1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product name : Methane
Chemical formula : CH4
Synonyms : Methane, Methyl Hydride, Marsh Gas, Fire Damp
Product Use Description : General Industrial
Company : Special Gas Vietnam JSC
2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
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Components
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CAS Number
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Concentration (Volume)
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Methane
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74-82-8
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100 %
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Concentration is nominal
3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Emergency Overview
High pressure gas.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
Extremely flammable.
May form explosive mixtures in air.
Immediate fire and explosion hazard exists when mixed with air at concentrations exceeding the lower flammabilitylimit (LFL).
High concentrations that can cause rapid suffocation are within the flammable range and should not be entered.
Avoid breathing gas. Self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required.
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation : May cause anesthetic effects. In high concentrations may cause asphyxiation. Symptoms may include loss of mobility/consciousness. Victim may not be aware of asphyxiation. Asphyxiation may bring about unconsciousness without warning and so rapidly that victim may be unable to protect themselves.
Eye contact : No adverse effect.
Skin contact : No adverse effect.
Ingestion : Ingestion is not considered a potential route of exposure.
Chronic Health Hazard : Not applicable.
Exposure Guidelines
Primary Routes of Entry : Inhalation
Target Organs : None known.
Symptoms : Exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere may cause the following symptoms: Dizziness. Salivation. Nausea. Vomiting. Loss of mobility/consciousness.
Aggravated Medical Condition
None.
Environmental Effects
Not harmful.
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
General advice : Remove victim to uncontaminated area wearing self contained breathing apparatus. Keep victim warm and rested. Call a doctor. Apply artificial respiration if breathing stopped.
Eye contact : Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Skin contact : Wash with water and soap as a precaution.
Ingestion : Ingestion is not considered a potential route of exposure.
Inhalation : In case of shortness of breath, give oxygen. Move to fresh air. If breathing has stopped or is labored, give assisted respirations. Supplemental oxygen may be indicated. If the heart has stopped, trained personnel should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately. Seek medical advice.
5. FIRE- FIGHTING MEASURES
Suitable extinguishing media : All known extinguishing media can be used.
Specific hazards : Upon exposure to intense heat or flame, cylinder will vent rapidly and or rupture violently. Keep containers and surroundings cool with water spray. Extinguish fire only if gas flow can be stopped. If possible, shut off the source of gas and allow the fire to burn itself out. Do not extinguish a leaking gas flame unless absolutely necessary. Spontaneous/explosive re-ignition may occur. Extinguish any other fire. Move away from container and cool with water from a protected position. Keep adjacent cylinders cool by spraying with large amounts of water until fire burns itself out. If flames are accidentally extinguished, explosive reignition may occur; therefore, appropriate measures should be taken (e.g. total evacuation to protect persons from cylinder fragments and toxic fumes should a rupture occur). Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when exposed to elevated temperatures.
Special protective equipment for fire-fighters : Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal precautions : Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Remove all sources of ignition. Never enter a confined space or other area where the flammable gas concentration is greater the 10% of its lower flammable limit. Ventilate the area
Environmental precautions : Do not discharge into any place where its accumulation could be dangerous. Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Methods for cleaning up : Ventilate the area. Approach suspected leak areas with caution
Additional advice : Increase ventilation to the release area and monitor concentrations. If leak is from cylinder or cylinder valve, call the Air Products emergency telephone number. If the leak is in the user's system, close the cylinder valve, safely vent the pressure, and purge with an inert gas before attempting repairs.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling
Acetylene cylinders are heavier than other cylinders because they are packed with a porous filler material and acetone. Never use acetylene in excess of 15 psig pressure. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide or drop. Do not allow storage area temperature to exceed 50°C (122°F). Only experienced and properly instructed persons should handle compressed gases. Before using the product, determine its identity by reading the label. Know and understand the properties and hazards of the product before use. When doubt exists as to the correct handling procedure for a particular gas, contact the supplier. Do not remove or deface labels provided by the supplier for the identification of the cylinder contents. When moving cylinders, even for short distances, use a cart (trolley, hand truck, etc.) designed to transport cylinders. Leave valve protection caps in place until the container has been secured against either a wall or bench or placed in a container stand and is ready for use. Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. Before connecting the container, check the complete gas system for suitability, particularly for pressure rating and materials. Before connecting the container for use, ensure that back feed from the system into the container is prevented. Ensure the complete gas system is compatible for pressure rating and materials of construction. Ensure the complete gas system has been checked for leaks before use. Employ suitable pressure regulating devices on all containers when the gas is being emitted to systems with lower pressure rating than that of the container. Never insert an object (e.g. wrench, screwdriver, pry bar, etc.) into valve cap openings. Doing so may damage valve, causing a leak to occur. Open valve slowly. If user experiences any difficulty operating cylinder valve discontinue use and contact supplier. Close container valve after each use and when empty, even if still connected to equipment. Never attempt to repair or modify container valves or safety relief devices. Damaged valves should be reported immediately to the supplier. Close valve after each use and when empty. Replace outlet caps or plugs and container caps as soon as container is disconnected from equipment. Do not subject containers to abnormal mechanical shocks which may cause damage to their valve or safety devices. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap or guard. Do not use containers as rollers or supports or for any other purpose than to contain the gas as supplied. Never strike an arc on a compressed gas cylinder or make a cylinder a part of an electrical circuit. Do not smoke while handling product or cylinders. Never recompress a gas or a gas mixture without first consulting the supplier. Never attempt to transfer gases from one cylinder/container to another. Always use backflow protective device in piping. Purge air from system before introducing gas. When returning cylinder install valve outlet cap or plug leak tight. Never use direct flame or electrical heating devices to raise the pressure of a container. Containers should not be subjected to temperatures above 50°C (122°F). Prolonged periods of cold temperature below -30°C (-20°F) should be avoided. All piped systems and associated equipment must be grounded.
Storage
Containers should be stored in a purpose build compound which should be well ventilated, preferably in the open air. Observe all regulations and local requirements regarding storage of containers. Stored containers should be periodically checked for general condition and leakage. Protect containers stored in the open against rusting and extremes of weather. Containers should not be stored in conditions likely to encourage corrosion. Containers should be stored in the vertical position and properly secured to prevent toppling. The container valves should be tightly closed and where appropriate valve outlets should be capped or plugged. Container valve guards or caps should be in place. Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated place. Store containers in location free from fire risk and away from sources of heat and ignition. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Do not allow storage temperature to exceed 50°C (122°F). Smoking should be prohibited within storage areas or while handling product or containers. Display "No Smoking or Open Flames" signs in the storage areas. The amounts of flammable or toxic gases in storage should be kept to a minimum. Return empty containers in a timely manner. Flammable storage areas should be separated from oxygen and other oxidizers by a minimum distance of 20 ft. (6.1 m.) or by a barrier of non-combustible material at least 5 ft. (1.5m.) high, having a fire resistance rating of at least 1/2 hour.
Technical measures/Precautions
Containers should be segregated in the storage area according to the various categories (e.g. flammable, toxic, etc.) and in accordance with local regulations. Keep away from combustible material. All electrical equipment in the storage areas should be compatible with flammable materials stored. Containers containing flammable gases should be stored away from other combustible materials. Where necessary containers containing oxygen and oxidants should be separated from flammable gases by a fire resistant partition.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Engineering measures
Provide natural or explosion-proof ventilation that is adequate to ensure flammable gas does not reach its lower explosive limit.
Personal protective equipment
Respiratory protection : High concentrations that can cause rapid suffocation are within the flammable range and should not be entered.
Hand protection : Sturdy work gloves are recommended for handling cylinders. The breakthrough time of the selected glove(s) must be greater than the intended use period.
Eye protection : Safety glasses recommended when handling cylinders.
Skin and body protection : Safety shoes are recommended when handling cylinders.
Special instructions for protection and hygiene: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Form : Dissolved gas
Color : Colorless gas
Odor : Poor warning properties at low concentrations. Garlic-like
Molecular Weight : 26.04 g/mol
Relative vapor density : 0.899 (air = 1)
Density : 0.069 lb/ft3 (0.0011 g/cm3) at 70 °F (21 °C)
Note: (as vapor)
Specific Volume : 14.77 ft3/lb (0.9221 m3/kg) at 70 °F (21 °C)
Boiling point/range : -120 °F (-84.2 °C)
Critical temperature : 96 °F (35.6 °C)
Melting point/range : -113 °F (-80.8 °C)
Flash point -18 °C
Autoignition temperature : 325 °C
Upper flammability limit 83 %(V)
Lower flammability limit 2.4 %(V)
Water solubility 1.185 g/l
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Stability : Stable under normal conditions.
Conditions to avoid : Cylinders should not be exposed to sudden shock or sources of heat. Heat, flames and sparks. May form explosive mixtures with air and oxidizing agents.
Materials to avoid : Under certain conditions, acetylene can react with copper, silver, and mercury to form acetylides, compounds which can act as ignition sources. Brasses containing less than 65% copper in the alloy and certain nickel alloys are suitable for acetylene service undernormal conditions. Acetylene can react explosively when combined with oxygen and other oxidizers including all halogens and halogencompounds. The presence of moisture, certain acids, or alkaline materials tends to enhance the formation of copper acetylides. Under certain conditions, acetylene can react with copper, silver, and mercury to form acetylides, compounds which can act as ignition sources. Brasses containing less than 65% copper in the alloy and certain nickel alloys are suitable for acetylene service undernormal conditions. Acetylene can react explosively when combined with oxygen and other oxidizers including all halogens and halogencompounds. The presence of moisture, certain acids, or alkaline materials tends to enhance the formation of copper acetylides.
Oxygen.
Oxidizing agents.
Hazardous reactions: Unstable. Stable as shipped. Do not use at pressure above 15 psig.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Acute Health Hazard
Ingestion : No data is available on the product itself.
Inhalation : No data is available on the product itself.
Skin. : No data is available on the product itself.
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity effects
Aquatic toxicity : No data is available on the product itself.
Toxicity to other organisms : No data available.
Persistence and degradability
Mobility : No data available.
Bioaccumulation : No data is available on the product itself.
Further information
This product has no known eco-toxicological effects.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste from residues / unused products : Contact supplier if guidance is required. Return unused product in orginal cylinder to supplier. Do not discharge into areas where there is a risk of forming an explosive mixture with air. Waste gas should be flared through a suitable burner with flash back arrestor.
Contaminated packaging : Return cylinder to supplier.
14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
CFR
Proper shipping name : Acetylene, dissolved
Class : 2.1
UN/ID No. : UN1001
IATA
Proper shipping name : Acetylene, dissolved
Class : 2.1
UN/ID No. : UN1001
IMDG
Proper shipping name : ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED
Class : 2.1
UN/ID No. : UN1001
CTC
Proper shipping name : ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED
Class : 2.1
UN/ID No. : UN1001
Further Information
Avoid transport on vehicles where the load space is not separated from the driver's compartment. Ensure vehicle driver is aware of the potential hazards of the load and knows what to do in the event of an accident or an emergency.
15. OTHER INFORMATION
NFPA Rating
Health : 0
Fire : 4
Instability : 2
HMIS Rating
Health : 0
Flammability : 4
Physical hazard : 2