Material Safety Data Sheet

Transcription

1 1 IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE AND COMPANY a) SUBSTANCE: Natural Gas b) COMPANY: Bord Gáis Éireann PO Box 51 Gasworks Road Cork Telephone: (021) Emergency Telephone: COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS The main constituent of natural gas is: Methane (chemical formula CH 4 ) EINECS No CAS No Natural gas does not contain other components or impurities which will influence the classification of the product. A trace of proprietary odorant is added for safe identification. 3 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION Compressed gas is extremely flammable. Gas-air mixture may explode if ignited. Explosive limits: 5 to 15 vol. % in air. Asphyxiant (due to oxygen displacement). 4 FIRST AID MEASURES Inhalation of high concentrations of gas may cause asphyxiation. Symptoms may include loss of mobility and/or unconsciousness. The victim may not be aware of oncoming asphyxiation. Page 1 of 5 Approval 5 GK December 2006

2 Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, remove the patient to an uncontaminated, well ventilated area. If breathing has stopped, administer artificial respiration. Call for professional medical attention. Keep patient warm and rested without applying artificial heat. Regularly check breathing. Do not administer food or drink without professional advice. 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES 5.1 Internal Fires If a fire occurs in a premises that has a gas supply, the gas supply should be shut off at the meter control valve or emergency control valve. 5.2 General Fire Fighting Measures Gas burning freely in air will not produce hazardous products of combustion. Do not extinguish a leaking gas flame unless absolutely necessary. Extinguishing gas flames without isolating the gas flow will result in unburned gas being released into the atmosphere leading to the possibility of an explosion. Extinguish other fires in the area of the leak by suitable means and cool the area using water fog. When the means of isolating the gas supply are in place, the order of actions should be as follows: 1. The flame should be extinguished. 2. The gas supply should then be turned off immediately. All common extinguisher types (e.g. water, carbon dioxide, dry powder, AFFF foam) may be used. Page 2 of 2

3 Note: In confined spaces use self contained breathing apparatus. Incomplete combustion may lead to the production of carbon monoxide. 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES In the event of gas leakage, isolate the supply if possible and ventilate the area. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Dial and provide details. Evacuate people from the area. Wear self contained breathing apparatus when entering the area unless the atmosphere has been tested and declared safe. 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE Natural gas is lighter than air and will migrate upwards through a structure. Ensure adequate ventilation at all levels. All gas installations must be suitably bonded and earthed to avoid the possibility of ignition by static electrical release or by stray current leakages. Keep away from ignition sources. System must be purged with an inert gas such as oxygen-free nitrogen before natural gas is introduced. Precautions must be taken to prevent the pressure in a gas system reducing to atmospheric pressure as this may cause air induction which could cause an explosion if ignited. 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION All gas installations must be designed, constructed, tested and operated in compliance with recognised standards and codes of practice. Work areas suspected of gas leakage must be ventilated, gas tested and if doubt exists, self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn. Page 3 of 3

4 9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Mean Molecular weight : 16 to 18 Melting point : -182 C Boiling point : -161 C Relative density : 0.55 to 0.70 (at 15 C and kpa) Solubility in water : 3.3 litres gas/100 litres water Appearance/Colour : Colourless gas Odour : Odorised gas has a pungent odour resembling rotting vegetation Autoignition temperature : 535 C to 595 C Flammability/explosive range : 5 to 15 Vol. % in air 10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY Stable at normal temperatures and pressures. Materials to avoid: halogens and oxidisers. May form explosive mixture with air or oxygen. 11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION No known toxicological effects. 12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION When discharged in large quantities natural gas may contribute to the greenhouse effect. No other known ecological damage. 13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Do not discharge in areas where there is a risk of forming an explosive gas/air mixture. Gas for disposal should be flared through a suitable burner fitted with flash-back arrestor and located in a safe area. Do not discharge into any place where its accumulation could cause a risk of asphyxiation or explosion. Page 4 of 4

5 Contact Bord Gáis Éireann if further guidance is required. 14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION Natural gas is normally transported by means of high pressure transmission pipelines and low/medium pressure distribution pipe networks. All work on these systems is carried out by qualified skilled staff under professional supervision. If natural gas is transported in portable compressed containers, specialist advice should be sought from Bord Gáis Éireann. 15 REGULATORY INFORMATION EU Classification Danger Category : F+ Extremely Flammable Risk Phrases : R12 Extremely Flammable Safety Phrases : S16/33 Keep away from ignition sources including static discharge Natural gas is procured, transmitted and distributed in accordance with the provisions of The Gas Act of 1976, subsequent amending legislation and the gas transportation licences issued by the Commission for Energy Regulation. 16 OTHER INFORMATION Ensure operators understand the flammability hazards. The hazard of asphyxiation is often overlooked and must be stressed during operator training. Natural gas systems and appliances and their operation and maintenance must comply with relevant Irish standards available from the National Standards Authority of Ireland. Details given in this document are believed to be correct at the time they were prepared. While proper care has been taken in the preparation of this document, no liability for injury or damage resulting from its use can be accepted. Page 5 of 5