Material Safety Data Sheet
Printable Material Safety Data Sheet

PROPANE HD-5 GRADE
Supplier:

A. Product Information

Synonyms: HD-5, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LP-Gas, LPG, Propane

Chemical Name: Propane
Chemical Family: Paraffinic Hydrocarbon
Chemical Formula: C3H8
CAS Reg No: 74-98-6
Product No: 26161

Product and /or Components Entered on EPA's TSCA Inventory: Yes

This product has been commercially introduced into US commerce, and is listed in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Inventory of Chemicals in Commerce; hence, it is subject to all applicable provisions and restrictions under TSCA 40 CFR, section 721 and 723,250.

B. Hazardous Components

*for n-Butane
NE-Not Established
NA-Not Applicable 

C. Personal Protection Information

NOTE: Personal protection information shown in Section C is based upon general information as to normal uses and conditions. Where special or unusual uses or conditions exist, it is suggested that the expert assistance of and industrial hygienist or other qualified professional be sought.

D. Handling and Storage Precautions

Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. Avoid breathing vapors. Ear protective equipment and/or garments described in Section C if exposure conditions warrant. Wash thoroughly after handling. Launder contaminated clothing before reuse.

Store in cool, well ventilated area away from ignition sources. Provide means for controlling leaks. Bond and ground during transfer. Keep containers closed.

E. Reactivity Data

F. Health Hazard Data

Recommended Exposure Limits:
See Section B

Acute Effects of Overexposure:

Subcronic and Chronic Effects of Overexposure:

Exposure to 1000 ppm for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for approximately 2 weeks produced no abnormal reactions, including cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic functions in humans.

Other Health Effects:

Propane was not mutagenic in the AMES assay.

Health Hazard Categories:

First Aid and Emergency Procedures:

G. Physical Data

H. Fire and Explosion Data

I. Spill, Leak and Disposal Procedures

J. DOT Transportation

K. RCRA Claffication - 
Unadulterated Product as a Waste
Ignitable - D001

L. Protection Required for Work on 
Contaminated Equipment

Wear protective equipment and/or garments described in Section C if exposed conditions warrant. Contact immediate supervisor for specific instructions before work in initiated.

M. Hazard Classification 
X This product meets the following hazard definition(s) as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR Section 11910.1200):

__ Based on information presently available, this product does not meet any of the hazard definitions of 29 CFR Section 1910.1200.

N. Additional Comments

This product contains the following chemical or chemicals subject to the report requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and 40CFR Part 372. (See Section B)

Propylene

This Material Safety Data Sheet and the information it contains is offered to you in good faith as accurate. We have reviewed any information contained in this data sheet which we received from sources outside our company. We believe that information to be correct but cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Health and safety precautions in this data sheet may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the user's obligation to evaluate and use this product safely and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. No statement made in this data sheet shall be construed as a permission or recommendation for the use of any product in a manner that might infringe existing patents. No warranty is made, either express or implied.

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, 2.1, UN 1075 DANGER!  EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

FIRE OR EXPLOSION:

Important Odorant Information

Ethyl Mercaptan is the preferred warning agent in liquid propane applications.  This is because in addition to meeting NFPA #98 guidelines for odorization of LP gases, its liquid/gas equilibrium properties more closely match that of propane and it has higher odor intensity at lower concentrations when compared to other odorized agents.  Ethyl Mercaptan was first chosen as a viable warning agent in a study by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1931 and later confirmed in independent studies by the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) in 1977.

Although ethyl mercaptan has excellent warning properties NFPA #58 A-1-4 states, “It is recognized that no odorant will be completely effective as a warning agent in every circumstance.”  Studies conducted by Gas Research Institute (GRI), Institute of Gas Technology (IGT), Bartlesville Energy Technology Center Natural Gas Odorizing Inc. and other highlight instance where odorants may not be as effective.  For example, it has been reported that odor fading caused by chemical oxidation and absorption can occur in vessels and distribution systems carrying odorized propane.  In an underground leak, the odorant may be absorbed by the soil as the gas passes through the soil to the surface.  In a basement, the odorant may be absorbed by masonry surfaces.  Extreme cold weather may also reduce the effectiveness of the odorant.  It has also been reported that being exposed to an odor for a period of time may affect a person’s ability to detect that odor.  Other odors in the area, such as a musty basement may mask or cover up the L.P. Gas odor.

“CHEMICAL OXIDATION” Contact with air (oxygen) rust, or other oxidation agents over a period of time can result in odorant fading.  Chemical Oxidation is most likely to occur in newly installed tanks and in rusty wet or improperly prepared tanks.  For this reason it is extremely important for propane tanks to be properly purged especially when the tank is new or has been allowed to run empty, thus allowing potential air or water contamination.  A purging procedure is described by the National L.P. Gas Association in their Bulletin NLGPA #133.80.1

ETHYL MERCAPTAN

In order to detect its presence and prevent an explosion of built up propane gas, odorant (usually ethyl mercaptan) is added to liquid gas.  Ethyl Mercaptan is normally used to stench propane because it is chemically stable when mixed with propane and has many of the same physical characteristics.  It has a very distinct odor and has a fast odor impact which makes it easier to detect a leak.  To familiarize yourself with this distinctive odor, you can request Scratch and Sniff leaflets from Hancock Gas Service, Inc., P.O. Box 761, Findlay, Oh 45839.

WARNING

Under certain circumstances, not everyone can smell ethyl mercaptan.  Some people simply cannot smell certain odors, including ethyl mercaptan.  Physical conditions such as competing odors, common colds and allergies, smoking, eating, etc. temporarily may lessen a person’s ability to smell.  Additionally, high concentrations of odorous substances, including ethyl mercaptan, temporarily may shock, or essentially paralyze, a person’s sense of smell.  Cold weather also may have a negative effect:  it reduces volatility, which may lower the ratio of mercaptan in the air, and may impair the sense of smell.

Some odorants, such as ethyl mercaptan, can oxidize under certain circumstances; oxidation diminishes the chance that a leak will be detected.  Also, the odorant may be absorbed by surfaces under certain conditions (for example, movement of the gas through soil diminishes the distinctive odor).  Oxidation can occur if the ethyl mercaptan comes into contact with oxidizing compounds, such as rust (iron oxide).

Oxidation may result in the partial “fading” of the perceived gassy smell of odorized propane.  “Fading” has been demonstrated to occur in tanks containing rust.  Because oxygen and water can form rust, it is important that all propane containers be purged of air and moisture before use and that the internal tank surface be passivated to neutralize any existing rust.