Safety and Handling

Vinyl acetate is a colorless, flammable Hquid having an initially pleasant odor which quickly becomes sharp and irritating. Table 1 Hsts the physical properties of the monomer. Information on properties, safety, and handling of vinyl acetate has been pubUshed (5—9). The vapor pressure, heat of vaporization, vapor heat capacity, Hquid heat capacity, Hquid density, vapor viscosity, Hquid viscosity, surface tension, vapor thermal conductivity, and Hquid thermal conductivity profile over temperature ranges have also been pubHshed (10). Table 2 (11) Hsts the solubiHty information for vinyl acetate. Unlike monomers such as styrene, vinyl acetate has a significant level of solubiHty in water which contributes to unique polymerization behavior. Vinyl acetate forms azeotropic mixtures (Table 3) (12). 

HinjlAcetate A Guide to Safety and Handling, compiled by E. I. duPont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Hoechst Celanese Chemical Group, Inc.,... 

Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, National Fire Protection Association, 2002). For example, methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate are commonly stabilized with hydroquinone monomethyl ether. Industry guidance recommends a minimum concentration of 5 vol % 02 in the atmosphere above the acrylate to prevent polymerization (Intercompany Committee for the Safety and Handling of Acrylic Monomers, Acrylate Esters, A Summary of Safety ana Handling, 3d ed., 2002). 

Safety and handling Actiq is supplied in individually sealed child-resistant foil pouches. 

Cylindrical or rectangular bulk storage tanks, 2500-15000 liter capacity these are commonly fitted with delivery and ventilation pipes and an outlet pipe complete with a tap a few inches from the bottom. Although plastic tanks are sometimes used, those made with mild steel are more widespread. Clear marking of the tank is essential, and this is usually done with a label that cannot be altered and that is placed in a conspicuous area such as near the access opening. Safety and handling aspeets in a printed form should always be readily available, preferably in a plastic holder, secured to the tank. 

Ultraviolet Curing Lamp Safety and Handling, RadTech (The Association for UV EB Technology), Bethesda, MD. 

Finally, the personnel involved in packaging should be instructed on any safety and handling issues that might affect them or compromise the product s integrity. 

Polyethylene producers that use Ziegler-Natta, single site and selected chromium catalysts are required to handle metal alkyls on a large-scale (in some cases, tons per year). As previously noted, many metal alkyls are pyrophoric, i.e., they ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air. Most are also explosively reactive with water. Polyethylene manufacturers must routinely deal with these hazardous chemicals. Despite an abundance of resources and training aids from metal alkyl suppliers, accidents occur and severe injuries and even death have resulted. Clearly, safety and handling of metal alkyls must be a high priority. 

---