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.

Symptoms: If symptoms are experienced

As quickly as possible, 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. For small fires, use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam. For large fires, use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. Water may be used to cool fire-exposed containers, structures and to protect personnel. Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Keep drums cool by spraying with water.

Water may be ineffective for extinguishing the fire directly. Do not use straight streams of water.

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.

If leak or spill has not ignited, ventilate area and use water spray to disperse gas or vapour and to protect personnel attempting to stop a leak. Use water to dilute spills and to flush them away from sources of ignition. 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.

As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. 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. For technical advice and assistance related to chemicals, contact your local fire/HAZMAT department. 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.

Take up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place.

Materials: sand or other non-combustible absorbent material; sand or inert absorbent

Use only with adequate ventilation. Ground lines and equipment used during transfer to reduce the possibility of static spark-initiated fire or explosion. Use non-sparking tools. Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage. 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. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Ground and bond shipping container, transfer line, and receiving container. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame, and other sources of ignition.

Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, isolated, well-ventilated area away from heat, sources of ignition and incompatibles. Storage should be Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame, and other sources of ignition.

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. Do not eat, drink or smoke in areas of use or storage.

Store in tightly closed containers in cool, dry, isolated, well-ventilated area away from heat, sources of ignition and incompatibles. Ground lines and equipment used during transfer to reduce the possibility of static spark-initiated fire or explosion. Use non-sparking tools. Keep away from heat, sparks, flame, and other sources of ignition. Storage should be Fireproof.

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

wear appropriate chemical protective gloves.

Avoid eye contact with this material. Wear safety glasses or chemical goggles. Provide an eyewash station in the work area. 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. Ventilation and other forms of engineering controls are often the preferred means for controlling chemical exposures. Respiratory protection may be needed for non-routine or emergency situations.

Avoid skin contact. When working with this substance, wear appropriate chemical protective gloves. Depending upon conditions of use, additional protection may be necessary such as face shield, apron, armcovers, etc.

Stable under conditions of normal use.

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. Disposal should be in accordance with applicable regional, national, and local laws and regulations.