METHANE (ICSC)

METHANE	ICSC: 0291

Date of peer-review: October 2000

Methyl hydride
(cylinder)

CAS #

74-82-8

CH₄

RTECS #

PA1490000

Molecular mass: 16.0

UN #

1971

EC #

601-001-00-4

TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray, powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE
Inhalation	Suffocation. See Notes.	Ventilation. Breathing protection if high concentration.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Safety goggles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. (Extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus). NEVER direct water jet on liquid.

EU Classification
Symbol: F+
R: 12
S: (2-)9-16-33
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-refridgerated liquid 622-1; LPG 622-2; 20G04 NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 0;

Fireproof. Cool. Ventilation along the floor and ceiling.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2001

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

METHANE

ICSC: 0291

IMPORTANT DATA

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, COMPRESSED OR LIQUEFIED GAS, WITH NO ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is lighter than air.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: simple asphyxiant (ACGIH 2000). MAK not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -161°C
Melting point: -183°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 3.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.6

Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 537°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-15
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.09

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES

Density of the liquid at boiling point: 0.42 kg/l. High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. After use for welding, turn valve off; regularly check tubing, etc., and test for leaks with soap and water. The measures mentioned in section PREVENTION are applicable to production, filling of cylinders, and storage of the gas. Other UN number: 1972 (refridgerated liquid), Hazard class: 2.1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information

    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations