International Chemical Safety Cards

PROPYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0192

PROPYLENE OXIDE
1,2-Epoxypropane
Methyloxirane
Methyl ethylene oxide
Propene oxide
CH₃CHCH₂O/C₃H₆O
Molecular mass: 58.1
CAS # 75-56-9
RTECS # TZ2975000
ICSC # 0192
UN # 1280
EC # 603-055-00-4

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Powder, alcohol-resistant foam, water spray, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Do NOT use compressed air for filling, discharging, or handling. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!
INHALATION	Cough. Sore throat.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest.
SKIN	Redness.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	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. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from acids, bases, oxidants. Cool.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
F+ symbol
T symbol
R: 45-12-20/21/22-36/37/38
S: 53-45
Note: E
UN Hazard Class: 3
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0192

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

PROPYLENE OXIDE

ICSC: 0192

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
VERY VOLATILE COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

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

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may polymerize violently under the influence of bases, acids and metal chlorides with fire or explosion hazard. Reacts violently with chlorine, ammonia, strong oxidants, acids causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 20 ppm; 48 mg/m³ (as TWA) (ACGIH 1994-1995).

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 34°C
Melting point: -104°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 40.5
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 59
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.0

Relative density of the vapour/air-mixture at 20°C (air = 1): 1.6
Flash point: -37°C c.c.
Auto-ignition temperature: 449°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2-38.5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.03

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.