PRODUCT NAME: ACETYLENE

CHEMICAL NAME: Acetylene

COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Ethyne, Acetylen, Ethine

TDG Classification: 2.1

WHMIS Classification: A, B1

Prepared by: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)273-7700

PREPARATION DATE: 04/01/95

REVIEW DATES: 04/01/95

LATEST Revision Date: 04/01/95

PREVIOUS REVISION DATE: None

Simple Asphyxiant. This product does not contain oxygen and may cause asphyxia if released in a confined area. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. May cause anesthetic effects. Highly flammable under pressure. Spontaneously combustible in air at pressures above 15 psig. Acetylene liquid is shock sensitive.

Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No

None known since product is a gas at room temperature. Contact of liquid acetone with the eyes may cause temporary irritation.

Skin effects are not likely. Contact with liquid acetone may cause irritation and dermatitis upon repeated exposures.

Ingestion is unlikely, since acetylene is a gas at room temperature.

Acetylene is an asphyxiant and may cause anesthetic effects at high concentrations. High concentrations may exclude an adequate supply of oxygen to the lungs. Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple asphyxiants may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death.

Under normal operating conditions, acetone is not released from the cylinder. However, if the cylinder is overcharged with acetone or acetylene, acetone may occassionally "spit" out. Acetone is primarily a central nervous system toxin causing headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fatigue. Moderate concentrations may cause respiratory irritation.

Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental animals.

None normally required. Consult a physician if direct contact with pressurized material occurs. Immediately flush with low pressure, cool water for at least 15 minutes, opening eyelids to ensure flushing. Get medical attention.

Wash affected areas with soap and warm water. If irritation develops, seek medical attention.

None normally required.

PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.

Victims should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important. If breathing has stopped administer artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. Keep victim warm and quiet.

*Pure acetylene can ignite by decomposition above 15 psig; therefore, the UEL is 100% if the ignition source is of sufficient intensity.

GASEOUS ACETYLENE IS SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE IN AIR AT PRESSURE ABOVE 15 PSI (207 kPa.). It requires a very low ignition energy so that fires which have been extinguished without stopping the flow of gas can easily reignite with possible explosive force. Acetylene has a density very similar to that of air so when leaking it does not readily dissipate. Gas may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.

Fires involving acetylene occur occassionally at fusible metal pressure relief plugs at the tops and bottoms of cylinders, commonly due to hot metal or slag being dropped on the fusible plugs. When the fusible plug releases a large volume of acetylene will rush out, creating a "roaring" sound. The flame may extend a foot or two away from the cylinder until the pressure is reduced. In some cases, the other end of the cylinder may develop a coating of frost.

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical.

WARNING: ALWAYS EXTINGUISH A FIRE BEFORE CLOSING THE CYLINDER VALVE. If the flame is small from the fusible plug or valve stem, try to put it out. Wear SCBA and fully protective clothing for fire fighting. If the fire is allowed to keep burning it is likely that the fusible plug will melt and result in a large release of acetylene. A glove or heavy cloth or any wet material slapped on the flame will frequently extinguish it.

If the flame is large, burning from a fusible plug, DO NOT try to put it out unless the cylinder is outdoors or in a very well ventilated area free from sources of ignition. Usually it is very difficult to extinguish large fires because the escaping acetylene may be reignited by adjacent ignition sources, thereby possibly creating a confined space explosion. Keep containers cool with water spray.

Evacuate all personnel from affected areas. Isolate the area for over 1/2 mile in all directions in the event of leakage of a tank, rail car or tank truck. Use appropriate protective equipment.

If possible to do safely, shut off ignition sources and stop the leak by closing the valve. For small leaks, cylinders may be moved to an area outdoors and away from any source of ignition. Circumstances which, it is advisable to attempt removal of the cylinder are when cylinders are in close proximity to other compressed gases, when highly flammable materials or hazardous materials are in the vicinity of the acetylene cylinder(s), or where protection of the building is unusually difficult and spreading of a fire may produce a major loss of life or property. When the cylinder is removed, it may be hosed down with water to keep it cool. Open valve slowly to let the acetylene escape. Tag the cylinder with "WARNING - Leaking Flammable Gas". Close valve when empty.

Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user's equipment, be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve, contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.

Class 1, Group A.

Acetylene is shipped in a cylinder packed with a porous mass material, and a liquid solvent, commonly acetone. Acetylene is dissolved in the acetone solution and dispersed throughout the porous medium. When the valve of a charged acetylene cylinder is opened, the acetylene comes out of solution and passes out in the gaseous form.

IT IS CRUCIAL THAT FUSE PLUGS IN THE TOPS AND BOTTOMS OF ALL ACETYLENE CYLINDERS BE THOROUGHLY INSPECTED WHENEVER HANDLED. REMOVE AND QUARANTINE IN A SAFE LOCATION ANY DEFECTIVE CYLINDER.

Post "NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in the storage area or use area. There should be no sources of ignition in the storage or use area.

Use only in well-ventilated areas. Stationary customer site vessels should be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's and BOC instructions. Do not attempt to repair, adjust or in any other way modify the operation of these vessels. If there is a malfunction or other type of operations problem with the vessel, contact the closest BOC location immediately for assistance.

Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. DO NOT allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 125^oF (52^oC). Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full cylinders from being stored for excessive periods of time.

Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve outlet piping to use point. Close valve after each use and when the container is empty. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders on their sides. Use a suitable hand truck for container movement. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting container to piping or systems. Do not use gas directly from container. Do not heat container by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the container.

Never attempt to repair or alter cylinders. Never tamper with pressure relief devices or fusible plugs. Under no circumstances allow a torch flame to contact the fusible plug. While welding, avoid contact of the cylinder welding equipment or electrical circuits.

If rough handling or other occurrences should cause any fusible plug to leak, move the cylinder to an open space well away from an possible source of a sign on the cylinder warning of "Leaking Flammable Gas".

Unless oxygen and acetylene are separated, there should be a non-combustible partition of at least 5 ft high with a fire resistance rating of one-half hour between cylinders. In the U.S. cylinders stored inside a building near user locations must be limited to a total capacity of 2500 ft³ of gas, exclusive of in-use or attached for use cylinders.

Do not store cylinders on their side. This makes the acetylene less stable and less safe, and increases the likelihood of solvent loss and resultant decomposition.

For additional information, consult the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) pamphlets P-1, G-1, SB-4-1990; NFPA #51-1984, and OSHA 1910 Subpart H & Q.

Refer to individual state or provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than those listed here.

Provide general room ventilation and local exhaust to prevent accumulation above the exposure limit and to maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Mechanical ventilation should be designed in accordance with electrical codes.

Safety goggles or glasses as appropriate for the job.

PVC or rubber in laboratory; as required for cutting and welding.

Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for emergency use.

Safety shoes.

Unstable - shock sensitive in the liquid state. Do not allow free gas (outside of cylinder) to exceed 15 psig. Do not expose cylinders to sudden shock or heat. Acetylene will decompose violently with cylinder failure.

Oxygen and other oxidizers including all halogens and halogen compounds. Forms explosive acetylide compounds with copper, mercury, silver, brasses containing >66% copper and brazing materials containing silver or copper.

Acetylene decomposes at high pressure to its constituent elements of carbon and hydrogen. Carbon monoxide may be produced from burning.

Under certain conditions, acetylene forms readily explosive acetylide compounds when in contact with copper, silver, and mercury. Therefore, use of acetylene and these metals, or their salts, compounds, and high concentration alloys should be avoided.

The presence of moisture, certain acids or alkaline materials tends to enhance the formation of copper acetylides.

Temperatures as low as 250^oF (121^oC) at high pressure, or at low pressure in the presence of a catalyst are sufficient to initiate a polymerization reaction. The hazard here is that the polymerization normally liberates heat and may, therefore, lead to ignition and decomposition of acetylene if conditions permit.

Low concentrations (10-20% in air) cause symptoms similar to that of being intoxicated. As a narcotic gas or intoxicant, it causes hypercapnia (an excessive amount of carbon dioxide in the blood). Repeated exposures to tolerable levels has not shown deleterious effects.

TC_LO , human - Inhalation of 20 ppb inhaled has been shown to cause headache and dyspnea.

Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental animals.

No data given.

Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.

Acetone is regulated as a Hazardous Substance under CERCLA.

Acute Health Hazard

Fire Hazard

Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard

Reactivity Hazard

This product contains the following toxic chemicals subject to reporting requirements of section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372:

CAS NUMBER INGREDIENT NAME PERCENT OF VOLUME

67-64-1 Acetone Unknown

This information must be included on all MSDSs that are copied and distributed for this material.

INGREDIENT: Acetone

CAS NUMBER: 67-64-1

REGULATIONS: ILL MAS NJS NJW PAW STC WHM

ILL - Illinois Toxic Substance

MAS - Massachusetts Hazardous Substance

NJS - New Jersey Special Health Hazardous Substance

NJW - New Jersey Workplace Hazardous Substance

PAW - Pennsylvania Workplace Hazardous Substance

STC - SARA Section 313 Toxic Chemical

WHS - WHMIS (Canada)

INGREDIENT: Acetylene

CAS NUMBER: 74-86-2 PERCENT BY VOLUME: 95.0 to 99.6

REGULATIONS: ILL MAS NJS NJW PAW WHM

ILL - Illinois Toxic Substance

MAS - Massachusetts Hazardous Substance

NJS - New Jersey Special Health Hazardous Substance

NJW - New Jersey Workplace Hazardous Substance

PAW - Pennsylvania Workplace Hazardous Substance

STC - SARA Section 313 Toxic Chemical

WHS - WHMIS (Canada)

In Canada, regulations limit the capacity of acetylene cylinders stored inside a building at user locations to a total capacity of 2160 ft3 of gas in unsprinklered combustible structures, or 6130 ft3 in sprinklered buildings of combustible or non-combustible structures.

Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a

violation of transportation regulations.

Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no responsibility regarding the suitability of this information for the user's intended purposes or for the consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for their particular purpose(s).