ACETYLENE

ICSC: 0089

ACETYLENE
Ethine
Ethyne
(cylinder)
C₂H₂
Molecular mass: 26.0
CAS # 74-86-2
RTECS # AO9600000
ICSC # 0089
UN # 1001 (dissolved)
EC # 601-015-00-0

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 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). Use reduced-sparking handtools. Use flame arrester to prevent flash-back from burner to cylinder.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
INHALATION	Dizziness. Dullness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves.	Rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.
EYES		Safety goggles or face shield.	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: see Chemical Dangers. Cool.

Special insulated cylinder.
F+ symbol
R: 5-6-12
S: 9-16-33
UN Haz Class: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0089

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

ACETYLENE

ICSC: 0089

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS DISSOLVED IN ACETONE UNDER PRESSURE.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize due to heating. The substance decomposes on heating and increasing pressure , causing fire and explosion hazard. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with oxidants and with fluorine or chlorine under influence of light, causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with copper, silver, and mercury or their salts, forming shock-sensitive compounds (acetylides).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.
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. The substance may cause effects on the nervous system.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -85°C
Melting point: -81°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 1.66
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4460

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.907
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 299°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.5-82

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES

Piping material for this gas must not contain over 63% of copper. Check oxygen content before entering area. After use for welding, turn valve off; regularly check tubing, etc., and test for leaks with soap and water.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G25
NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 3;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0089	ACETYLENE
© 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.