Have you recently begun working with diethyl ether in your occupation and are wondering how to keep yourself safe?
Whether you’re new to working with diethyl ether or if you’re looking to refresh yourself on the latest safety tips for having this corrosive substance, learning how to keep yourself safe is essential. Not only does Diethyl ether have the ability to harm you severely, but it can also cause a fatality if not appropriately handled.
That’s why today, we’ve created this complete guide about diethyl ether safety and the best practices to follow while working with diethyl ether.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Diethyl Ether?
Diethyl ether is an organic compound that is primarily used as a type of solvent. Diethyl ether has an intense yet sweet fragrance to it.
It is a highly volatile chemical with a colorless appearance, which can make it difficult to identify when spilled. Diethyl ether is a volatile, liquid, swimmable, and organic ether.
What Is Diethyl Ether Used For?
Diethyl ether was commonly used as an anesthetic agent in the first half of the 20th century. However, as technology evolved, the medical community stopped depending on diethyl ether as an anesthetic agent because of the fatality rates associated with this anesthesia method.
Diethyl ether is a component that is commonly used in starting fluid or both gasoline and diesel engines. However, many manufacturers use it in the synthetic production of plastics and dye. The most common form of exposure for diethyl ether is inhalation.
What Are the Health Hazards That Are Commonly Associated With Diethyl Ether?
Learning about the diethyl ether hazards it’s important to understand, as it will give you the necessary information that you need to keep your health protected.
The vapor of diethyl ether can be ignited from both open-flame heat sources and static electricity. Also, diethyl ether can become explosive when introduced to Air and Light.
Not only does diethyl ether pose an inhalation hazard, but it is also extremely dangerous to eye and skin health.
How to Properly Handle Diethyl Ether
When working with diethyl ether in the workplace, you must understand the proper safety and first aid procedures in case of an emergency. Before you begin working, it’s important to check that only Group C electrical equipment is being operated in the area where diethyl ether is being used. Group C electrical equipment is explosion-proof electrical equipment.
Also, it’s also important for you to have access to equipment that will allow you to fight a fire. Dry chemical powder, fog, alcohol phone, or water spray are all solutions that you should have easily accessible when you begin working with diethyl ether.
Double-check to make sure that safety showers, as well as eyewash stations, are easily accessible to all employees. Go over with every person in your work team to make sure that they are using a vapor respirator, splash goggles, and gloves.
Lastly, make sure that there is proper ventilation in the room where diethyl ether is being used. Proper ventilation will ensure that there isn’t an accumulation of Diethyl ether vapor that can harm any workers.
First Aid Steps for Diethyl Ether Exposure
In a situation where there diethyl ether exposure, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. While you’re waiting for medical help to arrive, following first aid guidelines will help to reduce the severity of the injury from diethyl ether contamination.
Inhaling Diethyl Ether
In an instance where you inhale diethyl ether, immediately seek fresh air. If the person exposed to diethyl ether vapor is having difficulty breathing at, immediately administer oxygen.
In a situation where a worker isn’t breathing, immediately provide artificial respiration until medical attention arrives.
Diethyl Ether and Ingestion
If there is ever a situation where diethyl ether is ingested, do not induce vomiting. Any tight clothing should be immediately loosened. Seek out medical attention immediately.
Also, if the person who ingested Diethyl ether is unconscious, turn them on their side. However, never put anything inside of the mouth of the unconscious individual.
Diethyl Ether and Eye Contact
When Diethyl either comes into contact with the eyes, be sure to remove contact lenses if they are present immediately. Proceed with flushing out both eyes with cool water for at least 15 minutes. Be sure to seek out immediate medical attention if Diethyl ether does come into contact with the eyes.
Diethyl Ether and Skin Contact
When diethyl ether contact with skin, be sure to flush it with plenty of water. The irritated area of skin should be covered with an emollient.
Any clothing that was touched by the diethyl ether contamination should be immediately removed. If there is ever a situation where diethyl ether contaminants a large skin area, seek out immediate medical attention.
How to Properly Store Diethyl Ether
To greatly reduce the risk of Diethyl ether hazards, store Diethyl ether safely in a well-ventilated area.
Store diethyl ether in a fireproof container, separated from all other strong chemicals. Also, be sure to store diethyl ether in a cool and dark location. Be careful to only store Diethyl ether if it is completely stabilized.
Learning the Best Diethyl Ether Safety Tips
By understanding the Diethyl Ether safety tips, you can keep your team, and yourself protected in the event of mishandling of diethyl ether. Properly storing and handling diethyl ether is the best way to reduce a fire or spill chance.
Are you interested in learning more about how to improve the first-aid response for your workplace team? Check out our blog to keep yourself updated on the latest safety trends. Don’t forget to bookmark our site to come back for more!
