MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
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: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
CHEMICAL NAME: Methane in Inert Gas Mixture
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Not Applicable
TDG CLASSIFICATION: 2.1
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, B1
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/26/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Methane 5.0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: CH4
CAS: 74-82-8
RTECS #: PA1490000
Argon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Ar
CAS: 7440-37-1
RTECS #: CF2300000
Helium 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: He
CAS: 7440-59-7
RTECS #: MH6520000
Krypton 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Kr
CAS: 7439-90-9
RTECS #: Not Available
Neon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Ne
CAS: 7440-01-9
RTECS #: QP4450000
Nitrogen 0 to 100 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: QW9700000
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Xenon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Xe
CAS: 7440-63-3
RTECS #: ZE1280000
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
Simple asphyxiant - maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Flammable.
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 Reported
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
None.
SKIN EFFECTS:
None.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
None. Ingestion is unlikely since product is a gas at room temperature.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
All components of this product are classified as simple asphyxiants. This mixture may displace oxygen if
released in a confined space. Effects of oxygen deficiency may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental
alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional instability,
and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result,
eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death.
Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental
animals.
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 0 Health: 0 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 4 Flammability: 4 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
None required.
SKIN:
None required.
INGESTION:
None required.
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. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area, given
artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Flammable
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
Temperature: 1076oF (580oC)
Not Available Not Applicable
LEL(%): 5.0% (Methane) UEL(%): 15% (Methane)
Hazardous combustion products: Carbon Monoxide
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: Not Availablee
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Flammable if methane concentration exceeds 5.0 %.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Water, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
If possible, stop the flow of gas mixture. Use water spray to cool surrounding containers.
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
6. Accidental Release Measures
Extinguish all ignition sources. Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective
equipment. 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:
Class 1, Group B. Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the gas mixture. Electrical
equipment should be non sparking and explosion proof.
These mixtures are noncorrosive and may be used with any common structural material.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the container. Use
a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the container. For additional
recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association鈥檚 Pamphlet P-1.
Protect containers 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 temperatures where
containers are stored to exceed 130oF (54oC). Containers should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent
falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use "first in-first out" inventory
system to prevent full containers being stored for excessive periods of time.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Methane 5. to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: CH4
CAS: 74-82-8
RTECS #: PA1490000
Argon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Ar
CAS: 7440-37-1
RTECS #: CF2300000
Helium 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: He
CAS: 7440-59-7
RTECS #: MH6520000
Krypton 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Kr
CAS: 7439-90-9
RTECS #: Not Available
Neon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Ne
CAS: 7440-01-9
RTECS #: QP4450000
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Nitrogen 0 to 100 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: N2
CAS: 7727-37-9
RTECS #: QW9700000
Xenon 0 to 100.0 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Applicable
FORMULA: Xe
CAS: 7440-63-3
RTECS #: ZE1280000
1
Refer to individual state or 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 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Use local exhaust to maintain the oxygen level in the air to between 19.5 and 24.5% and the methane
concentration below 5.3%.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Safety goggles or glasses, appropriate for the job, may be used as necessary for other aspects of the job.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves made of any suitable material appropriate for the job, may be used if necessary.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus, should be
available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower if necessary for the job.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Not Available
Vapor density : Not Available
Evaporation point : Not Available
Boiling point : Not Available
Freezing point : Not Available
pH : Not Available
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Slightly soluble
Odor threshold : Not Applicable
Odor and appearance : Odorless; colorless gas.
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
None.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Carbon monoxide.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
No data given in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) or Sax, Dangerous Properties
of Industrial Materials, 7th ed.
Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental
animals.
12. Ecological Information
No data given.
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.
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Compressed Gases, Flammable, n.o.s., Compressed Gases, Flammable, n.o.s.,
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
(Methane, Nitrogen, Rare Gases) (Methane)
2.1 2.1
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1954 UN 1954
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
FLAMMABLE GAS FLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
MSDS: G-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: CH4/INERT MIXTURE (FLAMMABLE)
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
SARA TITLE III - SECTION 313 SUPPLIER NOTIFICATION:
This product does NOT contain any ingredients which are regulated on the U.S. EPA List of Toxic Chemicals
(40 CFR 372), and is therefore not subject to release reporting under Section 313 of EPCRA/SARA Title III.
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-285
Revised: 6/26/96 Page 7 of 7
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