International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROGEN SULFIDE ICSC: 0165

HYDROGEN SULFIDE
Sulfuretted hydrogen
Sulfur hydride
(cylinder)
H2S
Molecular mass: 34.1
CAS # 7783-06-4
RTECS # MX1225000
ICSC # 0165
UN # 1053
EC # 016-001-00-4
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. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding) if in liquid state. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Dizziness. Headache. Laboured breathing. Nausea. Sore throat. Unconsciousness. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 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
    		• Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
    		Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION

    		• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

    F+ symbol
    T+ symbol
    N symbol
    R: 12-26-50
    S: (1/2-)9-16-28-36/37-45-61
    UN Hazard Class: 2.3
    UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0165 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    HYDROGEN SULFIDE ICSC: 0165

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS, COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR OF ROTTEN EGGS.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic gas (sulfur dioxide - see ICSC # 0074). Reacts violently with strong oxidants, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals and some plastic.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 10 ppm; 14 mg/m3 (as TWA); 15 ppm; 21 mg/m3 (STEL) (ACGIH 1997).
    OSHA PEL: C 20 ppm 50 ppm 10-minute maximum peak
    NIOSH REL: C 10 ppm (15 mg/m3) 10-minute
    NIOSH IDLH: 100 ppm


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

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure may result in unconsciousness. Exposure may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: -60°C
    Melting point: -85°C
    Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.5
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.19
    		 Flash point: Flammable Gas
    Auto-ignition temperature: 260°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 4.3-46
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.
    N O T E S
    Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-826
    NFPA Code: H3; F4; R0;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0165 HYDROGEN SULFIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.