EO is a VERY TOXIC (CANCER HAZARD, MUTAGEN), COMPRESSED, EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS. EO is also DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE. Before handling, it is extremely important that engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. Control access to designated handling area. Post appropriate warning signs. Only authorized personnel should have access to EO. They should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use. Maintenance and emergency personnel should be advised of potential hazards.

Prevent release of gas into workplace air. Closed handling systems for processes involving EO should be used. To reduce the fire/explosion hazard, consider the use of an inert gas in the container or storage vessel. If a closed handling system is not possible, use in smallest possible amounts in appropriate labelled, containment devices (e.g. fume hood). Containment devices should be made of smooth, unbreakable, compatible material. Maintain containment devices at appropriate air flow and negative pressure. Check regularly.

Eliminate all ignition sources (e.g. sparks, open flames, hot surfaces). Keep away from heat. Post "NO SMOKING" signs. It is very important to keep areas where EO is used clear of other materials which can burn (e.g. cardboard, sawdust).

Immediately report leaks or ventilation failures. Unprotected persons should avoid all contact with EO and contaminated equipment. If EO is released, immediately put on a suitable respirator and leave the area until the severity of the release is determined. In case of leaks or spills, escape-type respiratory protective equipment should be available in the work area. EO is extremely reactive. Prevent exposure to elevated temperatures and absolutely no contact with even trace amounts of incompatible materials. Do not use with incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents, acids, bases and alcohols.

Use non-sparking ventilation systems, approved explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe electrical systems in areas of use. Consider the installation of leak and fire detection equipment along with a suitable, automatic fire suppression system. Keep aisles and exits free of obstruction. Do not use near welding operations, flames or hot surfaces. Do not perform any welding, cutting, soldering, drilling or other hot work on an empty vessel, container or piping until it has been thoroughly decontaminated. To prevent sparking, generously wet hard surfaces before they are chipped, ground, etc, in potentially hazardous areas. Do not heat compressed gas cylinders. Inspect cylinders for leaks before handling. During transfer operations, cylinders and vessels should be electrically grounded and bonded to prevent the build-up of a static charge. Leave cylinder cap on cylinder until cylinder is secured and ready for use. Always secure cylinders to a wall, rack or other solid structure in an upright position. Do not handle cylinders with oily hands. Regularly check cylinders for evidence of corrosion or leakage. Make sure cylinders are labelled clearly. Use the appropriate pressure regulator. Ensure equipment is compatible with cylinder pressure and contents. Follow supplier recommendations.

Before connecting the cylinder for use, make sure that back feed from the system into the cylinder is prevented. Suck-back into cylinder may cause explosion. Prevent cylinder entry tube from being inserted in a liquid or gas without a vacuum-break or other protective device.

Avoid damaging cylinders. Do not open cylinder if damaged. Never use excessive force when opening. Open cylinder valve slowly to prevent rapid decompression and damage to valve seat. Keep cylinder valves clean and free from contaminants. Make sure valves on gas cylinders are fully opened when gas is used. Open and shut valves at least once a day, while cylinder is in use, to avoid valve 'freezing'. Shut flow off at cylinder valve and not just at the regulator after use. Replace outlet caps or plugs and cylinder caps as soon as cylinder is disconnected from equipment.

Keep empty cylinders under slightly positive pressure. Do not use cylinders as rollers or for any other purpose than to contain the gas as supplied. Move cylinders by hand truck or cart designed for that purpose. Do not drop cylinders or permit them to bang against each other. Do not lift cylinders by the cap or with a lifting magnet.

Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Have suitable emergency equipment for fires and leaks readily available. Practice good housekeeping. Maintain handling equipment. Comply with applicable regulations.