International Chemical Safety Cards

ETHYLENE ICSC: 0475

ETHYLENE
Ethene
(cylinder)
C2H4/CH2=CH2
Molecular mass: 28.0
CAS # 74-85-1 1
RTECS # KU5340000
ICSC # 0475
UN # 1962
EC # 601-010-00-3
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Use non-sparking handtools.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE


  • INHALATION
    		• Drowsiness. Unconsciousness.
    		Ventilation.
    		Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN



  • EYES



  • INGESTION



    • SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. Eliminate ignition sources and turn off gas at source if possible (extra personal protection: chemical suit with self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants.

    F+ symbol
    R: 12
    S: (2-)9-16-33
    UN Hazard Class: 2.1
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0475 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    ETHYLENE ICSC: 0475

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas is lighter than air. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance may polymerize to form aromatic compounds under the influence of temperatures above 600°C. Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; mg/m3 (a simple ashyxiant) (ACGIH 1995-1996).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

    INHALATION RISK:
     On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Exposure may result in lowering of consciousness.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: -104°C
    Melting point: -169.2°C
    Solubility in water: none
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 15°C: 8100
    		 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.98
    Flash point: flammable gas
    Auto-ignition temperature: 490°C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 2.7-36.0
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    N O T E S
    High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-136
    NFPA Code: H1; F4; R2;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0475 ETHYLENE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.