Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), C4H8O, CAS No. 78-93-3

Storage
• Ample fire water supply should be available.
• A fixed sprinkler/deluge system is recommended.
• Open slowly to control possible pressure release.
• Store MEK in a cool, well-ventilated area.
• MEK Storage containers should be grounded and bonded.
• Suitable Materials : Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Polyester, Teflon, Butyl Rubber.

Handling
• While handling MEK, avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Prevent exposure to ignition sources.
• Potentially toxic vapors may be evolved from heated material.
• Use MEK only with adequate ventilation
• Do not enter storage areas unless adequately ventilated.
• Use proper bonding and/or ground procedures.
• Prevent small spills and leakage to avoid slip hazard.

Incompatible Materials
Oxidizing materials, caustics, amines, ammonia, strong bases, chloroform, chlorosulfonic acid, oleum, potassium-t-butoxide, heat or flame, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid. Can attack many plastics, resins and rubber.

Fire Fighting
• Wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.
• Extinguish with dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide.
• Water spray may be used to keep fire exposed containers cool, dilute spills to nonflammable mixtures, protect personnel attempting to stop leaks and disperse vapors.

First Aid
• Ingestion - Do not induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cups of milk or water. Get medical aid immediately
• Inhalation - Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give only artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
• Skin - Rinse the area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes
• Eyes - Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids

Hazard Statement
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air
• Vapors may travel to the source of ignition and flash back
• Vapors spread along ground and collect in confined areas
• Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers
• Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard
• Containers may explode when heated

Precaution
• Liquid causes eye burn, nose and throat irritation
• Cause headache, dizziness, nausea,and loss of consciousness
• Use dilution methods. Workshops must be properly ventilated
• Storage areas must be properly checked
• Disposal of solvent includes soaking it in rags covered by containers
• Use of full body PPE is recommended
• Control of fire hazards is top priority

Uses
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is used in pharmaceutical, FMCG or chemical manufacturing sectors.
• MEK due to it's high solubility, is used as an industrial solvent in manufacturing of plastics, textiles, printing inks and adhesives.
• MEK is an essential constituent in preparation of highly demanding API's, intermediates, pigment, dyes, cosmetics and bulk drugs.
• MEK has proved to be a good sterilizer for surgical instruments in the medical device sector.
• Food Grade MEK is used as food preservative, denaturant and flavorant used in the food industry.