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NIOSH

METHANE

ICSC: 0291

Methyl hydride
CH4
Molecular mass: 16.0
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0291 		CAS # 74-82-8
RTECS # PA1490000
UN # 1971
EC # 601-001-00-4
February 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. 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. Breathing protection if high concentration.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. 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 ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
Safety goggles.
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! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.
Fireproof. Cool. Ventilation along the floor and ceiling.

F+ symbol
R: 12
S: 2-9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1
ICSC: 0291 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.

METHANE

ICSC: 0291

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, COMPRESSED OR LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH NO ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is lighter than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: (aliphatic hydrocarbons gases, Alkane C1-C4) 1000 ppm
(as TWA)
(ACGIH 2005).
MAK not established.


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

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air 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: -161°C
Melting point: -183°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 3.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.6
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 537°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-15
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.09

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Density of the liquid at boiling point: 0.42 kg/l. 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. After use for welding, turn valve off; regularly check tubing, etc., and test for leaks with soap and water. The measures mentioned in section PREVENTION are applicable to production, filling of cylinders, and storage of the gas. Other UN number: 1972 (refridgerated liquid), Hazard class: 2.1. Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See section Emergency Response.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G1F

NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0291 METHANE
(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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