Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether (MTBE)

Remove source of contamination or have victim move to fresh air. If not breathing, ensure clear airway and institute cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen if available. Obtain medical advice immediately.

Flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 20 minutes, or until the chemical is removed. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g. watchbands and belts). Obtain medical attention immediately. Completely decontaminate clothing, shoes and leather goods before re-use or discard.

Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 5 minutes or until the chemical is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Obtain medical advice immediately.

Never give anything by mouth if victim is rapidly losing consciousness, is unconscious or convulsing. Have victim rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do not induce vomiting. Have victim drink 240 to 300 ml (8 to 10 ozs) of water. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Repeat administration of water. Rinse mouth. Give slurry of activated charcoal in water to drink. Obtain medical attention immediately.

Use dry chemical, alcohol foam, all purpose AFFF or carbon dioxide to extinguish fire. Small Fires: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. Large Fires: Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Use water spray or fog.

Water may be ineffective. Do not use straight streams.

Dangerous when exposed to heat or flame. Vapours form flammable or explosive mixtures with air at room temperature. Vapour or gas may spread to distant ignition sources and flash back. Vapours may concentrate in confined areas. Runoff to sewer may cause fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode in heat of fire.

Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. Always stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering. If your facility or operation has an 'Oil or Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan', activate its procedures. Take immediate steps to stop and contain the spill. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

Take up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.

Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

Do not wash away into sewer.

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.

Materials: sand or inert absorbent

Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage. Use good personal hygiene practices. Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities. Remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse. Shower after work using soap and water. Empty containers may contain toxic, flammable/combustible or explosive residue or vapors. Do not cut, grind, drill, weld, reuse or dispose containers unless adequate precautions are taken against these hazards.

Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, isolated, well-ventilated area away from heat, sources of ignition and incompatibles. Storage should be Fireproof.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage. Use good personal hygiene practices. Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities. Remove contaminated clothing and clean before reuse. Shower after work using soap and water.

Keep away from heat, sparks, flame, and other sources of ignition. Ground lines and equipment used during transfer to reduce the possibility of static spark-initiated fire or explosion. Use non-sparking tools. Storage should be Fireproof.

Ventilation and other forms of engineering controls are often the preferred means for controlling chemical exposures.

When working with this substance, wear appropriate chemical protective gloves.

Avoid eye contact with this material. Wear safety glasses or chemical goggles. Do not wear contact lenses when working with this substance.

If exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation is experienced, NIOSH approved respiratory protection should be worn. Normally, a NIOSH approved respirator for organic vapours are generally acceptable. For high concentrations and for oxygen-deficient atmospheres, use a NIOSH approved air-supplied respirator. Respiratory protection may be needed for non-routine or emergency situations.

Avoid skin contact. Depending upon conditions of use, additional protection may be necessary such as face shield, apron, armcovers, etc.

Stable under conditions of normal use.

No hazardous polymerization. Much less likely to form peroxides than other ethers.

Avoid high temperatures, open flames-sparks and the use of Un-grounded electrical equipment.

Avoid contact with strong oxidizers, acids or bases. The use of Viton and Flourel elastomers in seals is not recommended.

Combustion may produce CO, CO2 and reactive hydrocarbons.

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.