ACETYLENE
SYNONYMS:
ACETILENO
(Spanish); ACETYLEN; ACETYLENE, DISSOLVED; EEC No. 601-015-00-0; ETHINE;
ETHYNE; NARCYLEN; WELDING GAS
IDENTIFICATION:
CAS:
74-86-2
DOT ID:
UN1001
(dissolved)
Hazard Class or Division:
FORBIDDEN (liquefied); 2.1 (UN1001)
ERG Guide:
116
Formula:
C2H2
RTECS No.:
AO9600000
Properties:
Flammable,
compressed gas. Colorless. Ether-like when pure; mild, garlic-like odor due to
impurities. This flammable gas is slightly lighter than air, and will disperse
slowly unless confined. Shipped in pressurized cylinders, under pressure,
partially filled with acetone. Soluble in water. Not shipped by rail tank cars.
Uses:
Oxyacetylene
gas welding and cutting.
HEALTH & SAFETY INFORMATION
• NIOSH Criteria Document
: NIOSH 76-195 • Not irritating to eyes, nose
or throat. Gas is heavier than air and can accumulate at ground level, causing
oxygen deficiency and risk of suffocation in confined areas. If inhaled will
cause headache, difficult breathing, or drowsiness and loss of consciousness.
Contaminated acetylene, produced by mixing water and calcium carbide, may
contain arsine, phosphine, or hydrogen sulfide. Exposure may result in
long-term effects from contaminants.
Exposure Limits:
•
ACGIH TLV: A simple asphyxiant
•
NIOSH REL: 2500 ppm/2662 mg/m3 CEILING
•
OSHA PEL: None
Reactivity:
A
strong reducing agent that reacts violently with oxidizers. Forms explosive
mixture with air. Forms shock sensitive mixture with copper and copper salts,
mercury and mercury salts, and silver and silver salts. Piping material for
this gas must not contain more than 63% of copper. Reacts with bromine, cesium
hydride, chlorine, cobalt, cuprous acetylise, fluorine, iodine, mercuric
nitrate, nitric acid, potassium, rubidium hydride, trifluoromethyl
hypofluorite, and sodium hydride.
FIRE INFORMATION:
Vapors may travel long distances to sources of ignition and
flash back. Vapors in confined areas or cylinders may explode in fire. Ruptured
or venting cylinders may rocket a considerable distance through storage or work
area. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream
users of potentially contaminated water.
Hazard Classifications:
Health Hazard (Blue)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0
Flammability (Red)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Reactivity (Yellow)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Flash
Point: 0°F (–18°C) (Flammable gas)
Flammable
Limits in Air: LEL 2.5%; UEL 82%
Autoignition
Temperature: 581°F (305°C)
Note:
May
be generated by mixing calcium carbide and water. Acetylene produced by the
calcium carbide process may contain other hazardous materials: arsine,
phosphine, or hydrogen sulfide. Levels of 100,000 ppm may produce slight
intoxication; levels of 200,000 ppm may produce a staggering walk; at 300,000
ppm, general incoordination may occur; 350,000 ppm for 5 minutes can cause
drowsiness and loss of consciousness; 800,000 ppm results in complete
anesthesia
with increased blood pressure and rapid breathing.
FIRST AID:
Move
victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply artificial respiration
if victim is not breathing. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Remove and
isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with liquefied gas,
thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure that
medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take precautions
to protect themselves.
ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
•
Clean Air Act: Section 112(r), Accidental Release Prevention/Flammable
substances (Section 68.130) TQ = 10,000 lbs (4540 kg)
•
EPA Hazardous Waste Number (RCRA No.): D001
•
California LOL: MN