International Chemical Safety Cards

METHYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0419

METHYL CHLORIDE
Chloromethane
Monochloromethane
(cylinder)
CH₃Cl
Molecular mass: 50.5
CAS # 74-87-3
RTECS # PA6300000
ICSC # 0419
UN # 1063
EC # 602-001-00-7

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.	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.
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		STRICT HYGIENE!
INHALATION	Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness. Vomiting. Staggering gait.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	MAY BE ABSORBED! ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.
EYES	(See Skin).	Safety goggles, face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
INGESTION

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof if in building.

F+ symbol
Xn symbol
R: 12-40-48/20
S: (2)-9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0419

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

METHYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0419

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS LIQUEFIED GAS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible, and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen chloride and phosgene. Reacts violently with powdered aluminium, powdered zinc, aluminium trichloride and ethylene causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals in the presence of moisture.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 50 ppm; 103 mg/m³ STEL: 100 ppm; 207 mg/m³ (skin) (ACGIH 1994-1995).

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

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 liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and lungs , resulting in impaired functions. Exposure may result in liver and kidney damage. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxic effects upon human reproduction.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -24.2°C
Melting point: -97.6°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.92
Vapour pressure, kPa at 21°C: 506

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.8
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 632°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 8.1-17.4%

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.