Ethylene

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

the fire if possible. CONTACT THE NEAREST AFROX BRANCH. Main Hazards. All Cylinders are portable gas containers, and must be Protective clothing. Exposed fire fighters should wear approved self- regarded as pressure vessels at all times. The hazardous contained breathing apparatus with full face mask. properties of Ethylene are its flammability, and its potential to Safety gloves and safety shoes or boots should cause asphyxia by displacement of air, with the resultant lowering be worn when handling cylinders. of the oxygen content below that necessary to support life. Environmental precautions. As the gas is lighter than air, ensure that it is Adverse Health effects. Prolonged inhalation of substantial concentrations not trapped in confined spaces. This could lead to the formation results in unconsciousness; light and moderate anaesthesia is of a highly explosive gas-air mixture. Ventilate all confined attained, and deep anaesthesia seldom occurs. Inhalation is fatal spaces using forced-draught if necessary. Ensure that all only if the gas acts as a simple asphyxiant, depriving the body of electrically powered equipment is flameproof. necessary oxygen. Direct contact with liquid form can cause frostbite and freeze-burns in exposed tissues. 6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Chemical hazards. No hazardous decomposition compounds formed. Personal precautions. As Ethylene is a simple asphyxiant care should be Biological Hazards. No deleterious action by Ethylene on circulatory, taken when entering confined spaces where leaks have occurred. respiratory, or other systems or organs has been observed. Do not enter any potentially hazardous area with any source of Exhalation eliminates the major portion of Ethylene within ignition, such as a lit cigarette or match. minutes, although complete de-saturation from body fat takes Environmental precaution. Ethylene does not pose a hazard to the several hours. environment. An explosive gas-air mixture could be formed Vapour Inhalation. Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple when leaks occur, so eliminate all forms of ignition. asphyxiants may include: rapid breathing, diminished mental Small spills. Small leaks should be extinguished by shutting off the source alertness, impaired muscular co-ordination, faulty judgement, of supply, e.g. closing the valve on the cylinder, or tightening the depression of all sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. gland nut where appropriate. If unable to stop small leaks the As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and cylinder should be moved into the open, well away from any loss of consciousness may result, eventually leading to source of ignition. Should a small leak have ignited, use a multi- convulsions, coma, and death. purpose dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguisher should there Eye contact. The gas has no known effect. Contact with be no extinguisher available, a welder’s glove or heavy cloth, evaporating liquid may cause tissue freezing. soaked in water, may be used to extinguish the flame. Skin contact. Contact with rapidly evaporating liquid can cause Large spills. Stop the source if it can be done without risk. Eliminate all cryogenic “burns” or frostbite. Frostbite effects sources of ignition and static discharges. Restrict access to the are a change in colour of the skin to grey or white, area until completion of the clean-up procedure. Post-relevant possibly followed by blistering. warning signs. Wear adequate protective clothing when working Ingestion. None known. Ingestion is unlikely. near the source of the leak. Ventilate the area using forced draught if necessary. Ensure that all equipment is flameproof. 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE Do not allow cylinders to slide or come into contact with sharp edges. Ethylene cylinders may be stacked horizontally provided that they are firmly secured at each end to prevent rolling. Ensure that equipment