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NOTICE: Methylamines are extremely flammable and cause chemical burns to the eyes and skin. Vapors are extremely irritating to the nose, throat, lungs, skin, and eyes. See section on Storage and Handling.


Personal Safety and First Aid

Users of DuPont methylamine solutions or the anhydrous material should be thoroughly familiar with the latest DuPont Material Safety Data Sheets. These can be obtained from the Customer Service Center by calling (800) 441-9371.

Health Hazards
The methylamines are highly alkaline materials. Both the anhydrous material and water solution may cause severe chemical burns of the eyes and skin, and skin and eye irritation have been observed following prolonged exposure to the vapors. Sensitization has not been observed in humans with these materials, although DMA is a sensitizer in animals.

The methylamines are slightly to moderately toxic by ingestion, which will cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

By inhalation, the methylamines are slightly toxic. Methylamine vapors cause upper respiratory tract irritation producing cough and difficult breathing. However, the methylamines have good warning properties due to their "fishy" odor, which is detectable at less than 1 ppm. See the DuPont Material Safety Data Sheet for currently adopted and recommended exposure limits.

Detector tubes supplied by Draeger, tube number 6718401,5 can be used to measure air concentrations of 5-60 ppm for methylamines.

Safety Precautions
Do not get methylamine solutions or vapors in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Do not breathe gases or vapors. Sufficient ventilation should be provided to keep vapor concentration below established exposure limits (see the MSDS). Self-contained breathing equipment or full-face air-line respirators and full-body protective clothing should be available for use in emergencies. Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Product Stewardship
DuPont fully endorses CMA's Responsible Care® six codes of Management Practices. We encourage customers to thoroughly review their safety management practices in the handling of methylamines. In support of product stewardship, DuPont can assist in consultation on customer's handling facilities, including unloading/storage design, personal protective equipment, first aid/medical treatment procedures, mitigation, and detection practices. For first-time methylamines users, DuPont should be contacted before site selection has been made and/or facilities have been designed or built. DuPont personnel will visit customer sites for anhydrous methylamines before making the first shipment and periodically to survey unloading/handling facilities and make recommendations based on DuPont's handling experience.

Regulatory Compliance
Methylamines are included in the CERCLA Hazardous Material List, the Process Safety Management Regulation (29 CFR 1910.119) and are listed as regulated flammable substances in 40 CFR 68.130 in EPA's Risk Management Regulation (40 CFR Part 68) as directed by the Accidental Release Provisions of the Clean Air Act. Dimethylamine is listed as a SARA toxic chemical. The use of methylamines may require compliance with the above regulations; there may be additional federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.

First Aid
In case of contact, immediately flush eyes or skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Call a physician. Wash clothing before reuse. If vapors are inhaled, remove to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Call a physician. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water or activated charcoal slurry (5 mL/kg body weight). Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Call a physician.

Personal Protective Equipment
The following personal protective equipment should be available and worn as appropriate:

  • Hard hat with brim
  • Chemical splash goggles
  • Full length face shield
  • Rubber gauntlet gloves
  • Nomex® fire-resistant clothing
  • Rubber apron
  • Rubber safety shoes or rubber boots over leather shoes
  • Complete chemical-proof suit with hood
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus or full-face air-line respirator
When making or breaking methylamine connections, or when performing any work in the vicinity of methylamine hoses under pressure, wear a chemical-proof suit with hood, rubber boots, and rubber gloves.

In emergencies or when performing work where there is a possibility of direct or repeated contact, a complete chemical-proof suit with hood and breathing air supply should be worn.

Special Safety Facilities
The following safety facilities should be readily accessible in all areas where methylamines are handled or stored:
  • Fire extinguishers-carbon dioxide or dry chemical for small fires; alcohol-resistant foam plus water spray or fog for large fires
  • Safety showers or water hoses connected to spigots with quick opening valves that stay open
  • Eye wash fountains or other means for washing the eyes with a gentle flow of tap water
  • Water hydrant and hose or other means of flushing spills with large volumes of low pressure water to a waste methylamine collection system


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