Incident Involving Ether

A researcher was working with ether inside the fume hood. After a few minutes, the flask of ether ignited as well as the metal canister. The researcher extinguished the flask using the fire extinguisher from inside the lab. He then removed the flaming canister from the hood, placed it on the floor and extinguished the canister as well. After the fire was out, he placed the metal canister back inside the fume hood and contacted DEHS to report the fire and request assistance with the clean up efforts.

Lessons Learned:

  1. Never physically pick up any item that is actively on fire. If you are trained and it is safe to do so you may use the fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. All fires, regardless of size and if they were extinguished must be reported to the DEHS.

If you have any questions please contact contact the Chemical Hygiene Officer at dehsafety@udel.edu or call 302-831-8475.