STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Methyl Chloromethyl Ether
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
11/28/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
January 11, 2013
Principal Investigator:
Larry Overman
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
Tricia May
Lab Phone:
949-824-4677
Office Phone:
949-824-7156
Emergency Contact:
Larry Overman, 949-824-7156
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Reines Hall 4012, 4031, 4021, 4011, 4024, 4032
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazard Class
Title of SOP: _Methyl chloromethyl ether _____________
1.
PROCESS ABSTRACT
In a laboratory setting, used in organic synthesis as an alkylating agent and the manufacture of
polymers.
2.
HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL(S)/CLASS OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL(S)
Methyl chloromethyl ether (CME) is a known human carcinogen. By-products from hydrolysis
may include HCl, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and formaldehyde.
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
Accidental ingestion of the material may be harmful; animal experiments indicate that ingestion
of less than 150 grams may be fatal or may produce serious damage to the health of the
individual. Swallowing of the liquid may cause aspiration into the lungs with the risk of chemical
pneumonitis; serious consequences may result. Ingestion of may cause immediate severe
abdominal pain, with vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, anuria and dizziness, followed by
unconsciousness or convulsions and may result in death. The methanol stabilizer in solutions is
a cause of visual impairment and possible permanent blindness. Ingestion of alkyl ethers may
produce stupor, blurred vision, headache, dizziness and irritation of the nose and throat.
Respiratory distress and asphyxia may result.
Eye contact with alkyl ethers (vapor or liquid) may produce irritation, redness and tears. Vapors
can cause eye irritation and prolonged exposure to vapors and/or dust can cause eye injury.
Ingestion may be fatal. Dust and/or vapors can cause irritation to respiratory tract and mucous
membranes. Can cause delayed lung injury and edema-swelling of tissues.. Chronic exposure
may cause bronchitis.
Inhalation of vapors or aerosols (mists, fumes), generated by the material during the course of
normal handling, may produce severely toxic effects; these may be fatal. Inhalation of vapors
may cause drowsiness and dizziness. This may be accompanied by narcosis, reduced
alertness, loss of reflexes, lack of coordination and vertigo. There is some evidence to suggest
that the material can cause respiratory irritation in some persons. The body's response to such
irritation can cause further lung damage. Acute exposure of rats and hamsters to
bis(chloromethyl)ether resulted in pulmonary oedema, haemorrhage and necrotising bronchitis.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
There is sufficient evidence to suggest that this material directly causes cancer in humans.
Limited evidence suggests that repeated or long-term occupational exposure may produce
cumulative health effects involving organs or biochemical systems. In humans, exposure to
vapors of CME lead to increased incidence of chronic bronchitis, manifest as chronic cough and
impaired respiratory function. CME was found to be a potent alkylating carcinogen for mouse
skin and a highly potent inducer of tumors of the respiratory tract in mice and rats.
Chronic exposure to alkyl ethers may result in loss of appetite, excessive thirst, fatigue, and
weight loss.
3.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
At a minimum the following PPE must be worn at all times:
1. Eye Protection
a. Safety glasses or splash goggles that meet the ANSI Z.87.1 1989 standard
i.
When there is the potential for splashes, goggles must be worn, and when
appropriate, a face shield. Face shields protect the face and are work WITH
appropriate eye protection. Face shields are not a substitute for glasses or
goggles.
b. Ordinary prescription glasses will NOT provide adequate protection unless they also
meet this standard.
2. Skin and Body Protection (including Hand Protection)
Skin, face, and eyes must be protected with appropriate gloves and eyewear
a. Lab coat
For hazardous chemicals that are toxic via skin contact/ absorption, additional
protective clothing (i.e. over sleeves) is appropriate where chemical contact w/
body/ skin is foreseeable.
i.
Fully extend sleeves to the wrists.
ii.
Buttoned at all times.
iii.
If significant risk of fire exists, a Nomex® lab coat with a higher flammability
resistance rating should be worn.
b. Gloves
i.
When handling hazardous chemicals or contacting potentially contaminated
surfaces, protective gloves are to be worn. For proper selection of glove
material, review chemical Safety Data Sheet and glove manufacturers’
selection guidance charts.
ii.
Consider using Teflon laminated Silver Shield gloves with disposable nitrile
gloves for highly aggressive chemicals. See glove chart at
www.northsafety.com.
iii.
Never re-use disposable gloves.
c. Close toed shoes
d. Covered legs
4.
ENGINEERING/VENTILATION CONTROLS
Must be used in a chemical fume hood with the sash in the lowest position practical.
5.
SPECIAL HANDLING PROCEDURES AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS:
Keep away from sources of ignition. Store in a tightly closed container. Deep freeze (below -20
degrees Celsius). Store protected from light.
Minimize your purchases to only what is needed in a reasonable amount of time. Use small
quantities whenever possible.
Secondary containers must be labeled clearly. Also, follow any substance-specific storage
guidance provided in Safety Data Sheet documentation.
Monitor your inventory closely to assure that you have tight control over your material.
6.
SPILL AND INCIDENT PROCEDURES
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and EH&S 949.824.6200.
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help 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) – Proceed only if injury to yourself or others is unlikely and it is neither an
emergency nor likely to become an emergency.
Sprinkle inert solid or gel absorbent over spilled area. For very small spills, paper towels may be
sufficient. If available, absorb spilled material with “universal” sorbent pads or other suitable
material (i.e., vermiculite, “universal” gel sorbent, Spillfyter SuperSorbent–avoid raising dust) 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 911 and EH&S at 949.824.6200 for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at
949.824.6200 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water
from the emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek
medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at 949.824.6200 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 and EH&S 949.824.6200
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 Note: All serious
injuries must be reported to EH&S at 949.824.6200 within 8 hours.
Go to the UCI Student Health Center. After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All
serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Go to the EH&S web site to file the
on-line report. Follow up with a call to 949-824-6200 to report the incident.
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. After hours go to the
nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S
within 8 hours. Go to the EH&S web site to file the on-line report. Follow up with a call to 949824-6200 to report the incident.
7.
WASTE DISPOSAL
Label Waste
 Hazardous waste labels must be placed on the hazardous waste container upon the
start of accumulation. Labels are available online at www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
Store Waste
 Hazardous waste containers must be kept closed, except when adding waste.
 Hazardous waste containers must be stored in secondary containment to adequately
contain all of the contents of the container.

Hazardous waste containers must be inspected weekly for signs of leaks, corrosion, or
deterioration.
Dispose of Waste
 Hazardous waste must be transferred to EH&S for disposal within 3 days of being
generated.
 Empty Containers.
o At no time should full or partially full containers be placed in the trash. For more
information on empty container management visit
www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
 Hazardous Waste Disposal:
o Visit www.ehs.uci.edu/programs/enviro/.
o Fill out the “Chemical Waste Collection” form.
o EH&S will pick up your waste within 1-3 days.
 Do not dispose of chemicals by pouring them down the drain or placing them in the
trash.
 Do not use fume hoods to evaporate chemicals.
8.
PRIOR APPROVAL/REVIEW REQUIRED
The designated laboratory for use of methyl chloromethyl ether in the Overman lab is Reines
Hall 4012.
All training must be well documented.
Must read the Materical Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and SOP for Regulated Carcinogens.
Must demonstrated competence to perform work.
A review of this SOP and reapproval is required when there are any changes to procedures,
personnel, equipment, or when an incident or near miss occurs.
9.
DECONTAMINATION
Wearing proper PPE, decontaminate equipment and bench tops using a HEPA-filter vacuum
and soap and water. Carefully sweep up any spills. Avoid creating dust. Dispose of the used
chemical and contaminated disposables as hazardous waste following the guidelines below
10.
DESIGNATED AREA
The designated laboratory for use of methyl chloromethyl ether in the Overman lab is Reines
Hall 4012.
11.
SAFETY DATA SHEETS AND OTHER RESOURCES
MSDSs can be found online at the UCI EH&S web site at http://www.ehs.uci.edu/msds.html
12.
DETAILED PROTOCOL
All lab workers who will be using this material(s) must review this SOP and sign the associated
training sheet. Lab workers must understand the proper handling of this material(s) and the
hazards. Because of methyl chloromethyl ethers carcinogenicity, it should be only handled in a
fume hood to prevent inhalation exposure with appropriate PPE (close-toed shoes, long pants,
lab coat and safety glasses) to prevent skin and eye contact. The user must read and sign this
SOP and the Regulated Carcinogens SOP before use.
If there is an unusual or unexpected occurrence when using this material(s), the occurrence
must be documented and discussed with the Principal Investigator or Lab Supervisor and others
who might be using the material(s). Unusual or unexpected occurrences might include a fire,
explosion, sudden rise or drop in temperature, increased rate of gas evolution, color change,
phase change, or separation into layers.
Lab workers using this material(s) must demonstrate competence to the Principal Investigator or
designee by being able to 1) identify the hazards, 2) list the foreseeable emergency situations,
3) describe the proper response to the emergency situations, and 4) know the control measures
to minimize the risks.
The expected use of this chemical (small amounts, <50 mL), measured by syringe and used in
oven-dried or flame-dried apparatus. Amounts over 50 mL require pre-approval by the PI.
Documentation of Training
Prior to conducting any work with methyl chloromethyl ether, designated personnel must provide training
to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work area
decontamination, and emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a
copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.

The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate
laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
I have read and understand the contents of this SOP:
Name
Signature
Identification
Date
.