ICSC 0232 - BUTANE

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BUTANE

ICSC: 0232
_{November 2003}

n-Butane

CAS No: 106-97-8
RTECS No: EJ4200000
UN No: 1011
EC No: 601-004-00-0

(cylinder)
C₄H₁₀
Molecular mass: 58.1

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 powder, carbon dioxide.
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) if in liquid state. 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.	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid.	EU classification F+ Symbol R: 12 S: (2-)9-16-33 Note: C UN classification UN Hazard Class: 2.1

EMERGENCY RESPONSE	SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1011 NFPA Code: H1; F4; R0	Fireproof. Cool.

IMPORTANT DATA

Physical State; Appearance
ODOURLESS, COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS.

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible, and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen. As a result of flow, agitation, etc., electrostatic charges can be generated.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: (aliphatic hydrocarbon gases, Alkane C1-C4) 1000 ppm (as TWA) (ACGIH 2005).
MAK: 1000 ppm, 2400 mg/m³; Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: D; (DFG 2006).

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

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this liquid evaporates very quickly displacing the air and causing a serious risk of suffocation when in confined areas.

Effects of short-term exposure
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES	ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -0.5°C Melting point: -138°C Relative density (water = 1): 0.6 Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 20°C: 0.0061 Vapour pressure, kPa at 21.1°C: 213.7 Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.1 Flash point: -60°C Auto-ignition temperature: 365°C Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-8.4 Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.89

NOTES

Check oxygen content before entering area.
Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Information except physical properties also apply for Isobutane (CAS 75-28-5).
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Card has been partly updated in October 2005. See section Physical properties.
Card has been partially updated in July 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2006

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Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

Updated by AS. Approved by GS. Last update: 29.01.2008