Propane

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Product-Specific hazards and other issues :

- This product is of low acute toxicity.

- Simple asphyxiant, high concentrations can displace oxygen and cause drowsiness and dizziness.

- Possible cardiac sensitization.

- Sudden release of this material from pressurized vessels may result in cryogenic burns (frostbite).

- Remove contaminated clothes except in the case of frostbite.

* Note 1 for Propane, CAS No. 74-98-6

a) If the substance contains Propylene Oxide at >=0.1% then add phrases: May cause cancer. Product is genotoxic.

b) If the substance contains Propylene Oxide and Acetaldehyde at >=0.1% then add phrases: May cause cancer. Product is genotoxic.

c) If the substance contains Acetaldehyde at >=0.1% then add phrase: May cause cancer.

General advice :

- Always observe self protection methods.

- Move out of dangerous area.

- Get medical attention immediately.

- Show the material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.

Inhalation :

- Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.

- Do not leave the victim unattended.

- Keep patient warm and at rest.

- Immediately seek medical attention.

- If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.

- If unconscious place in recovery position and seek medical advice.

- In the event of unconsciousness, apnea or cardiac arrest (no pulse) apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Skin contact :

- Non-irritating to the skin.

- Dermal contact with rapidly evaporating liquid could result in freezing of the tissues or frostbite.

- If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do not rub the affected area or flush with water.  To prevent further damage, do not attempt to remove frozen clothing from affected area.  If frostbite has not occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.

Eye contact :

- This gas is non-irritating; but direct contact with liquified/pressurized gas or frost particles may produce severe and possibly permanent eye damage from freeze burns.

- If eye tissue is frozen, seek medical attention immediately.  If tissue is not frozen, thoroughly flush the eyes with large amounts of clean low-pressure water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids.  If irritation persist seek medical attention.

Ingestion :

- This product is a compressed gas; hence oral exposure and resulting acute toxicity are unlikely.

Advice to Physician :

- Treat symptomatically.

- Treatment of overexposure should be directed at the control of symptoms and the clinical - condition of the patient.

- Simple asphyxiant

- High vapor concentrations may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression with symptoms - such as dizziness, weakness, headache, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness, coma and death.

- Epinephrine and other sympathomimetic drugs may initiate cardiac arrhythmias (irregular beating) in persons exposed to this material.

-Skin or eye irritation is not likely, but evaporating liquid might cause frost injuries.

- Look for evidence of frostbite.

- Treat frost-bitten areas as needed.

* Note 2 for Propane, CAS No. 74-98-6

a) If the substance contains Propylene Oxide at >=0.1% then add phrases:

The results of cancer studies in laboratory animals indicate that propylene oxide is able to produce site of contact tumors by certain inhalation or oral exposures.  The mode of action for the tumorigenic responses indicates chronic irritation, cytotoxicity, and consequential cellular proliferation may play a role in tumor development with the presence of a practical threshold significantly above environmental and work-place exposure levels.  

b) If the substance contains Propylene Oxide and Acetaldehyde at >=0.1% then add phrases:  The results on cancer studies in laboratory animals indicate that acetaldehyde is able to produce nasal tumors after chronic inhalation.

- The results of cancer studies in laboratory animals indicate that propylene oxide is able to produce site of contact tumors by certain inhalation or oral exposures.  The mode of action for the tumorigenic responses indicates chronic irritation, cytotoxicity, and consequential cellular proliferation may play a role in tumor development with the presence of a practical threshold significantly above environmental and work-place exposure levels.  

c) If the substance contains Acetaldehyde at >=0.1% then add phrase: May cause cancer.

The results on cancer studies in laboratory animals indicate that acetaldehyde is able to produce nasal tumors after chronic inhalation.

Fire-fighting measures

Suitable extinguishing media:

Small fires :

- Use dry chemicals,  CO2.

Large fires :

- Use water spray or fog.

Unsuitable extinguishing media :

- Do NOT use water jet.

Combustion products :

- Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, smoke, fumes and unburned hydrocarbons.

Specific hazards during fire-fighting :

- Keep away from all ignition sources!

- Vapors may travel long distances along the ground before reaching a source of ignition and flashing back.

- When mixed with air and exposed to ignition source, vapors can burn in open or explode if confined.

- DO NOT extinguish a leaking gas fire unless leak can be stopped. Explosive atmosphere could form.  Evacuate area and fight fire from a maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.  Containers can build up pressure if exposure to heat; cool with flooding quantities of water until well after the fire is out.  DO NOT direct water at source of leak or pressure relief devices, icing may occur.  Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of vessel.  Always stay away from the ends of "bullet" tanks.

- Contents under pressure.

- When exposed to open flames or high heat, it can burn and explode.

- Sustained fire attack on vessels may result in a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE).

- Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.

- Potential explosion hazard from reignition, if fire is put out without shutting off source.

- Fire residues and contaminated fire extinguishing water must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Special protection equipment for fire-fighters :

- Wear an approved positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and firefighter turnout gear.

- Structural firefighters protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

- Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions :

- Use personal protective equipment.

- Ensure adequate ventilation.

- Eliminate all sources of ignition.

- Evacuate personnel to safe areas.

- Beware of vapors accumulating to form explosive concentrations.  Vapors can accumulate in low areas.

- Enter area only if strictly necessary. A combustible gas detector can be used to check for flammable gas or vapors.

Environmental precautions :

- Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

- Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.

- Maritime spillages should be dealt with according to a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP), as required by MARPOL Annex1 Regulation 26.

- If the product contaminates rivers and lakes or drains inform respective authorities.

Methods for cleaning up :

- Eliminate all sources of ignition.

- Let evaporate.

- All equipment used when handling this product must be grounded.

- Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

- Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

- If possible, turn leaking container so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

- Suppress (knock down) gases/vapors/mists with a water spray jet.

- Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

- Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

- Spillages of liquid product in the water will likely result in a quick and complete vaporization of the product.  Isolate the area and prevent fire/explosion hazard for ships and other structures, taking into account wind direction and speed, until the product is completely dispersed.

- Note: recommended measures are based on the most likely spillage scenarios for this material; however, local conditions (wind, air temperature, wave/current direction and speed) may significantly influence the choice of appropriate actions.  For this reason, local experts should be consulted when necessary.  Local regulations may also prescribe or limit actions to be taken.

- In those cases when the presence of dangerous amounts of H2S in the leaked/spilled product is suspected or proved, additional or special actions may be warranted, including access restrictions, use of special protection equipment, procedures and personnel training.

Handling and storage

Handling

Advice on safe handling :

- Sudden release of this material from pressurized vessels may result in cryogenic burns (frostbite).

- If inspection shows cylinders in poor condition, immediately contact supplier.

- Keep away from all sources of ignition.

- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.

- While moving cylinder, always keep in place removable valve cover.

- Securely chain cylinders when in use and protect against physical damage.

- Take necessary action to avoid static electricity discharge (which might cause ignition of organic vapors).

- Use only non-sparking tools.

- Bond and ground all equipment before transferring this material from one container to another.

- The vapor is heavier than air. Beware of accumulation in pits and confined spaces.

- Use only in well ventilated areas.

- Wear recommended personal protective equipment.

- Contact with liquid and with containers and delivery lines from which LPG has just been drawn, should be avoided to prevent cold burns.

Fire-fighting class

- Extremely Flammable gas.

Storage

Requirements for storage areas and containers :

- Compressed gases should be stored in a separate safety storage cabinet or room.

-Keep away from direct sunlight.

- Empty containers may contain flammable product residues. Do not weld, solder, drill, cut or perform similar operations on or near containers.

- Ensure that all relevant regulations regarding explosive atmospheres, and handling and storage facilities of flammable products are followed.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

UN-Number : 1965

Shipping

Labels:

Labels : 2.1

SpecialProvisions

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

UN-Number : 1965

Shipping

Labels:

Labels : 2.1

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

UN-Number : 1965

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Description of the goods : HYDROCARBON GAS MIXTURE, LIQUIFIED, N.O.S. (PROPANE)

Chemical name:

propane

Labels:

Labels : 2.1

Remarks

Shipping

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Engineering measures :

- Both local exhaust and good general room ventilation must be provided not only to control exposure but also to prevent formation of flammable mixtures.

Personal protective equipment:

Respiratory protection :

- Use appropriate respiratory protection where atmosphere exceeds recommended limits.

- Use only approved supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus operated in positive pressure mode.

- If needed, wear a supplied air respirator conforming to a European norm standard such as EN 139 or equivalent.

Hand protection :

- Wear insulated gloves if contact with liquid is possible.

- The selected gloves must satisfy the European norm standard EN 511 for protection against the cold.

Eye protection :

- Safety glasses and face shield are recommended when handling compressed gas.

- Use chemical type goggles and face shield when handling liquefied gases.

- The selected goggles or glasses must satisfy the European norm standard EN 166.

Skin and body protection :

- Clothing such as insulated impervious gloves to protect against exposure to cold liquid or gas should be worn.

- Fire retardant clothing is appropriate for routine occupational use.

- The selected clothing must satisfy the European norm standard EN 533.

Hygiene measures :

- Selection of appropriate personal protective equipment should be based on an evaluation of the performance characteristics of the protective equipment relative to the task(s) to be performed, conditions present, duration of use, and the hazards and/or potential hazards that may be encountered during use.

- Emergency eye wash fountains and safety showers should be available in the immediate vicinity of any potential exposure.

- Use good personal hygiene practices.

- Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities.

Environmental exposure controls

- An authoritative evaluation of environmental exposure and risk indicates that no special risk management practices are needed to control environmental release.

Stability and reactivity

Chemical stability :

- This material is stable when properly handled and stored.

Conditions to avoid :

- Heat, sparks, open flame, other ignition sources, and oxidizing conditions.

Materials to avoid :

- Strong oxidizing agents.

- Halogenated hydrocarbons.

- Nitrogen Dioxide.

- Fluoride compounds.

- Halogens (bromine, chlorine, fluorine).

- Metal catalysts.

Hazardous decomposition products :

- Thermal decomposition may produce oxides of carbon and other toxic gases and liberate heat and pressure.

Hazardous reactions :

- Not expected to occur.

- Vapors may form explosive mixture with air.

- Note: Stable.

Disposal considerations

Product :

- Assure emissions comply with applicable regulations.

- Contaminated product, soil, water, container residues and spill cleanup materials may be hazardous wastes.

- Contaminated product, soil or water should be considered dangerous due to potential evolution of flammable vapor.

- Proper grounding procedures to avoid static electricity should be followed.

- The product should not be allowed to enter drains, water courses or the soil.