(552b) Safe Handling and Storage of Oxirane Monomers

Process safety events (containment losses, reactive events, releases of hazardous process energy) in laboratory settings are often attributed to a lack of chemical hazard recognition, improper chemical storage, and inventory management. Laboratory scale chemical safety of epoxide monomers focuses on proper chemical handling, inertion, storage, and disposal. These are highly reactive, flammable, and toxic materials that are used widely in the chemical industry. Given the high energy contained in these molecules and relatively high UELs, special inertion requirements are recommended both in storage and during use. Additionally, multiple lines of defense (dynamic air monitoring, special relief device design, scrubber system) and material of construction compatibility requirements should be adhered to in order to use these chemicals safely. This talk will review approaches taken by Dow, Inc. for safe use of epoxide monomers in its labs.