IPCS INCHEM Home
METHANEICSC: 0291 (February 2000)
Methyl hydride
CAS #: 74-82-8
UN #: 1971
EC Number: 200-812-7

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Extremely flammable.  Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with water spray, powder, carbon dioxide.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 

   
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
Inhalation Suffocation. See Notes.  Use ventilation. Use breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention. 
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Cold-insulating gloves.  ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Wear safety goggles.  First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention. 
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.1 

STORAGE
Fireproof. Cool. Ventilation along the floor and ceiling. 
PACKAGING
 
METHANE ICSC: 0291
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS ODOURLESS COMPRESSED OR LIQUEFIED GAS. 

Physical dangers
The gas is lighter than air. 

Chemical dangers
 

Formula: CH4
Molecular mass: 16.0
Boiling point: -161°C
Melting point: -183°C
Solubility in water, ml/100ml at 20°C: 3.3
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.6
Flash point: Flammable gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 537°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5-15
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.09  


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Effects of short-term exposure
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. 

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this substance can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Density of the liquid at boiling point: 0.42 kg/l.
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Check oxygen content before entering area.
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
After use for welding, turn valve off; regularly check tubing, etc., and test for leaks with soap and water.
The measures mentioned in section PREVENTION are applicable to production, filling of cylinders, and storage of the gas.
Other UN number: 1972 (refridgerated liquid), Hazard class: 2.1. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
Symbol: F+; R: 12; S: (2)-9-16-33 

All rights reserved. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Neither ILO nor WHO nor the European Commission shall be responsible for the interpretation and use of the information contained in this material.


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations