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NIOSH

ETHYL FORMATE

ICSC: 0623

Formic acid, ethyl ester
Formic ether
C3H6O2 / HCOOC2H5
Molecular mass: 74.1
ICSC # 0623 		CAS # 109-94-4
RTECS # LQ8400000
UN # 1190
EC # 607-015-00-7
March 25, 1998 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Alcohol-resistant foam, powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Vapour/air mixtures are explosive. Risk of fire and explosion on contact withoxidants.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT GENERATION OF MISTS!

•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Drowsiness. Headache. Shortness of breath. Sore throat. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Dry skin. Redness. Burning sensation.
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. (Further see Inhalation).
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, acids, bases . Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

F symbol
Xn symbol
R: 11-20/22-36/37
S: 2-9-16-24-26-33
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0623 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

ETHYL FORMATE

ICSC: 0623

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

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D

A

T

A

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, acids and bases.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 100 ppm as TWA (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 100 ppm, 310 mg/m3; H;
Peak limitation category: I(1); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)
NIOSH REL: TWA 100 ppm (300 mg/m3)
NIOSH IDLH: 1500 ppm See: 109944


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour and by ingestion.

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The vapour is irritating to the eyes and the skin . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure far above the OEL could cause lowering of consciousness.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The liquid defats the skin.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 52-54°C
Melting point: -80°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 10.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 25.6
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.55
Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.4
Flash point: -20°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 440°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-16.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.23

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Card has been partly updated in October 2004. See sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-30S1190

NFPA Code: H2; F3; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0623 ETHYL FORMATE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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