The Proceedings of the Marine Safety and Security Council is a principal outreach and communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. The quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme for each edition that relates to the m
Understanding Methyl Ethyl Ketone by LT SEAN PETERSON U.S. Coast Guard Hazardous Materials Standards Division
What is it? 0HWK\O HWK\O NHWRQH
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organic compound found in many household prod- ucts. It is commonly used in the manufacture of plastics, textiles, coatings, rubber-based industrial cements, printing inks, bonding agents, and magnetic tapes. The compound is an effective and common sol- vent that contributes to its main application as a low- boiling solvent for nitrocellulose, acrylic, and vinyl surface coatings. The paints and coatings industry DFFRXQWV IRU RYHU KDOI RI WKH JOREDO GHPDQG IRU 0(.
How is it shipped? 0(. LV D FRORUOHVV OLTXLG DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH DQG normal atmospheric pressure, with an odor similar to acetone. Liquid methyl ethyl ketone is typically trans- ported by truck, train, plane, barge, or ship.
Why should I care? Shipping concerns. 0(. LV FDWHJRUL]HG DV D &DWHJRU;\ = QR[LRXV OLTXLG substance.1
This means that it is deemed to present
a minor hazard to either marine resources or human health.
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)DKUHQKHLW DQG FDQ LJQLWH DW URRP WHPSHUDWXUH ,W should also be noted that water is not recommended WR EH XVHG WR À JKW D À UH LQYROYLQJ WKLV SURGXFW VLQFH it can cause the hot chemical to splatter and/or cause WKH À UH WR VSUHDG ,QVWHDG LW LV UHFRPPHQGHG WR XVH CO2
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$GGLWLRQDOO\ 0(. LV UHDFWLYH ZLWK R[LGL]LQJ DJHQWV acids, and alkalis, in some cases posing a risk of explosion. Therefore, methyl ethyl ketone should not be stored near these products.
Health concerns. Methyl ethyl ketone has the potential to be harmful and may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respi- ratory tract, leading to itching, and pain. Ingestion may cause disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diar- UKHD ,QKDOLQJ 0(. DW KLJK FRQFHQWUDWLRQV PD\ FDXVH
86 Proceedings Winter 2011- 01–220122
Required design and construction standards for these vessels include:
• EHLQJ GRXEOH VNLQQHG • KDYLQJ VSDFLQJ EHWZHHQ WKH KXOO DQG WKH LQQHU tank wall,
• HPSOR\LQJ LQGLYLGXDO WDQN PDQLIROGV DQG SXPSV to avoid cross-contamination,
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About the author:
LT Sean Peterson is a chemical engineer in the Hazardous Materials Standards Division, at U.S. Coast Guard headquarters. He focuses on domestic and international regulations for the marine transpor- tation of bulk liquids and gases. He also has a background in vessel inspections and marine casualty investigations.
Endnote: 1. "International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carry- LQJ 'DQJHURXV &KHPLFDOV; LQ %XON µ (GLWLRQ
central nervous effects, including headache, dizzi- ness, unconsciousness, and even coma.
:KLOH KDQGOLQJ 0(. ZRUNHUV PXVW XVH JORYHV ZHDU body-covering clothing, goggles, and a vapor respira- tor. It is also recommended to work in well ventilated areas while handling the compound.
Fire or explosion concerns. 0(. LV Á DPPDEOH DQG KDV WKH FDSDELOLW\ WR H[SORGH when in contact with the chemicals discussed previ- RXVO\ ,I WKH FDUJR LV LQYROYHG ZLWK D À UH WKH YDSRUV and fumes are hazardous and should be avoided. It is essential for emergency responders to wear self-con- tained breathing apparatus and rubber over clothing LQFOXGLQJ JORYHV
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distance or protected location. The recommended PHWKRG WR H[WLQJXLVK WKH À UH LV ZLWK DOFRKRO UHVLVWDQW foam or multi-purpose foam.
What is the Coast Guard doing about it? 0(. LV FDWHJRUL]HG DV D ´6XEFKDSWHU 'µ FDUJR UHJ XODWHG LQ &RGH; RI )HGHUDO 5HJXODWLRQV 3DUW This cargo is carried in tank barges and ships that are required to be inspected by the Coast Guard.
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