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Chemical safety

Diethyl ether: hazards and COSHH prompts

Extremely flammable, and forms explosive peroxides in storage — the classic 'old bottle at the back' hazard.

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Always work from your own safety data sheet. Classification varies with grade, concentration and supplier. Use this page to orient yourself, then assess the task you are actually doing, at the scale you are actually doing it.

Hazard classification

CAS
60-29-7
Formula
C4H10O
Molecular weight
74.12
Signal word
Danger

GHS pictograms

FlameExclamation markHealth hazard

Hazard statements

  • H224Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
  • H302Harmful if swallowed
  • H305May be harmful if swallowed and enters airways
  • H316Causes mild skin irritation
  • H320Causes eye irritation
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation
  • H336May cause drowsiness or dizziness
  • H361Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary statements (30)
  • P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P233Keep container tightly closed.
  • P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
  • P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
  • P242Use non-sparking tools.
  • P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • P264+P265Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P317IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P301+P316IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P303+P361+P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
  • P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P351+P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P331Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • P332+P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337+P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P370+P378In case of fire: Use appropriate extinguishing media.
  • P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P403+P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 3283 , retrieved automatically and refreshed weekly. PubChem aggregates from multiple suppliers; entries can differ from the SDS for your grade.

What your COSHH assessment has to answer

Based on the hazard classes above. These are prompts, not answers — the right control depends on your task, your quantities and your room.

Because it is flammable

  • Where are the ignition sources relative to where this is opened and poured?
  • How much is on the bench at once, and how much is in the cabinet?
  • Is decanting done in the fume hood, and are larger containers earthed?
  • Which extinguisher is appropriate, and does everyone using this know?

Because it is acutely toxic

  • Which exposure route is credible for your task — inhalation, skin, or both?
  • Is containment engineered (fume hood, cabinet) rather than relying on PPE?
  • What is the first-aid response, and is the material for it actually at the point of use?
  • Is lone working with this restricted?

Because it is a carcinogen, mutagen or reproductive hazard

  • Has substitution been considered, and is the reason for not substituting recorded?
  • Is exposure reduced as low as reasonably practicable, not merely below a limit?
  • Are new and expectant mothers specifically considered?
  • Is health surveillance or exposure monitoring expected for this work?

Because it can damage organs

  • Is the exposure repeated or long-term rather than one-off?
  • Is there an exposure limit to design the controls around?
  • Are users told what early symptoms look like and who to report them to?

Others in solvents

Acetone

The default glassware-rinsing solvent — and one of the most common flammable liquids on a lab bench.

Read

Methanol

An HPLC and cleaning workhorse that is far more acutely toxic than its familiarity suggests.

Read

Ethanol

Used everywhere from surface disinfection to precipitation, and stocked in quantities that add up quickly.

Read

Stop rebuilding this by hand

Keep Diethyl ether — and everything else — in one inventory.

LevelSixLabs pulls GHS classification onto your chemical records automatically, then builds COSHH assessments from the substances you already hold. Explore a fully-stocked demo lab, no signup.

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