UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
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☒Hazardous Chemical
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Purpose
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (also known as 2-ethoxyethanol) is harmful if ingested or absorbed through
the skin and may be harmful if inhaled. It may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract,
skin, and eyes. It is a suspected reproductive toxicant according to California Prop 65. It is included in the list
of substances of very high concern according to REACH. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether is used as a solvent
for coatings, dyes, adhesives, cleaning solutions, lacquers, and epoxy resins. It is also used as an anti-icing
additive in aviation fuels.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#: 110-80-5
Class: Combustible, harmful by ingestion, reproductive toxicant, teratogen, target organ effect
Molecular Formula: C4H10O2
Form (physical state): Liquid
Color: Colorless
Boiling point: 135 °C
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether is harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin and may be harmful if
inhaled. It may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. It may cause
birth defects or other reproductive harm. It may cause narcosis, central nervous system effects, and kidney
and liver damage. Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 200 ppm.
Engineering Controls
Work with this chemical in a certified ducted fume hood. Facilities storing or utilizing this material should be
equipped with an eyewash facility and a safety shower.
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
Handle with nitrile or chloroprene gloves. Butyl-rubber gloves are recommended for full contact protection.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer
surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with
applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are
compatible with ethylene glycol monoethyl ether.
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 glasses or goggles. Face shield is also recommended.
Skin and Body Protection
Flame resistant 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
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the
product.
First Aid Procedures
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and
shoes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes lifting upper and lower eyelids and removing contact
lenses. Consult a physician.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid inhalation and ingestion. Keep away
from sources of ignition. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charge.
Conditions for safe storage: Store in secondary containment with “reproductive toxin” labels on the primary
container, secondary containment and the storage location. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool, and
well-ventilated place. Protect from air and light. Explosive peroxides may form after long-term storage or
exposure to air and light. Avoid oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases, metals, and copper.
Spill and Accident Procedure
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
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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
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:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)