Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)

Version 2.1
Effective Date 1-June-2012
Material Safety Data Sheet

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE/PREPARATION AND COMPANY/UNDERTAKING

Product Name : Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)

Product Uses : Industrial solvent.
Manufacturer/Supplier : TOP Solvent Company Limited
555/1 Energy Complex Building A, 11th Floor
Viphavadi Rangsit Road Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Thailand
Telephone : +66 2 299 0003 or +66 2 797 2993
Fax : +66 2 797 2983

Emergency Telephone : +66 2 299 0003 [working hours] or

Number +66 38 683090 ext.103 [out of working hours]
Other Information : TOPSol is a trademark owned by TOP Solvent Company
Limited

2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

GHS Classification : FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, Category 2

ACUTE TOXICITY - ORAL, Category 5
ACUTE TOXICITY - INHALATION, Category 5
SKIN CORROSION/IRRITATION, Category 3
SERIOUS EYE DAMAGE/IRRITATION, Category 2A
SPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN SYSTEMIC TOXICITY (SINGLE
EXPOSURE), Category 3 Narcotic effects.
ASPIRATION HAZARD, Category 2

GHS label elements

Symbol(s)

Signal words : Danger

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GHS Hazard Statements

Physical Hazards : H225 - Highly flammable liquid and vapor
Health Hazards : H303 - May be harmful if swallowed.
H305 - May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways.
H316 - Causes mild skin irritation.
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation.
H333 - May be harmful if inhaled.
H336 - May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
Environmental Hazards : Not classified as an environmental hazard under GHS
criteria.
GHS Precautionary
statements
Prevention : P210 - Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot
surfaces. -No smoking.
P233 - Keep container tightly closed.
P240 - Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 - Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting
equipment.
P242 - Use only non-sparking tools.
P243 - Take precautionary measures against static
discharge.
P261 - Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
P264 - Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P271 - Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280 - Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye
protection/face protection.
Response : P303+P361+P353 - IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/take off
immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with
water/shower.
P370+P378 - In case of fire: Use appropriate media for
extinction.
P304+P312 - IF INHALED: Call a POISON CENTER or
doctor/physician if you feel unwell.
P332+P313 - If skin irritation occurs: Get medical
advice/attention.
P305+P351+P338 - IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water
for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and
easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P337+P313 - If eye irritation persists: Get medical
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advice/attention.
P304+P340 - IF INHALED: Remove to fresh air and keep at
rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P301+P310 - IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON
CENTER or doctor/physician.
P331 - Do NOT induce vomiting.
Storage : P403+P233 - Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep
container tightly closed.
P235 - Keep cool.
P405 - Store locked up.
Disposal : P501 - Dispose of contents and container to appropriate
waste site or reclaimer in accordance with local and
national regulations

3. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Chemical Identity : Methyl ethyl ketone, 2-Butanone

CAS No : 78-93-3
EINECS No. : 201-159-0

Classification of components according to GHS

Chemical Synonyms CAS Hazard Class Hazard Conc.

Name (category) statement
Methyl 78-93-3 Flam. Liq.- 2, H225,H319 , > 99.5 %
ethyl Eye Irrit. – 2, H336
ketone STOT SE. -3

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

General Information : Keep victim calm. Obtain medical treatment immediately.

Inhalation : Remove to fresh air. If rapid recovery does not occur,
transport to nearest medical facility for additional
treatment.
Skin Contact : Remove contaminated clothing. Immediately flush skin
with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, and
follow by washing with soap and water if available. If
redness, swelling, pain and/or blisters occur, transport to
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the nearest medical facility for additional treatment.

Eye Contact : Flush eye with copious quantities of water. If persistent
irritation occurs, obtain medical attention.
Ingestion : If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: transport to nearest
medical facility for additional treatment. If vomiting occurs
spontaneously, keep head below hips to prevent
aspiration. If any of the following delayed signs and
symptoms appear within the next 6 hours, transport to the
nearest medical facility: fever greater than 101° F (38.3° C),
shortness of breath, chest congestion or continued
coughing or wheezing. Give nothing by mouth. Do not
induce vomiting.
Notes to physician
Most important : Eye irritation signs and symptoms may include a burning
symptoms/effects, acute sensation, redness, swelling, and/or blurred vision.
& delayed Defatting dermatitis signs and symptoms may include a
burning sensation and/or a dried/cracked appearance.
Respiratory irritation signs and symptoms may include a
temporary burning sensation of the nose and throat,
coughing, and/or difficulty breathing. If material enters
lungs, signs and symptoms may include coughing, choking,
wheezing, difficulty in breathing, chest congestion,
shortness of breath, and/or fever. Breathing of high vapour
concentrations may cause central nervous system (CNS)
depression resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness,
headache, nausea and loss of coordination. Continued
inhalation may result in unconsciousness and death.
Immediate medical : Causes central nervous system depression. Call a doctor or
attention, special poison control center for guidance.
treatment

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Clear fire area of all non-emergency personnel.

Specific Hazards : Containers exposed to intense heat from fires should be

cooled with large quantities of water. The vapour is heavier
than air, spreads along the ground and distant ignition is
possible along the ground and distant ignition is possible.
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Extinguishing Media : Alcohol-resistant foam, water spray or fog. Dry chemical

powder, carbon dioxide, sand or earth may be used for
small fires only. Do not discharge extinguishing waters into
the aquatic environment.
Unsuitable Extinguishing : Do not use water in a jet.
Media
Protective Equipment for Fire : Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing
fighters apparatus.
Other Advice : Keep adjacent containers cool by spraying with water.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Observe all relevant local and international regulations.

Personal Precautions, : Isolate hazard area and deny entry to unnecessary or

Protective Equipment and unprotected personnel. Stay upwind and keep out of low
Emergency Procedures areas.
Environmental : Shut off leaks, if possible without personal risks. Remove all
Precautions possible sources of ignition in the surrounding area. Use
appropriate containment (of product and fire fighting
water) to avoid environmental contamination. Prevent
from spreading or entering drains, ditches or rivers by using
sand, earth, or other appropriate barriers. Attempt to
disperse the vapour or to direct its flow to a safe location
for example by using fog sprays. Take precautionary
measures against static discharge. Ensure electrical
continuity by bonding and grounding (earthing) all
equipment.
Methods and material for : For small liquid spills (< 1 drum), transfer by mechanical
containment and clean up means to a labelled, sealable container for product
recovery or safe disposal. Allow residues to evaporate or
soak up with an appropriate absorbent material and
dispose of safely. Remove contaminated soil and dispose of
safely. For large liquid spills (> 1 drum), transfer by
mechanical means such as vacuum truck to a salvage tank
for recovery or safe disposal. Do not flush away residues
with water. Retain as contaminated waste. Allow residues
to evaporate or soak up with an appropriate absorbent
material and dispose of safely. Remove contaminated soil
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and dispose of safely.

Additional Advice : Notify authorities if any exposure to the general public or
the environment occurs or is likely to occur. Vapour may
form an explosive mixture with air.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

General Precautions : Avoid breathing vapours or contact with material. Only use
in well ventilated areas. Wash thoroughly after handling.
On guidance on selection of personal protective equipment
see Chapter 8 of this Material Safety Data Sheet. Use the
information in this data sheet as input to a risk assessment
of local circumstances to help determine appropriate
controls for safe handling, storage and disposal of this
material.
Precautions for safe : Avoid inhaling vapour and/or mists. Avoid contact with
Handling skin, eyes, and clothing. Extinguish any naked flames. Do
not smoke. Remove ignition sources. Avoid sparks.
Electrostatic charges may be generated during pumping.
Electrostatic discharge may cause fire. Ensure electrical
continuity by bonding and grounding (earthing) all
equipment. Restrict line velocity during pumping in order
to avoid generation of electrostatic discharge (<= 1 m/sec
until fill pipe submerged to twice its diameter, then <= 7
m/sec). Avoid splash filling. Do NOT use compressed air for
filling, discharging, or handling operations.
Conditions for safe : Must be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from
Storage sunlight, ignition sources and other sources of heat. Keep
away from aerosols, flammables, oxidizing agents,
corrosives and from other flammable products which are
not harmful or toxic to man or to the environment. The
vapour is heavier than air. Beware of accumulation in pits
and confined spaces. Vapours from tanks should not be
released to atmosphere. Breathing losses during storage
should be controlled by a suitable vapour treatment
system. Bulk storage tanks should be diked (bunded).
Product Transfer : Electrostatic charges may be generated during pumping.
Electrostatic discharge may cause fire. Keep containers
closed when not in use. Do not use compressed air for
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filling, discharging or handling.

Recommended Materials : For containers, or container linings use mild steel, stainless
steel. For container paints, use epoxy paint, zinc silicate
paint.
Unsuitable Materials : Aluminium. Plastics. Natural, neoprene or nitrile rubbers.
Container Advice : Containers, even those that have been emptied, can
contain explosive vapours. Do not cut, drill, grind, weld or
perform similar operations on or near containers.
Other Advice : Ensure that all local regulations regarding
handling and storage facilities are followed. Ensure that all
local regulations regarding handling and storage facilities are
followed.

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

If the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) value is provided on

this document, it is provided for information only.

Occupational Exposure Limits

Material Source Type ppm mg/m3 Notation
Methyl ethyl ACGIH TWA 200
ketone STEL 300

Biological Exposure Index (BEI) - See reference for full details

Material Determinant Sampling time BEI Reference
Methyl ethyl MEK in Urine End of shift 2 mg/l ACGIH BEL (2008)
ketone

Appropriate Engineering : The level of protection and types of controls necessary will
Controls vary depending upon potential exposure conditions. Select
controls based on a risk assessment of local circumstances.
Appropriate measures include: Adequate explosion-proof
ventilation to control airborne concentrations below the
exposure guidelines/limits. Eye washes and showers for
emergency use.
Individual protection : Personal protective equipment (PPE) should meet
Measures recommended national standards. Check with PPE
suppliers.
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Respiratory protection : If engineering controls do not maintain airborne

concentrations to a level which is adequate to protect
worker health, select respiratory protection equipment
suitable for the specific conditions of use and meeting
relevant legislation. Check with respiratory protective
equipment suppliers. Where air-filtering respirators are
suitable, select an appropriate combination of mask and
filter. Select a filter suitable for organic gases and vapours
[boiling point >65 °C (149 °F)] meeting EN14387. Where air-
filtering respirators are unsuitable (e.g., airborne
concentrations are high, risk of oxygen deficiency, confined
space) use appropriate positive pressure breathing
apparatus.
Eye protection : Chemical splash goggles (chemical monogoggles).
Monogoggles (EN166)
Body protection : Use protective clothing which is chemical resistant to this
material. Safety shoes and boots should also be chemical
resistant.
Hand protection : Where hand contact with the product may occur the use of
gloves approved to relevant standards (e.g. Europe: EN374,
US: F739, AS/NZS:2161) made from the following materials
may provide suitable chemical protection: Longer term
protection: Natural rubber. Butyl rubber. Incidental
contact/Splash protection: Neoprene rubber. Viton.
Suitability and durability of a glove is dependent on usage,
e.g. frequency and duration of contact, chemical resistance
of glove material, glove thickness, dexterity. Always seek
advice from glove suppliers. Contaminated gloves should
be replaced. Personal hygiene is a key element of effective
hand care. Gloves must only be worn on clean hands. After
using gloves, hands should be washed and dried
thoroughly. Application of a non-perfumed moisturizer is
recommended.
Monitoring Methods : Monitoring of the concentration of substances in the
breathing zone of workers or in the general workplace may
be required to confirm compliance with an OEL and
adequacy of exposure controls. For some substances
biological monitoring may also be appropriate. Examples of
sources of recommended air monitoring methods are given

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below or contact supplier. Further national methods may

be available. National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH), USA: Manual of Analytical Methods,
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/nmammenu.html.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),
USA: Sampling and Analytical Methods,
http://www.oshaslc.gov/dts/sltc/methods/toc.html.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE), UK: Methods for the
Determination of Hazardous Substances,
http://www.hsl.gov.uk/publications/mdhs.aspx.
Environmental Exposure : Local guidelines on emission limits for volatile substances
Controls must be observed for the discharge of exhaust air containing
vapour.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance : Colourless Liquid.

Odour : Characteristic
Odour threshold : Data not available.
pH : Not applicable.
Boiling point : 79-81 °C / 174-177 °F
Melting / freezing point : Typical -86 °C
Flash point : Typical -4 °C (Closed cup)
Explosion / Flammability : 1.8- 11.5 %(V)
limits in air
Auto-ignition temperature : 515 °C / 959 °F(ASTM E659)
Vapour pressure : 9.5 kPa at 20 °C / 68 °F
Density : Typical 805 kg/m3 at 20 °C (ASTM D-1298)
Water solubility : Miscible. 250 g/l at 20 °C / 68 °F
n-octanol/water partition : 0.3
coefficient (log Pow)
Decomposition temperature : Note: Stable under normal conditions of use.
Evaporation rate : 3.7 (ASTM D 3539, nBuAc=1)
Vapour density (air=1) : 2.4 at 20 °C / 68 °F
Volatile organic carbon : 66.6 % (EC/1999/13)

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Chemical stability : Stable under normal conditions of use.

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Conditions to Avoid : Avoid any source of ignition. Avoid contact with heat,
sparks, open flame, and static discharge.
Incompatible materials : Keep away from:, peroxides, oxidizing agents, strong acids,
amines.
Decomposition Products : Thermal decomposition is highly dependent on conditions.
A complex mixture of airborne solids, liquids and gases,
including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and other
organic compounds will be evolved when this material
undergoes combustion or thermal or oxidative
degradation.
Sensitivity to Static : Yes, in certain circumstances product can ignite due to
Discharge static electricity.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Information on Toxicological effects

Basis for Assessment : Information given is based on product testing, and/or

similar products, and/or components.
Likely routes of exposure : Exposure may occur via inhalation, ingestion, skin
absorption, skin or eye contact, and accidental ingestion.
Acute Toxicity
Acute Oral Toxicity : Low toxicity: LD50 >2000 - <=5000 mg/kg , Rat
Acute Dermal : LD50 >5000 mg/kg , Rabbit
Toxicity
Acute Inhalation : LC50>5000 ppm
Toxicity High concentrations may cause central nervous system
depression resulting in headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Skin corrosion/irritation : Causes mild skin irritation.
Prolonged/repeated contact may cause defatting of the
skin which can lead to dermatitis.
Serious eye damage/ : Causes eye irritation.
irritation
Respiratory Irritation : Inhalation of vapours or mists may cause irritation to the
respiratory system.
Respiratory or skin : Not a skin sensitiser.
Sensitization
Aspiration hazard : Aspiration into the lungs when swallowed or vomited may
cause chemical pneumonitis which can be fatal.
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Germ cell mutagenicity : Not mutagenic.

Reproductive and : Not expected to impair fertility. Not a developmental
Developmental Toxicity toxicant.
Carcinogenicity : Not carcinogenic.
Specific target organ : May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
toxicity - single exposure
Specific target organ : Low systemic toxicity on repeated exposure.
toxicity - repeated
exposure
Additional Information : Exposure may enhance the toxicity of other materials.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Basis for Assessment : Information given is based on product testing.

Acute Toxicity
Fish : Practically non toxic: LL/EL/IL50 > 100 mg/l
Aquatic Invertebrates : Practically non toxic: LL/EL/IL50 > 100 mg/l
Algae : Practically non toxic: LL/EL/IL50 > 100 mg/l
Microorganisms : Practically non toxic: LL/EL/IL50 > 100 mg/l
Mobility : Dissolves in water.
Persistence/degradability : Readily biodegradable. Oxidizes rapidly by photo-chemical
reactions in air.
Bioaccumulative potential : Not expected to bioaccumulate significantly.

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Material Disposal : Recover or recycle if possible. It is the responsibility of the

waste generator to determine the toxicity and physical
properties of the material generated to determine the
proper waste classification and disposal methods in
compliance with applicable regulations.
Do not dispose into the environment, in drains or in water
courses. Waste product should not be allowed to
contaminate soil or water.
Container Disposal : Drain container thoroughly. After draining, vent in a safe
place away from sparks and fire. Residues may cause an
explosion hazard. Do not, puncture, cut, or weld uncleaned
drums. Send to drum recoverer or metal reclaimer.
Local Legislation Disposal should be in accordance with applicable regional,
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national, and local laws and regulations.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Land (as per ADR classification) : Regulated

Class :3
Packing group : II
Hazard indentification no. : 33
UN No. : 1193
Danger label (primary risk) :3
Proper shipping name : METHYL ETHYL KETONE
Environmentally Hazardous : No

IMDG
Identification number : UN 1193
Proper shipping name : METHYL ETHYL KETONE
Class / Division :3
Packing group : II
Marine pollutant : No

IATA (Country variations may apply)

UN No. : 1193
Proper shipping name : Methyl ethyl ketone
Class / Division :3
Packing group : II

Sea (Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC code)

Pollution Category :Z
Ship Type :3
Product Name : Methyl ethyl ketone
Special Precaution : Refer to Chapter 7, Handling & Storage, for special
precautions which a user needs to be aware of or needs to
comply with in connection with transport.
Additional Information : This product may be transported under nitrogen
blanketing. Nitrogen is an odourless and invisible gas.
Exposure to nitrogen may cause asphyxiation or death.
Personnel must observe strict safety precautions when
involved with a confined space entry.

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15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

The regulatory information is not intended to be comprehensive. Other regulations may apply
to this material.

Chemical Inventory Status

AICS : Listed.
DSL : Listed.
INV (CN) : Listed.
ENCS (JP) : Listed. (2)-542
TSCA : Listed.
EINECS : Listed. 201-159-0
KECI (KR) : Listed. KE-24094
PICCS (PH) : Listed.

16. OTHER INFORMATION

GHS Hazard statements

H225 Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
H319 Causes serious eye irritation.
H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness.

MSDS Version Number : 2.1

MSDS Effective Date : 1-June-2012

Uses and Restrictions : Raw material for use in the chemical industry.
Use only in industrial processes

MSDS Distribution : The information in this document should be made

available to all who may handle the product

Disclaimer : This information is based on our current knowledge and

is intended to describe the product for the purposes of
health, safety and environmental requirements only. It
should not therefore be construed as guaranteeing any
specific property of the product.

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