International Chemical Safety Cards

METHANE ICSC: 0291

METHANE
(cylinder)
CH4
Molecular mass: 16.0
CAS # 74-82-8
RTECS # PA1490000
ICSC # 0291
UN # 1971;1972
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.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
 
EXPOSURE


INHALATION Unconsciousness.
Ventilation. Breathing protection if high concentration.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Serious frostbite.
Cold-insulating gloves.
ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
EYES


INGESTION


SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
Fireproof. Cool. Ventilation along the floor and ceiling.

F symbol
R: 12
S: 9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0291 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

METHANE ICSC: 0291

I
M
P
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R
T
A
N
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D
A
T
A
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, COMPRESSED OR LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH NO ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is lighter than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: ppm; mg/m3 simple asphyxiant (ACGIH 1993-1994).
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:
Contact with compressed or liquid gas may cause frostbite.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
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
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
NOTES
Density of the liquid at boiling point: 0.42 kg/l. The substance may travel to a source of ignition and flash back. 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.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-622, 20G04
NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 0;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0291 METHANE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or 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. 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.