1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
BOC Gases, BOC Gases
Division of Division of
The BOC Group, Inc. BOC Canada Limited
575 Mountain Avenue 5975 Falbourne Street, Unit 2
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3W6
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (908) 464-8100 TELEPHONE NUMBER: (905) 501-1700
24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (905) 501-0802
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NO: 20101
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN NITROGEN (0.01 TO 5%)
CHEMICAL NAME: Hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen (0.01 to 5%)
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen (0.01 to 5%)
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.2 (2.1 @ H2S > 4.3%)
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, D2A (B1 @ H2S > 4.3%)
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/17/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
HYDROGEN SULFIDE 99.6 20 ppm ceiling 1 ppm Not Available
FORMULA: H2S 50 ppm peak 15 ppm STEL
CAS: 7783-06-4
RTECS #: RS2
NITROGEN 95-99.99 Not Available Not Available Not Available
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: RS2
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Colorless gas with characteristic 鈥渞otten egg鈥? odor which may cause severe skin and eye irritation.
Hydrogen sulfide may cause pulmonary edema at low concentrations (150 ppm). Concentrations of 4.3%
or greater hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen are flammable. .
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 1 of 7
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
Yes Yes No
Synergistic Effects
None known
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Exposure to 20-50 ppm hydrogen sulfide will cause eye irritation. Low to moderately high concentrations may
cause painful conjunctivitis, photophobia, lacrimation and corneal opacity. Exposure to 50-100 ppm hydrogen
sulfide has resulted in temporary damage to the corneal epithelium in dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Contact with hydrogen sulfide in this product may cause severe pain itching and erythema.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Ingestion of this product is unlikely but can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and gastrointestinal tract.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Nitrogen acts as a simple asphyxiant displacing the oxygen content in the air necessary for life. The following
effects of asphyxiation are representative and it is possible that none of these symptoms may occur: loss of balance
or dizziness; tightness in the frontal area of the forehead; tingling of the tongue, fingertips or toes; weakened speech
leading to the inability to utter sounds; rapid reduction in the ability to perform movements; reduced consciousness
of surroundings; loss of tactile sensations; and heightened mental activity.
Concentrations of 150 ppm hydrogen sulfide can cause upper respiratory tract irritation , olfactory nerve paralysis,
and pulmonary edema with prolonged exposure. Concentrations of 200 ppm hydrogen sulfide may be life
threatening . Exposure to non-fatal levels of hydrogen sulfide may result in coughing, lacrimation, mucous nasal
discharge, depression, fluid sounds in the lungs, headache, sweating, vertigo, irritability, weakness confusion,
delirium, convulsions and cyanosis. At higher exposures hydrogen sulfide may cause sudden collapse, anoxic
convulsions, pulmonary edema, hemorrhages in various organs, degenerative changes in the liver and kidney, edema
of the intestines and brain and/or rapid death.
Carcinogenicity: NTP - No IARC - No OSHA - No
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
3 (4, as H2S) Health: 3 (4, as H2S) 0 = No Hazard
Health:
Flammability: 0* Flammability: 0* 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
* At H2S concentrations > 4.3%, flammability rating = 4, as H2S 4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYE:
PERSONS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO HYDROGEN SULFIDE SHOULD NOT WEAR CONTACT
LENSES. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes holding eyelids open to ensure adequate
rinsing. If irritation persists, seek immediate medical attention.
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 2 of 7
SKIN:
Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with large quantities of water If irritation persists, seek
medical attention.
INGESTION:
Not anticipated; product is a gas.
INHALATION:
PROMPT REMOVAL FROM THE CONTAMINATED AREA AND IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IS
MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED
WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.
Immediately remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped, give artificial
respiration. Seek immediate medical attention.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Not flammable
Flash point: Gas Method: Autoignition
Not Applicable Temperature: None
LEL(%): Not available UEL(%): Not available
Hazardous combustion products: Sulfur dioxide, irritants, toxic gases
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: No Data
Sensitivity to static discharge: No Data
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
The majority of this product constitutes a nonflammable, inert gas. This product does contain 0.01-5% hydrogen
sulfide, a flammable component, which is heavier than air and may accumulate in low areas. Hydrogen sulfide vapor
may travel to ignition source and flash back and is considered an explosion hazard. Containers may explode when
exposed to heat or flames.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
If flammable mixture of hydrogen sulfide forms in low areas or enclosed spaces water, carbon dioxide, or dry
chemical media should be used.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Stop the flow of gas if it can be done without risk. Continue to cool surrounding containers until well after flames
are extinguished. Firefighters should wear a full-facepiece, NIOSH/MSHA-approved self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) operated in positive pressure mode and full turnout gear.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Isolate hazard area, evacuate personnel and deny entry to unauthorized/uprotected individuals. Extinguish all
ignition sources and ventilate closed spaces and low areas. Personnel entering area should wear appropriate
protective equipment including respiratory protection suitable for unknown concentrations. Personnel should not re-
enter hazard area until hydrogen sulfide has sufficiently dispersed and adequate oxygen re-established. If a 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 of
container valve, contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC
location.
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 3 of 7
7. Handling and Storage
Electrical classification:
Nonhazardous; @ concentrations H2S > 4.3% , Class I, Group C
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve
protection 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 connecting cylinder to lower pressure (< 3000 psig) piping or
systems. 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.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of non-combustible construction
away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to
exceed 125 掳F. Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent FALLING OR BEING KNOCKED
OVER. 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 area or use area. There should be no sources
of ignition in the storage or use area.
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the Hydrogen Sulfide system. All electrical
equipment should be non-sparking or explosion proof. (@ H2S > 4.3%)
Do not rely on the olfactory sense to detect the presence of hydrogen sulfide. Analytical devices and instrumentation
are readily available for this purpose. Perform frequent analytical tests to be certain that the TWA is not exceeded.
Many metals corrode rapidly with wet hydrogen sulfide. Anhydrous hydrogen sulfide can be handled in carbon steel,
aluminum Inconel (R), Stellite (R) and 304 and 316 stainless steels. Avoid hard steels which are highly stressed
since they may be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement from hydrogen sulfide.
Hydrogen sulfide may cause lines and fittings to corrode or become brittle. Pipes and valves containing hydrogen
sulfide should be inspected and adequate maintained to prevent leaks.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic liquid form in an enclosed space such as a
care trunk, van or station wagon.. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
Stationary customer site vessels should operate in accordance with the manufacturer's and BOC鈥檚 instruction. Do not
attempt to repair, adjust or in any other way modify the operation of these vessels. If there is a malfunction or other
type of operations problem with the vessel, contact the closest BOC location immediately.
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets G-4, P-12, P-4.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
HYDROGEN SULFIDE 99.6 20 ppm ceiling 1 ppm Not Available
FORMULA: H2S 50 ppm peak 15 ppm STEL
CAS: 7783-06-4
RTECS #: RS2
NITROGEN 95-99.99 Not Available Not Available Not Available
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: RS2
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 4 of 7
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use a laboratory hood with forced ventilation for handling small quantities. Use local exhust to prevent
accumulation above the exposure limit and to maintain oxygen lebels above 19.5%.
Multipoint air samplers with alarms for plant production units should be provided to constantly monitor the air in and
around the units.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Chemical safety goggles or safety glasses with face shield hould be worn.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves of neoprene, butyl rubber, PVC, or polyethylene should be worn.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
A NIOSH/MSHA-approved full-facepiece SCBA operated in positive pressure mode and/or any supplied air
respirator with a full facepiece and operated in a positive pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self
contained breathing apparatus operated in positive pressure mode should be used for high or unknown
concentrations. Respirators should be stored in an area not likely to be contaminated.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety showers and an emergency eyewash station should be available. Personnel with potential
exposure to hydrogen sulfide should work in pairs, wear a gas mask with an all purpose canister or light three minute
unit with a self contained air supply for instantaneous use, and carry wet lead acetate paper on wrists or belt for
detection of dangerous concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. (turns black in the presence of minute amounts of
hydrogen sulfide)
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Not available
Vapor density (Air = 1) : Not available
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : Not Available F
o
C
:
o
Freezing point : Not Available F
o
: C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : 1.105
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Slightly soluble
Odor threshold : Not Applicable
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas/vapor.
Characteristic hydrogen
sulfide - rotten egg odor
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 5 of 7
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable under normal conditions.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID:
Avoid heat, flames, ignition sources, and oxidizing agents.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Hydrogen sulfide present in this mixture can form explosive mixtures with air over a wide range; is dangerously
reactive with fuming or strong nitric acid and strong oxidizers; may ignite on contact with a variety of metal oxides
(i.e.: copper oxide, nickel oxide, silver (I & II) oxide, sodium peroxide); ignites in contact with fluorine and chlorine
monoxide; and forms explosive reactions with oxygen difluoride, notrogen trifluoride and many halogenic
compounds.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Oxides of sulfur.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
MUTAGENIC:
Concentrations between 20 to 95% have produced genetic changes in mammalian cell assay test systems.
12. Ecological Information
ENVIRONMENTAL FATE
Hydrogen sulfide does not absorb solar radiation and therefore does not undergo photolysis or photochemical
reaction with oxygen. Primary chemical transformation of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere is oxidation via
oxygen containing radicals. The persistence of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere is dependent on season, latitude,
and atmospheric conditions, ranging from 1 to 40 days with decreased temperatures and decreased levels of
hydroxide in northern regions increasing residence time.
In soil and water hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to elemental sulfur by microorganisms via oxidization-reduction
reactions which form part of the global sulfur cycle.
ECOTOXICITY
Data indicates that hydrogen sulfide is toxic to a variety of life forms including both domestic and wild animals,
fish, birds, insects and plants.
13. Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP IN
PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 6 of 7
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Compressed gases, n.o.s. Compressed gases, n.o.s.
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
(hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen) (hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen)
2.2 2.2
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1956 UN 1956
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
NONFLAMMABLE GAS NONFLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
Note: For Hydrogen sulfide > 4.3%, ship as compressed gases, flammable, n.o.s., (Hydrogen sulfide in nitrogen),
2.1, UN 1954, FLAMMABLE GAS.
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Chronic Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
This product contains hydrogen sulfide (CAS No.: 7783-06-4) which is listed under SARA 313 with a de minimus
concentration of 1%; under SARA 304, CERCLA with a reportable quantity of 100 pounds, and is a SARA 302,
Extremely Hazardous Substance with a Threshold Planning Quantity of 500 pounds.
16. Other Information
REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION
Many metals corrode rapidly with wet hydrogen sulfide. Anhydrous hydrogen sulfide can be handled in carbon steel,
aluminum Inconel庐, Stellite庐 and 304 and 316 stainless steels. Avoid hard steels which are highly stressed since
they may be susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement from hydrogen sulfide.
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the Hydrogen Sulfide system. All electrical
equipment should be non-sparking or explosion proof. Do not rely on the olfactory sense to detect the presence of
hydrogen sulfide. Analytical devices and instrumentation are readily available for this purpose. Perform frequent
analytical tests to be certain that the TWA is not exceeded.
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of a
compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a
violation of transportation regulations.
DISCLAIMER OF EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make no
representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no responsibility
regarding the suitability of this information for the user鈥檚 intended purposes or for the consequences of its use. Each
individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for their particular purpose(s).
MSDS: G-210
Revised: 6/17/96 Page 7 of 7
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