-00-1
April 11, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Cough. Dizziness. Dullness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness.	Protective gloves.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	(Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Give a slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Induce vomiting (ONLY IN CONSCIOUS PERSONS!). Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. 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. Cool.

F+ symbol
Xn symbol
R: 12-20/22-36/37
S: 2-9-16-24-26-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0664

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 FORMATE

ICSC: 0664

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

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. The vapour mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts vigorously with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 50 ppm, 120 mg/m³; H;
Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (250 mg/m³) ST 150 ppm (375 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 4500 ppm

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

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the skin . The vapour is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 32°C
Melting point: -100°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.98
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 30
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 64
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.07

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.7
Flash point: -19°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-23
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: -0.21

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1243

NFPA Code: H 2; F 4; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0664	METHYL FORMATE
(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.