MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
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: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
CHEMICAL NAME: Gas Mixture
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: None
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.2
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/21/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Nitrogen 95-100 Not Available Not Available Simple
FORMULA: N2 asphyxiant
CAS: 7727-37-0
RTECS #: QW9700000
Ethane 0-5 Not Available Not Available Simple
FORMULA: C2H6 asphyxiant
CAS No.: 74-84-0
RTECS #: KH3800000
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
This product is a colorless, flammable gas with slight gasoline odor. High concentrations of gas may
accumulate in confined or poorly ventilated areas, displacing oxygen and causing unconsciousness or
death. Use only with adequate ventilation. Contents under pressure. Protect containers from
physical damage.
MSDS: G-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 1 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
No No No Yes No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
No No No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No No
Synergistic Effects
None known
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Adverse effects are not anticipated.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Adverse effects are not anticipated.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Accidental ingestion is unlikely as at ambient temperature and pressure (STP) this product is a gas.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Release of sufficient quantities of this product may cause asphyxiation or suffocation by displacing oxygen
content in the air. Symptoms of asphyxiation may begin with decreased night vision followed by decreased
alertness, air hunger, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and decreased coordination.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: None known
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 1 (as ethane) Health: 1 (as ethane) 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 4 Flammability: 0 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
Flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation occurs or persists, seek medical
attention.
SKIN:
Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected area with water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
INGESTION:
Product is a gas.
MSDS: G-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 2 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE
PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.
Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the
contaminated area is most important. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If breathing has stopped, give
artificial respiration. Seek medical attention.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Not flammable
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
None Not Applicable Temperature: None
LEL(%): None (3.0 for ethane) UEL(%): None (12.5 for ethane)
Hazardous combustion products: CO and CO2
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Non-flammable. Mixtures < 12% ethane in N2 are considered non-flammable due to the blanketing effect of N 2.
Containers may explode when exposed to heat or flames. Ethane is a flammable gas which is heavier than air
and may tend to accumulate in low lying areas.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Water spray to keep cylinders cool. Dry chemical and carbon dioxide for small fires. For large fires use water
spray or fog.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Continue to cool heat or flame exposed cylinders 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
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Extinguish all ignition sources. (i.e.: smoking, sparks) Stop flow of
gas or move cylinder outside. Use appropriate protective equipment including respiratory protection for high or
unknown concentrations. Personnel should not re-enter hazard area until adequate atmospheric oxygen is re-
established. If leak is in user鈥檚 equipment, be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs.
If leak is in container or container valve, contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1
or call your closest BOC location.
7. Handling and Storage
Electrical classification:
Non-hazardous
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.
MSDS: G-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 3 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
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 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 system.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heavily trafficked
areas, ignition sources and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed
130oF (54oC). Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over.
Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full
cylinders being stored for excessive periods of time.
For additional storage recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association鈥檚 Pamphlet P-1.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic liquid form in an enclosed space such
as a car trunk, van or station wagon. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Nitrogen 95-100 Not Available Not Available Simple
FORMULA: N2 asphyxiant
CAS: 7727-37-0
RTECS #: QW9700000
Ethane 0-5 Not Available Not Available Simple
FORMULA: C2H6 asphyxiant
CAS No.: 74-84-0
RTECS #: KH3800000
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.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust ventilation as necessary to maintain atmospheric oxygen levels above 19.5%.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Under normal working conditions, none required. When high or unknown
concentrations may be present a NIOSH/MSHA approved full-facepiece SCBA operated in positive pressure
mode should be worn.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Safety glasses are recommended.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes
MSDS: G-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 4 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Above critical temp.
Vapor density (Air = 1) : Not Available
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -195.79 C (liquid, as N2)
Freezing point: : Not Available
pH : Not Available
Specific gravity at STP : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Negligible
Odor threshold : 25300 ppm (For ethane)
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas with slight gasoline odor
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS: Ethane is incompatible with chlorine, dioxygenyl tetrafluoroborate,
oxidizing materials, heat and flame.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Thermal decomposition will produce toxic CO and CO2.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
INHALATION: Signs of asphyxia are generally noted when atmospheric oxygen content is decreased to 15-
16%. The reduction of atmospheric oxygen concentration to 6-8% generally results in unconsciousness leading
to death. At 15 to 19% when mixed with oxygen ethane is a weak cardiac sensitizer.
12. Ecological Information
FATE: In soil and water, volatilization of ethane is expected to be the dominant removal process however,
adsorption may occur. Ethane is not expected to undergo direct photolysis in the atmosphere. Ethane is
predicted to have an atmospheric half-life of about 52 days or greater assuming 5 X 105 hydroxyl radicals/cm3
atmospheric concentration.
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-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 5 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHANE (0-5%) IN NITROGEN
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Compressed gases, n.o.s. Compressed gas, n.o.s.
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
(Ethane, Nitrogen) (Ethane, Nitrogen)
2.2 2.2
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1956 UN 1956
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
NONFLAMMABLE GAS NONFLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
15. Regulatory Information
Ethane is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 1212(r) of the CAA with a Threshold
Quantity (TQ) of 10,000 pounds, (40 CFR Part 68).
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
16. Other Information
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-272
Revised: 6/21/96 Page 6 of 6
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