MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
ETHYLENE
SUPPLIER DETAILS
Supplier Name: Renegade Gas (Pty) Ltd
T/A Supagas (NSW) &
Supagas (QLD)
Head Office Address: 5 Benson Road, Ingleburn, 2565
Telephone: (02) 8788 4444
Fax: (02) 8788 4445
Emergency: 24hr EMERGENCY TELEPHONE
No. 1300 651 106
EMERGENCY SERVICES: DIAL 000
Website: www.supagas.net.au
HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
CLASSIFIED AS FLAMMABLE ACCORDING TO NOHSC
CRITERIA. CLASSIFIED AS A DANGEROUS GOOD BY THE
CRITERIA OF THE ADG CODE.
COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON
INGREDIENTS
Product Name: Chemical Name:
Manufacturer’s Code:
UN Number: DG Class: Packaging Group: Subsidiary Risk(s): Hazchem Code:
EPG No: Poisons Schedule: Uses: Ethylene
Ethylene
1962
2.1
Not allocated
None allocated
2PE
Fruit ripening gas
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION & PROPERTIES
Appearance: Liquefiable Hydrocarbon.
Colourless gas & liquid, slight
sweet odour, poor warning
properties
Solubility (water):
0.24 cm3/cm3
Molecular Formula:
C2H4
Molecular Weight:
28.05g/mol
Boiling Point: -104°C
Melting Point: -169°C
Cylinder pressure:
approx 5,000kPa @ 20ºC
Volatiles: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: No applicable
Vapour Density:
2.09kg/m3
Flash Point:
Not available
Upper explosive limit in air: 34% (Ethylene)
Lower explosive limit in air: 2.7% (Ethylene)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 425°C
Cylinder pressure when full @ 15°C: approx 5,000kPa
Cylinder colour:
Red shoulder and black body
SHEET NO. XX
COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON
INGREDIENTS
OTHER PROPERTIES
Material compatibility: Flammable, non-corrosive
INGREDIENTS
Variable Mixture
Name: Ethylene (C2H4) CAS: (74-85-1)
Proportion:100%
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
HEALTH EFFECTS
A simple asphyxiant. May cause drowsiness & dizziness.
Acute: Swallowed: Not applicable.
Skin: Not irritating to skin.
Eyes: Not irritating to eyes. Possible physical damage on
exposure to high pressure gas stream.
Inhaled: Simple asphyxiant. May replace oxygen in the
atmosphere. Symptoms of approaching asphyxia include
accelerated pulse rate, increase in the rate and volume of
respiration, decreased ability to think clearly, inattention
and loss of muscle coordination. At only 10-14% oxygen,
judgment becomes faulty; there may be an inability to feel
pain, rapid fatigue. At oxygen levels below 10%, there may
be nausea and vomiting, and an inability to move. Below
6% oxygen, breathing is likely to be in gaps, with risk of
convulsions. Inhalation of this mixture containing no oxygen
may result in unconsciousness from the first breath and death
will follow in a few minutes.
Chronic: Breathing atmosphere of very low oxygen (less than
10%) may result in permanent brain damage.
LC50 (Inhalation): No data
FIRST AID
If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or Poisons
Information Centre. Ph: 13 11 26
Eyes: Not applicable
Skin: Not applicable
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove from contaminated area. To
protect rescuer, use an Air-line respirator or Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Be aware of possible explosive
atmospheres. Apply artificial respiration if not breathing.
Medically trained personnel may need to administer oxygen
if required.
Ingestion: Due to product form and application, ingestion is
considered unlikely. For advice, contact Poison Information
Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia Wide) or a doctor (at once).
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
ETHYLENE continued
FIRST AID FACILITIES
SPILLS AND DISPOSAL
Recommended: Oxygen resuscitation equipment. Selfcontained breathing apparatus, and trained personnel, for
rescue operations.
Advice to Doctor: Treatment for asphyxiation. Contact
Poisons Information Centre.
Cylinders should be returned to the manufacturer or supplier
for disposal of contents.
CAUTION: Before dealing with spillage take the necessary
protective measures; inform others to keep at a safe
distance. For flammable materials, shut off all possible
sources of ignition. Extinguish all naked flames. NO
SMOKING. Switch off or shut down all non-flameproof
equipment. Shut off pressure regulator or cylinder valve if
safe to do so. Isolate cylinder if safe to do so. Relieve system
pressure. Disconnect cylinder and remove to a safe, open
area. Allow to vent slowly to atmosphere. If leak is from
cylinder or valve, immediately inform cylinder supplier or
emergency services as appropriate. Do not attempt to repair
damaged valve or regulator. Contact supplier for specific
assistance.
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
EXPOSURE LIMITS
National Occupational Health & Safety Commission
(NOHSC) – (Worksafe Australia)
TLV-TWA: None assigned by NOHSC. Designated simple
asphyxiant.
TLV-STEL: None assigned by NOHSC. Designated simple
asphyxiant.
Engineering Controls: Ensure adequate ventilation (same as
outdoors) at all times. Consider local mechanical exhaust or
forced ventilation if working in enclosed spaces.
Personal Protection: Do not breathe high vapour levels.
Wear leather gloves and safety glasses. Where an inhalation
risk exists, wear Self Contained Breathing A (SCBA) respirator
and an Air-line respirator.
Flammability: Highly flammable. Product will add fuel to
a fire. Eliminate all ignition sources (open flames, spark
producing switches/tools, heaters, naked lights, pilot lights,
mobile phones, etc).
SAFE HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE AND TRANSPORT
Storage Temperature: UN Class: Packaging Group: UN Number: EPG Number: Correct Shipping Name: Room Temperature
2.1 Flammable gas, Non-toxic
Not allocated
1962
Not allocated
Ethylene
Observe requirements of The Australian Code for the
Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. Observe
the requirements of State Dangerous Goods (Storage and
Handling) Regulations.
STORAGE ADVICE
Store cylinders upright and secured in a cool, well-ventilated
place, out of direct sunlight, below 45 °C. Do not store
near ignition sources or incompatible materials. Keep
cylinders tightly closed. Keep away from naked flames
and other sources of ignition. NO SMOKING. Store away
from oxidising agents, especially oxygen. Segregate full
and empty cylinders. Rotate cylinders in storage to ensure
that they are not stored for excessive periods. Protect from
physical damage, particularly valves and regulators.
SHEET NO. XX
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
Ethylene is Highly flammable. Temperatures in a fire may
cause cylinders to rupture and internal pressure relief
devises to be activated. This product will add fuel to the
fire. Stop flow of gas if safe to do so. If gas source cannot
be isolated, do not extinguish the flame as re-ignition and
explosion could occur. Await arrival of emergency services or
manufacturer’s advisor. Cool cylinders with water, spray from
a protected place. Do not approach cylinders that may be
hot. Evacuate if cylinders cannot be cooled.
DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS
Ethylene will generate carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide
and water vapour when burnt. Keep Well Clear.
In case of small fire/explosion, refer to “Fire/Explosion
Hazard” above.
In case of major emergency:
Hazchem Code:
2PE
UN Number: 1962
Extinguishant: Drench and cool cylinder with
water spray from protected area
Danger of violent reaction Yes
or explosion?
Protective Clothing: Breathing apparatus and
protective gloves for fire only
Appropriate Measures: Dilute
Evacuate? Yes
OTHER INFORMATION
Do not use leaking or damaged cylinders, regulators and
fittings. Do not use oil or grease on cylinders or fittings.
Incompatible with oxidising agents, acids, heat and ignition
sources. Also incompatible (potentially violently) with oxygen,
halogens and metal halides.
Report Reviewed: 22 January 2013