ACETYLENE (ICSC)

ACETYLENE	ICSC: 0089

Date of Peer Review: May 2003

Ethine
Ethyne
(cylinder)

CAS #

74-86-2

C₂H₂

RTECS #

AO9600000

Molecular mass: 26.0

UN #

1001

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 non-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. Headache. Suffocation.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin
Eyes			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

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. (Extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).

Special insulated cylinder.
EU Classification
Symbol: F+
R: 5-6-12
S: (2-)-9-16-33
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

STORAGE

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1001
NFPA Code: H 1; F 4; R 3;

Fireproof. Separated from - see Chemical Dangers. Cool.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 1999

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ACETYLENE

ICSC: 0089

IMPORTANT DATA

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

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

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:
TLV: Simple asphyxiant, (ACGIH 2003).
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:
Suffocation.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -85°C
Melting point: -81°C
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.12
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4460
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.907

Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 305°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.5-100
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.37

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. The technical product may contain impurities which alter the health effects; for further information see ICSC0694 Phosphine.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the CEC nor 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

See Also:
        Acetylene (CHEMINFO)