Gulf Coast Shelf Region
Waste Management Procedures
M E K (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)
Before you begin
Description
Colorless liquid that may be used as a solvent, parts cleaner, paint thinner,
paint remover. This is a very powerful solvent.
Category
Listed Hazardous Waste F005
Analysis
No laboratory analysis required
Accumulation
Contain in drums or containers
Waste
Reduction
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Disposal
Recordkeeping
Version 2, October 2011
Minimize wasteful practices (i.e., overuse or excessive usage, return
excess purchases to vendor)
Consume all of the product
Send product to location that can use it
Find another user, or return to manufacturer for reuse
Since this is a hazardous waste, FOCUS ON WASTE REDUCTION
OPTIONS.
 Can be used to thin paint and applied on-site as a coating
 Dispose of waste at state permitted hazardous waste disposal facility
 As a last resort, recycle as Hazardous Waste Fuel.
Complete entry in Hazardous Material Section [Section I] of the Apache
Shipping Manifest prior to transportation.
 Maintain a copy of manifest offshore and at shore base facilities while
shipping papers are active. Send original manifest with shipment.
 Retain records for three years.
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Gulf Coast Shelf Region
Waste Management Procedures
Shipping Instructions: M E K (METHYL ETHYL KETONE)
1.
Call or FAX Dock/Base to schedule shipment.
2.
Package MEK as follows:
a.
Non-Bulk Packaging:
1.
Steel drum 1A1 or 1A2,
2.
Aluminum drum 1B1 or 1B2
b.
Bulk Packaging:
1.
DOT 51, 52, 53, 57, or 60 Portable Tanks with minimum design pressure of
9 psig. No pressure relief device may open at less than 5 psig.
2.
Marine Portable Tanks with minimum design pressure of 9 psig. No
pressure relief device may open at less than 5 psig.
3.
Mark Package:
a.
"Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 3, UN1193, PG II"
b.
If Container holds 5000 pounds (745 gallons) or more, mark container "Methyl
Ethyl Ketone, 3, UN1193 PG II, RQ".
c.
If container holds less than 5000 lbs (745 gallons) the letters RQ are not required.
d.
Stencil Container-"Apache" and the generator's location (i.e. Eugene Island 158)
4.
Label Package:
a.
"Flammable Liquid" label
b.
For packages having a volume over 64 cubic feet (478 gallons) and for portable tanks
of less than 1000 gallons: place labels on at least two ends (other than the bottom)
or two sides.
5.
Prepare shipping papers:
a.
Complete entry in Hazardous Materials Section [Section I] of the Apache Shipping
Manifest (See example)
b.
If any single container holds 5000 pounds (745 gallons) or more, add the letters
“RQ” after the word “Ketone”.
6.
Placard Vehicle/Vessel:
a.
For cargoes of more than 1000 pounds and any Bulk Packaging: "Flammable"
Placard with 1193 in center and 3 in lower corner (1000 pounds of MEK is
approximately 149 gallons).
b.
For cargoes less than 1000 pounds and any Non-Bulk Packaging: No Placard
required on transport vehicle.
c.
Cargo or portable tanks shall be placarded as above on opposing sides if capacity
is between 119 and 999 gallons and on all four sides if 1000 gallons or more.
d.
See attached placard
Version 2, October 2011
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Gulf Coast Shelf Region
Waste Management Procedures
Shipping Instructions: M E K (METHYL ETHYL KETONE),
(continued)
7.
Load cargo in accordance with the following shipping limitations:
AIR
Passenger Aircraft
5 quarts (5 liters )
Cargo Aircraft
15 gallons (60 Liters)
WATER
8.
RESTRICTIONS (49 CFR 172.101)**
RESTRICTIONS (49 CFR 172.101)**
Cargo and up to 25 passengers
Must be stowed either on deck or under deck.
Over 25 Passengers
Must be stowed on deck only when vessels under 246 feet
length overall exceed 25 passengers on board.
Include MSDS with shipment
Version 2, October 2011
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Gulf Coast Shelf Region
Waste Management Procedures
Version 2, October 2011
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