Ethylene

Hazard statements (CLP)

H220, H280, H336

Code

Statements

H220

Extremely flammable gas

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Classification under South African Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations subsequently amended. (HCS) - Classification under the Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) - FLAMMABLE GASES - Category 1 - GASES UNDER PRESSURE - Liquefied gas - SPECIFIC TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY (SINGLE EXPOSURE) (Narcotic effects) - Category 3 Emergency Colour: Colourless Overview Odour: Faint, Sweet, Musty. Taste: None Physical State: Compressed Gas Form: Gas under pressure Main Hazards - All cylinders are portable gas containers and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated - The hazardous properties of Ethylene are its flammability, and its potential to cause asphyxia by displacement of air, with the resultant lowering of the oxygen content below that necessary to support life.. - Extremely flammable gas - May cause drowsiness or dizziness - May cause frostbite - May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation - May form explosive mixtures with air Adverse Health - Asphyxiant Effects - Direct contact with liquid form can cause burns similar to frostbite - Prolonged inhalation of substantial concentrations results in unconsciousness; light and moderate anaesthesia is attained, and deep anaesthesia seldom occurs - Prolonged inhalation of substantial concentrations results in unconsciousness; light and moderate anaesthesia is attained, and deep anaesthesia seldom occurs. Inhalation is fatal only if the gas acts as a simple asphyxiant, depriving the body of necessary oxygen. Direct contact with liquid form can cause frostbite and freeze- burns in exposed tissues. Chemical - Extremely Flammable Biological - The greatest physiological effect of Ethylene is to cause asphyxiation - No deleterious action by Ethylene on circulatory, respiratory, or other systems or organs has been observed. Exhalation eliminates the major portion of Ethylene within minutes, although complete de- saturation from body fat takes several hours Vapour - Asphyxiation Inhalation - Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple asphyxiants may include rapid breathing, diminished mental alertness, impaired muscular co-ordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death GHS - Gas under pressure – Liquified gas

Classifications

Extremely flammable – Category 1 - Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) - Category 3

Signal word

Danger

Hazard statements

H220: Extremely flammable gas. - H280: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated - H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness GHS

Precautionary statements

P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flame/ /hot surfaces. No smoking - P261: Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/ vapours/spray - P271: Use only outdoors or in a well ventilated area. - P280 : Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection

Response

P377 Leaking gas fire Do not extinguish, unless leak can be stopped safely - P381: Eliminate all ignition sources if safe to do so - P304 + P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P312 Call a POISON CENTRE/doctor if you feel unwell

Storage

P410 + 403: Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place - P233: Keep container tightly closed - P405 Store locked up

Disposal

P501 Dispose of contents in accordance with local/regional/national/international regulations. - Return unused content and container to supplier for safe disposal

2.3 Other hazards

Liquid can cause burns similar to frostbite that do not result in