MATERIAL
LindeGAS, LLC (216) 642-6600
AGA Gas INC. SAFETY
P.O. Box 94737 WOODS BLVD
6055 ROCKSIDE DATA SHEET
Cleveland, Ohio 44101
P.O. BOX 94737
www.us.lindegas.com
CLEVELAND, OH 44101-4737 No. 1
74-86-2
PRODUCT NAME CAS #
Acetylene
UN 1001
DOT I.D. No.:
TRADE NAME AND SYNONYMS
Acetylene, Dissolved (D.O.T.)
Division 2.1
DOT Hazard Class:
CHEMICAL NAME AND SYNONYMS
C2H2
Acetylene, Ethyne Formula
ISSUE DATES AND REVISIONS Chemical Family:
Alkyne
Revised May 1998
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
TIME WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXPOSURE LIMIT
Acetylene is defined as a simple asphyxiant.(ACGIH 1997). No PEL (8 Hr. TWA) is listed by OSHA
(1995). (Continued on Page 4)
SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
Inhalation: Low concentrations (10-20% in air) cause symptoms similar to that of being intoxicated. Higher
concentrations so as to exclude an adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs cause unconsciousness.
TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
As a narcotic gas or intoxicant causes hypercapnia (an excessive amount of carbon dioxide in the blood).
Repeated exposures to tolerable levels have not shown deleterious effects. The major property is the
exclusion of an adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs.
Acetylene is not listed in the IARC, NTP or by OSHA as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen.
Persons in ill health where such illness would be aggravated by exposure to acetylene should not be allowed
to work with or handle this product.
RECOMMENDED FIRST AID TREATMENT
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES pF OVEREXPOSURE TO ACETYLENE.
RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
AND BE COGNIZANT OF EXTREME FIRE AI4D EXPLOSION HAZARD.
Inhalation: Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick
removal from contaminated area is most important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an
uncontaminated area, given assisted respiration and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be
symptomatic and supportive. (Continued on Page 4)
Information contained in this material safety data sheet is offered without charge for use by technically qualified personnel at their discretion and
risk. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests and data which we believe to be reliable, but
the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed and no warranty of any kind is made with respect thereto. This information is not intended
as a license to operate under or a recommendation to practice or infringe any patent of this Company or others covering any process, composition
of matter or use.
Since the Company shall have no control of the use of the product described herein, the Company assumes no liability for loss or damage incurred
from the proper or improper use of such product.
ACETYLENE
HAZARDOUS MIXTURES OF OTHER LIQUIDS, SOLIDS, OR GASES
Flammable over an extremely wide range in air. Explosive reactions may occur on ignition. Reacts
explosively with halogens and halogenated compounds.
PHYSICAL DATA
BOILING POINT LIQUID DENSITY AT BOILING POINT
@ -116掳F (-82掳C) = 38.8 lb/ft3 (622 kg/m3)
Sublimation point = -118.8掳F (-83.8掳C)
VAPOR PRESSURE GAS DENSITY AT 70掳F. 1 atm
.0691 lb/ft3 (1.107 kg/m3)
@ 70掳F (21.1掳C) = 645 psia (4450 kPa)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER FREEZING POINT
Soluble -113掳F (-80.6掳C)
EVAPORATION RATE SPECIFIC GRAVITY (AIR=1)
N/A, dissolved gas @ 68掳F (20掳C) = 0.906
Pure-acetylene is a colorless gas with an ethereal odor.
APPEARANCE AND ODOR
Commercial (carbide) acetylene has a distinctive garlic-like odor.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
AUTO IGNITION TEMPERATURE
FLASH POINT (Method used) FLAMMABLE LIMITS % BY VOLUME (See Page 4)
Gas LEL 2.2 UEL 80-85
565掳F (296掳C)
ELECTRICAL CLASSIFICATION
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Class 1, Group A
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES
If possible, stop flow of escaping gas. Use water spray to cool surrounding containers. Keep personnel away
since heated or burning cylinders can rupture violently.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS
GASEOUS ACETYLENE IS SPONTANEOUSLY COFIBUSTIBLE IN AIR AT PRESSURES ABOVE 30 PSIA
(207 kPa). It requires a very low ignition energy so that fires which have been (Continued on Page 4)
REACTIVITY DATA
STABILITY CONDITIONS TO AVOID
X
Unstable Do not allow the free gas (outside of cylinder) to exceed 30 psia. Cylinders
should not be exposed to sudden shock or sources of heat.
Stable
INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to avoid)
Oxygen and other oxidizers including all of the halogens and halo-ten compounds.
(Continued on Page 4)
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS
Carbon and hydrogen
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION CONDITIONS TO AVOID
May Occur
None
Will Not Occur X
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. lf leak is in user鈥檚
equipment, be certain to purge piping with an inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or
container valve, contact your closest supplier location or call the emergency telephone number listed herein.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD
Do not attempt to dispose of waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container properiv labeled,
with anv valve outlet plugs or caps secured and valve protection cap in place to your supplier. For
emergency disposal assistance, contact your closest supplier location or call the emergency telephone
number listed herein.
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ACETYLENE
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Positive pressure air line with mask or self-contained breathing apparatus should be
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
(Specify type)
VENTILATION LOCAL EXHAUST SPECIAL
N/A
To prevent accumulation above the LEL
Hood with forced ventilation MECHANICAL (Gen.) OTHER
N/A
In accordance with electrical codes
PROTECTIVE GLOVES
PVC or rubber in laboratory; as required for cutting and welding
EYE PROTECTION
Safety goggles or glasses
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Safety shoes, safety shower
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS*
SPECIAL LABELING INFORMATION
DOT Shipping Name: Acetylene, dissolved DOT Hazard Class: Division 2.1
DOT Shipping Label: Flammable Gas I.D. No.: UN 1001
SPECIAL HANDLING RECOMMENDATIONS
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured
with valve outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement. Use a pressure reducing regulator when removing gas from the cylinder. DO NOT ALLOW THE
FREE GAS TO EXCEED 30 PSIA (207 kPa) @ 70掳F (21.1掳C). Do not heat cylinder by any means to
increase the discharge rate of product from the cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to
prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder.
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association鈥檚 Pamphlets G-1, P-1, P-14, and
Safety Bulletin SB-2.
SPECIAL STORAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of noncombustible
construction away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where
cylinders are stored to exceed 125F (52C). Cylinders must be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent
falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a 鈥渇irst in - first out鈥?
inventory system to prevent full cylinders being stored for excessive periods of time. Post 鈥淣o Smoking or
Open Flames鈥? signs in the storage or use area. There should be no sources of ignition in the storage or use
area.
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association鈥檚 Pamphlets, G-1, P-1, P-14, and
Safety Bulletin SB-2.
SPECIAL PACKAGING RECOMMENDATIONS
Since acetylene will explode or combust if its pressure exceeds 30 psia (207 kPa) it is shipped dissolved in
acetone or dimethylformamide which is dispersed in a porous mass within the cylinder. Follow your supplier鈥檚
instructions for the maximum withdrawal rate for each size cylinder so that solvent is not withdrawn with the
acetylene.
Most metals except silver, copper, mercury or brasses with more than 66% copper are compatible
(noncorrosive) with acetylene.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS OR PRECAUTIONS
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the acetylene system.
Electrical equipment should be non-sparking or explosion proof. Compressed gas cylinders should not be
refilled except by qualified producers of compressed gases. Shipment of a compressed gas cylinder which
has not been filled by the owner or with his (written) consent is a violation of Federal Law (49CFR).
(Continued on Page 4)
*Various Government Agencies (i.e. Department of Transportation, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Food and Drug Administration
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and others) may have specific regulations concerning the transportation, handling, storage or use of this product which will not be reflected in this
data sheet. The customer should review these regulations to ensure that he is in full compliance.
ACETYLENE
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
TIME WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXPOSURE LIMIT: (Continued)
Acetylene is shipped dissolved in either Acetone or Dimethylformamide which under extreme withdrawal rates
may be released with the Acetylene from the cylinder. (See Special Packaging Recommendations). ACGIH,
1997 lists a TWA of 10 Molar PPM for Dimethylformamide with a skin notation and 500 Molar PPM with a
STEL of 750 Molar PPM for Acetone. Each has a A4 (Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen) carcinogen
rating. OSHA 1995 lists a PEL (8hr. TWA) of 10 Molar PPM with a skin designation for Dimethylformamide and
1,000 Molar PPM for Acetone.
Oxygen levels should be maintained at greater than 18 Molar percent at nor~鈥al atmospheric pressure
(pO2>135 torr).
RECOMMENDED FIRST AID TREATMENT: (Continued)
CAUTION: Welding or brazing may produce fumes and gases hazardous to health. Avoid breathing these
fumes and gases. Use adequate ventilation. See ANSI Z-49.1 鈥淪afety in Welding and Cutting鈥? published by the
American Welding Society and OSHA safety regulations under 29 CFR 1910.252
鈥淲elding, Cutting and Brazing.鈥? Also see ACGIH TLYs t1997) Appendix B, Section B2, 鈥淲elding Fumes 鈥?
ARC RAYS can injure eyes and burn skin.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
UEL: (Continued)
Pure acetylene can ignite by decomposition above 30 psia (207 kPa); therefore, the UEL is 100% if the ignition
source is of sufficient intensity.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: (Continued)
extinguished without stopping the flow of gas can easily reignite with possible explosive force. Acetylene has a
density very similar to that of air so when leaking it does not readily dissipate.
REACTIVITY DATA
INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to avoid): (Continued)
Forms explosive acetylide compounds with copper, mercury, silver, brasses containing more than 66% copper
and brazing materials containing silver or copper.
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ACETYLENE
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
OTHER RECOMMENDATION OR PRECAUTIONS: (Continued)
Always secure cylinders in an upright position before transporting them. NEVER transport cylinders in trunks
of vehicles, enclosed vans, truck cabs or in passenyer compartments. Transport cylinders secured in open
flatbed or in open pick-up type vehicles.
Consult manufacturer鈥檚 MSDS sheet on welding consumables and related products for reactivity and health
hazard data and for further information regarding weldiny fumes.
Reportiny under SARA, Title III, Section 313 not required.
NFPA 704 No. for acetylene = 143 None
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