PRODUCT NAME: methanE

CHEMICAL NAME: CH4

COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Methyl Hydride

TDG Classification: 2.1

WHMIS Classification: A, B1

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

PREPARATION DATE: 03/16/95

REVIEW DATES: 03/16/95

LATEST Revision Date: 03/16/95

PREVIOUS REVISION DATE: None

Simple asphyxiant - maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Extremely flammable. Direct contact with product can cause frostbite and freeze burns in exposed tissues.

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

Contact with evaporating liquid may cause tissue freezing.

Contact with rapidly evaporating liquid can cause cryogenic "burns" or frostbite. Frostbite effects are a change in color of the skin to gray or white, possibly followed by blistering.

None known. Ingestion is unlikely.

Methane and nitrogen are simple asphyxiants. Exposure to high concentrations of this gas mixture may exclude an adequate supply of oxygen. Oxygen levels should be maintained at greater than 19.5% at normal atmospheric pressure.

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.

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

Never introduce ointment or oil into the eyes without medical advice! In case of freezing or cryogenic "burns" caused by rapidly evaporating liquid. DO NOT WASH THE EYES WITH HOT OR EVEN TEPID WATER! Remove victim from the source of contamination. Open eyelids wide to allow liquid to evaporate. If pain is present, refer the victim to an opthalmologist for treatment and follow up. If the victim cannot tolerate light, protect the eyes with a light bandage.

For dermal contact or frostbite, flush affected area with lukewarm water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. A physician should see the patient promptly if the cryogenic "burn" has resulted in blistering of the dermal surface or deep tissue freezing.

Not normally required.

PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO THIS PRODUCT. RESCUE 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.

Methane is slightly heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to an ignition source. Should flame be extinguished and flow of gas continue, increase ventilation to prevent flammable mixture formation in low areas or pockets.

Carbon dioxide, dry chemical or water spray.

If possible stop the flow of gas supply. Use water spray to cool adjacent areas. Be cautious of a Boiling Liquid Evaporating Vapor Explosion, BLEVE, if flame is impinging on surrounding containers. Direct 500 GPM water stream onto containers above liquid level with remote monitors. Limit the number of personnel in proximity to the fire. Evacuate surrounding areas to at least 3000 feet in all directions.

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 D.

Earth ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the ethylene system. Electrical equipment should be non sparking or explosion-proof.

Methane is non-corrosive and may be used with any common structural material.

Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement. Use a pressure regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<3000 psig) piping or systems. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder.

Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of non-combustible construction away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 130^oF (54^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. Post "NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in the storage or use area.

For additional storage recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association's Pamphlets P-1, P-9, P-14, and Safety Bulletin SB-2.

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

Hood with forced ventilation. Local exhaust to prevent dilution of oxygen levels below 19.5%. Mechanical in accordance with electrical codes.

Safety goggles or glasses.

Plastic or rubber gloves. Protective gloves made of any suitable material. Use insulated gloves if contact with liquid product may occur.

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

Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain."

Stable

Oxidizers

Will not occur.

No data given in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) or Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 7th ed.

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.

Acute Health Hazard

Fire Hazard

Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard

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).