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An odoriferous agent is added in a very
small amount with the aim of detecting its presence in the event
of leaks. This odoriferous agent is in fact a mixture of
mercaptans, mainly ethylmercaptan, which is added in a very weak
concentration.
Uses and Sources of Emission :
Fuel, propelling agent.
Hygiene and Safety
:
I-Appearance :
Pure, it is a colourless and odourless
gas, in the absence of mercaptans.
II-Physical Properties
:
Physical State : Gas
Molecular Mass : 44,09
Density : N/A
Solubility in Water :
Not very soluble
Vapor Density (air=1) :
1,55
Melting Point : -187,7 °C
Boiling Point : -42,1 °C
Vapor Tension : N/A
Separation Coefficient (water/oil) :
0,004437
Olfactive Detection Limit :
N/A
Conversion Factor (ppm-mg/m³) :
1,803
Evaporation Rate (ether=1)
: N/A
III-Data on Fire Hazards
:
T° of Auto-Ignition
: 450 °C
Lower Explosive Limit
: 2,1% to 25 °C
Upper Explosive Limit
: 9,5% to 25 °C
Prevention
:
I- Protection Measures
:
The laws and by-laws in Occupational
Health & Safety aim at the elimination of the hazards at the
source. When engineering means and modifications of the working
methods are not sufficient to reduce the exposure to this
substance, the wearing of individual protection equipment can
prove to be necessary. These protection gears must be in
conformity with the regulation.
II-Respiratory Tract
:
Wear respiratory protection if the
concentration in the work environment is higher than the VEMP (1
000 ppm or 1 800 mg/m³).
III-Skin :
Wear skin protection. The selection of
the skin protection equipement depends on the nature of the work
to carry out.
IV-Eyes:
Wear ocular protection if there is a
risk of splashes. The selection of an ocular protection gear
depends on the nature of the work to carry out and, if it is
necessary, on the type of of respiratory protection gear
used.
Protection equipement :
I-Respiratory Tract Protection
Equipment :
Respiratory protection gears must be
chosen, adjusted, maintained and inspected in accordance with
regulation.
II-NIOSH recommends the following respiratory protection
gears according to concentrations in the air:
A-Entry (planned or emergency) in a
Zone where the Concentration is Unknown or in a Situation of IDLH
(2100 ppm) :
Any autonomous respiratory protection
gear provided with a complete mask working on request or any other
one functioning on positive pressure.
Any respiratory protection gear
supplying air with a full mask functioning on request or on
positive pressure coupled with an auxiliary autonomous respiratory
protection gear functioning on request or on positive
pressure.
B-Emergency Evacuation :
Any autonomous respiratory protection
gear adapted for evacuation.
C-Up to 2 100 ppm :
Any air-supplying respiratory protection
gear.
Any autonomous respiratory protection
gear provided with a complete mask.
Reactivity :
I-Stability :
This product is stable.
II-Incompatibility :
This product is incompatible with these
substances : Strong oxidizing agents such as chlorine, fluorine,
etc (can cause fire or explosion).
Thermal decomposition (starting at 650
degrees Celsius) :
-ethylene,
-acetylene,
-propylene,
-methane,
-ethane,
-hydrogen.
Handling
:
I-
Handle away from any source of ignition.
II-
Do not smoke.
III-Use nonmetal tools.
IV-The equipment must be grounded.
V-Ventilate adequately, if not wear a suitable
breathing gear.
VI-Compressed gas bottles should not undergo violent
shocks and one should never use a damaged bottle.
VII-Bottles must be attached upright or retained in a
carriage when they are used.
VIII-Do not use compressed gas bottles for ends than
those for which they are intended.
Storage :
I-Store away from any source of heat and ignition.
II-Store in a cool place, sheltered from oxidizing
materials.
III-Ground containers and put them in a well
ventilated place.
IV-Compressed gas bottles must be kept away from any
heat source likely to raise the temperature of the content above
55 °C, be provided with a protection cap for the valves when
they are not in use, be stored upright and firmly secured in
place.
V-Compressed gas bottles connected in series by a
collector must be supported, maintained together and form a unit,
using a framework or another installation designed for this
purpose.
VI-Taps and safety devices must be sheltered from
shocks.
Leaks :
I-Eliminate all sources of ignition.
II-Reduce the concentration of vapors by spraying
water.
III-Close the valve of the cylinder and to turn it
over to the supplier.
Waste :
I-Let the gas escape into the atmosphere.
II-In the case of large amounts, consult local
authorities.
Toxicology
:
I-Absorption :
This product is absorbed by the
respiratory tract.
II-IDLH : Immediate danger to Life
and Health : 2 100 ppm.
III-Acute Effects :
Exposure to very high concentrations
:
-depression of the central nervous
system and
-simple asphyxia :
* dyspnea,
* respiratory distress,
* dizzy spells,
* narcosis,
* loss of conscience,
* possibility of death.
Possibility of frostbites in contact
with liquid gas
IV-Pregnancy :
A-Effects on Development :
No data concerning an effect on
development was found in the consulted documentary sources.
B-Effects on Reproduction
:
No data concerning the effects on
reproduction was found in the consulted documentary sources.
C-Data on Breast Milk :
It is found in the mother's milk in
animals.
V-Cancerogenic Effects :
No data concerning cancerogenic effects
was found in the consulted documentary sources.
VI-Mutagenic Effects :
No data concerning mutagenic, in vivo or
in vitro, effects on cells of mammals was found in the consulted
documentary sources.
First aid
:
I-Inhalation :
In the event of inhalation of gas, bring
the person into a ventilated place. If it does not breathe, give
him artificial respiration.
Call a doctor
II-Skin Contact
:
In the case of frosbite, apply tepid
water.
Consult a doctor.
Quebec's Exposure Limit
:
Valeur d'Exposition Moyenne
Pondérée (VEMP) :
1 000 ppm 1 800 mg/m³
References :
1-Sax's Dangerous Properties of
Industrial Materials, Lewis C., dernière
édition.
Article by Edouard Bastarache Edouard Bastarache is a well known doctor that has written many articles on the subject of toxicity of ceramic materials and books on technical aspects of ceramics. He writes in both English and French.
