UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEK peroxide) is a highly explosive material. Diluted solutions of 30-60%
MEK peroxide are used as a catalyst which initiates the polymerization of polyester resins used in glassreinforced plastics and casting.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 1338-23-4
Class: Explosive
Molecular Formula: C8H18O6
Form (physical state): liquid
Color: Clear water-white
Boiling point: N/A
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
1
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract,
eyes, and skin. MEK peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flame and
undergoes self-accelerating decomposition. Explosive decomposition occurs at 230° F or 110° C. Sensitive to
sunlight. Ignition and/or explosion may occur if mixed with readily oxidizable materials. Reacts with
combustible materials such as wood, cloth or organic materials, with chlorine, and with metals (iron, copper
and their alloys and aluminum and its alloys). Incompatible strong reducing agents, natural rubbers, synthetic
rubbers and chemical accelerators. Incompatible with heavy metals, acids and bases.
Target Organs: Mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, eyes, and skin
Potential Health Effects:
Eye: May cause blindness.
Skin: May cause skin irritation. If absorbed, causes symptoms similar to those of ingestion. May cause
sensitization by skin contact.
Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive tract. May cause liver and kidney damage. May cause
headache. May cause tremors and convulsions. May cause unconsciousness.
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. May cause burning sensation, coughing, wheezing,
laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting
Engineering Controls
Use in a certified chemical fume hood.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/respiratory-protection-program)
Hand Protection
Viton, butyl, or neoprene gloves are recommended when handling MEK peroxide
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with MEK Peroxide.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
OR
http://www.allsafetyproducts.biz/page/74172
OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection
ANSI approved safety goggles and a face shield.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
2
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Skin and Body Protection
Lab coats should be worn. These laboratory coats must be appropriately sized for the individual and be
buttoned to their full length. Laboratory coat sleeves must be of a sufficient length to prevent skin exposure
while wearing gloves. Full length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that
are occupying the laboratory area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle should not be exposed.
Hygiene Measures
Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before
reuse.
First Aid Procedures
If inhaled
Immediately leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. Immediately call a physician and be
prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of
breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop.
In case of skin contact
Immediately flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently
wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation
develop, immediately call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.
In case of eye contact
First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal
saline solution for at least 15 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not
put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician.
Immediately transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or
irritation) develop.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus
and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases
the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the
chemical and immediately call a hospital or poison control center. Immediately transport the victim to a
hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's
airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. Do not induce vomiting.
Transport the victim immediately to a hospital.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate
exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Avoid shock and friction. Keep away from sources of
ignition.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible
substances, heat, sparks, flames or other ignition sources.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
3
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
4
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://www.ehs.ucsf.edu/safety-data-sheet-sds-1
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
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Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEK Peroxide)
5
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)