MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
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: ETHYLENE
CHEMICAL NAME: Ethylene
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Elayl; Ethene; Etherin; Acetene
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.1
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, B1
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 7/1/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Ethylene >98.0 to 99.95 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: C2H4
CAS: 74-85-1
RTECS #: KU5340000
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%. Extremely flammable.
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
MSDS: G-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 1 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
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 anticipated as product is a gas at room temperature.
SKIN EFFECTS:
None anticipated.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
None known. Ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple asphyxiants 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.
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:
Never introduce ointment or oil into the eyes without medical advice! If pain is present, refer the victim to an
opthalmologist for treatment and follow up.
SKIN:
Adverse effects are not anticipated as product is a gas at room temperature.
INGESTION:
None required.
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO
ETHANE. RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS. Victims should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from
the contaminated area is most important. If breathing has stopped administer artificial resuscitation and
supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Keep victim warm and quiet.
MSDS: G-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 2 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Flammable gas
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
Temperature: 968oF (520oC)
Not Available Not Available
LEL(%): 3.1 UEL(%): 32
Hazardous combustion products: Carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: Not Available
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Explodes spontaneously when mixed with chlorine in sunlight.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical or water spray.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
If possible stop the flow of gas supply. Use water spray to cool adjacent areas.
6. Accidental Release Measures
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
Group C. See NFPA No. 70. Earth ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the ethylene
system. Electrical equipment should be non sparking or explosion-proof.
Ethylene is non-corrosive and may be used with any common structural material.
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 regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<2000 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
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 from being stored for excessive periods of time. Post "NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in
the storage or use area.
MSDS: G-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 3 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Ethylene >98.0 to 99.95 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: C2H4
CAS: 74-85-1
RTECS #: KU5340000
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:
Hood with forced ventilation. Local exhaust to prevent dilution of oxygen levels below 19.5%. Mechanical in
accordance with electrical codes.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Safety goggles or glasses.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Plastic or rubber gloves. Protective gloves made of any suitable material.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Positive pressure air line with full face piece and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be
available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain."
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Above critical temp. psia
Vapor density (Air = 1) : 0.97
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -154 F
o
C
: -103.7
o
Freezing point : -272.6 F
o
: -169 C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Negligible
Odor threshold : Not Applicable
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas with sweet odor
MSDS: G-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 4 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Chlorine, nitrogen dioxide, aluminum chloride, carbon tetrachloride.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
May 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.
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
Ethylene, compressed Ethylene, compressed
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2.1 2.1
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1962 UN 1962
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
FLAMMABLE GAS FLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
15. Regulatory Information
Ethylene is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with a
threshold quantity (TQ) of 10,000 pounds.
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
MSDS: G-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 5 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: ETHYLENE
SARA TITLE III - SECTION 313 SUPPLIER NOTIFICATION:
This product contains the following toxic chemicals subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372:
CAS Number INGREDIENT NAME PERCENT BY VOLUME
74-85-1 ETHYLENE >98.0 TO 99.95
This information must be included on all MSDSs that are copied and distributed for this material.
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-33
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 6 of 6
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