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NIOSH

HYDROGEN SULFIDE

ICSC: 0165

Sulfur hydride
H2S
Molecular mass: 34.1
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0165 		CAS # 7783-06-4
RTECS # MX1225000
UN # 1053
EC # 016-001-00-4
April 10, 2000 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray, powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding) if in liquid state. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Headache. Dizziness. Cough. Sore throat. Nausea. Laboured breathing. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. No mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. Remove gas with fine water spray. Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Install continous monitoring system with alarm.

F+ symbol
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 12-26-50
S: 1/2-9-16-36-38-45-61
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1
ICSC: 0165 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

HYDROGEN SULFIDE

ICSC: 0165

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR OF ROTTEN EGGS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic gases (sulfur oxides). Reacts violently with strong oxidants, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals and some plastics.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 10 ppm as TWA; 15 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 5 ppm, 7.1 mg/m3;
Peak limitation category: I(2); Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2006).
OSHA PEL†: C 20 ppm 50 ppm 10-minute maximum peak
NIOSH REL: C 10 ppm (15 mg/m3) 10-minute
NIOSH IDLH: 100 ppm See: 7783064


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is irritating to the eyes and the respiratory tract . The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system . Exposure may result in unconsciousness. Exposure may result in death. Inhalation of gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -60°C
Melting point: -85°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.19
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 260°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 4.3-46

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.

N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The substance blocks the sense of smell. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Card has been partly updated in October 2004: see sections Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response. Card has been partly updated in October 2006: see sections Occupational Exposure Limits.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF or 20S1053

NFPA Code: H4; F4; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0165 HYDROGEN SULFIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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