ICSC 0664 - METHYL FORMATE

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METHYL FORMATE	ICSC: 0664 (May 2010)
Formic acid methyl ester Methyl methanoate

CAS #: 107-31-3

UN #: 1243

EC Number: 203-481-7

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Extremely flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidants.	NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding).	Use powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.


	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Shortness of breath. Headache. Drowsiness.	Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
Eyes	Redness. Pain.	Wear safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Sore throat. Further see Inhalation.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Rest. Refer for medical attention .

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria Extremely flammable liquid and vapour Harmful if swallowed Causes eye irritation May cause drowsiness or dizziness Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 3; UN Pack Group: I
STORAGE
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool.
PACKAGING

METHYL FORMATE

ICSC: 0664

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
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 Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard.	Formula: C₂H₄O₂ / HCOOCH₃ Molecular mass: 60.1 Boiling point: 32°C Melting point: -100°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.97 Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 30 (good) Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 64 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1 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

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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
Reacts violently with strong oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard.

Formula: C₂H₄O₂ / HCOOCH₃
Molecular mass: 60.1
Boiling point: 32°C
Melting point: -100°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.97
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20°C: 30 (good)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 64
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1
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

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.	Inhalation risk A harmful contamination of the air can be reached rather quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance defats the skin, which may cause dryness or cracking.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 50 ppm as TWA; 100 ppm as STEL; (skin). MAK: 120 mg/m³, 50 ppm; peak limitation category: II(4); skin absorption (H); pregnancy risk group: C. EU-OEL: 125 mg/m³, 50 ppm as TWA; 250 mg/m³, 100 ppm as STEL; (skin)

ENVIRONMENT

NOTES
The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT take working clothes home.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: F+, Xn; R: 12-20/22-36/37; S: (2)-9-16-24-26-33

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