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NIOSH

ETHANE

ICSC: 0266

C2H6 / CH3CH3
Molecular mass: 30.1
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0266 		CAS # 74-84-0
RTECS # KH3800000
UN # 1035
EC # 601-002-00-X
April 03, 2006 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
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. Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Suffocation. See Notes.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Face shield.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
Fireproof. Cool. Separated from strong oxidants and halogens.

F+ symbol
R: 12
S: 2-9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1
Signal: Danger
Flame-Cylinder
Extremely flammable gas
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
ICSC: 0266 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.

ETHANE

ICSC: 0266

I

M

P

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R

T

A

N

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D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS, ODOURLESS WHEN PURE.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with halogens , strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Gases : Alkanes (C1-C4)) : 1000 ppm; mg/m3 (ACGIH 2006).
MAK not established.


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

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment this liquid evaporates very quickly displacing the air and causing a serious risk of suffocation when in confined areas.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -89°C
Melting point: -183°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: (very poor)
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 3850
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.05
Flash point:
flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 472°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.0-12.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.81

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. Other UN number : 1961 (refrigerated liquid), Hazard class : 2.1.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1035

NFPA Code: H1; F4; R0
Card has been partially updated in July 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits, GHS classification.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0266 ETHANE
(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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