• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with methyl ethyl ketone?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with methyl ethyl ketone?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR METHYL ETHYL KETONE (2-BUTANONE) CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 3000 ppm: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air-purifying respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or full-piece chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapour cartridge(s); or gas mask with organic vapour canister; or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS: Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with organic vapour canister; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: Substance causes eye irritation or damage; eye protection needed.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for 2-butanone is 3000 ppm.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respirator protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators. Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus. IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with methyl ethyl ketone?

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with methyl ethyl ketone?

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for methyl ethyl ketone:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Barrier (PE/PA/PE), Silver Shield/4H(TM) (polyethylene/ethylene vinyl alcohol), Trellchem(TM) HPS, Trellchem(TM) VPS, Tychem(TM) CPF 3, Tychem(TM) BR/LV, Tychem(TM) Responder(TM), Tychem(TM) TK.

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours); Butyl rubber.

CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Tychem(TM) F.

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, neoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, Viton(TM), Viton(TM)/Butyl rubber, Tychem(TM) SL (Saranex(TM)).

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less). Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.

Do not smoke, eat or drink in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on September 19, 2008

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