MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Propylene Oxide
Page 1 of 3
Date of Issue: 21 Sept 06
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
COMPANY DETAILS
ProSciTech
Company:
Address: PO Box 111, Thuringowa Central Qld. 4817 Australia
Street Address: 1/11 Carlton Street, Kirwan, Qld, 4817. Australia
Telephone Number: (07) 4773 9444
Fax Number: (07) 4773 2244
IDENTIFICATION SECTION
Propylene Oxide
Product Name
Other Names
C156
Product Code
UN 1280
U.N. Number
3
Dangerous Goods Class
and Subsidiary Risk
2PE
Hazchem Code
None allocated
Poison Schedule
Intermediate solvent between resins and alcohol.
Use
Physical Description and Properties
Clear colourless liquid with a sweet ether like odour
Appearance
B.P. 34.2oC
Boiling Point/Melting Point
455oC mm Hg
Vapour Pressure
0.8330 at 20/20oC
Specific Gravity
Tag open cup: <-37.2oC
Flash Point
Tag closed cup: -37.2oC
Lower: 1.7%
Flammability Limits
Upper: 38.5%
39.5% @ 20oC
Solubility in water
Other Properties
Ingredients
Chemical Name CAS Number Proportion
Propylene Oxide 75-56-9 100%
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Propylene Oxide
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Health Effects:
Acute
Ingestion of Propylene Oxide can cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting
Swallowed:
and diarrhoea. Aspiration of Propylene Oxide into the lungs can cause Pneumonitis
which can be fatal.
Propylene Oxide splashed in the eye can cause severe burning, tearing, redness,
Eye:
swelling and corneal burns. Propylene Oxide vapours can also cause severe
irritation.
Propylene Oxide in contact with the skin may cause severe skin irritation and
Skin:
blistering. May cause burns, ulcers and superficial scarring with prolonged contact.
Propylene Oxide in liquid or solution form may be absorbed through the skin and
produce toxic effects. Repeated exposure can result in significant skin absorption.
Excessive inhalation of vapours can cause nasal and respiratory irritation, central
Inhaled:
nervous system depression, including dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea,
headache, possible unconsciousness and even death.
Chronic:
First Aid:
Administer 600mL of lukewarm water. Do not induce vomiting; risk of damage to
Swallowed:
lungs exceeds poisoning risk. Obtain immediately emergency medical treatment.
Immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes,
Eye:
occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately.
Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Immediately wash exposed area with
Skin:
large quantities of mild soap and water. Flush with lukewarm water for at least 15
minutes. Seek prompt medical attention.
Remove exposed person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial
Inhaled:
respiration, then oxygen if needed. Contact physician immediately.
Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in all areas of
First Aid Facilities:
use and handling.
Advice to Doctor
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
TLV-TWA: 20ppm (48mg/m3)
Exposure Standards:
All engineering systems should be of appropiate explosion proof design ( e.g: NEC
Engineering Controls:
standards , NFPA, etc ). Propylene Oxide must be used in closed engineering
systems because of its flammibility/explosibility hazard. This prevents dispersion
of this highly flammable gas into work area. Install and operate general and local
ventilation systems powerful enough to maintain airborne levels of Propylene
Oxide below the PEL ( 20ppm 8 HR TWA ). Ventilation equipment must be
explosion proof.
Eye protection, including splash proof goggles and face shield must always be worn
Personal Protection:
when the possibility exists for eye contact due to splashing or sprayed liquid . Do
not wear contact lenses.
Where the potential exists for exposures over 20ppm, use of a MSHA/ NIOSH
approved , supplied air respirator with full face piece or use a NSHA/
NIOSH approved self containing breathing apparatus ( SCBA ) operated in positive
pressure mode. Air purifying respirators are ineffective and must not be used.
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Propylene Oxide
When handling Propylene Oxide, wear an imperious protective suit, in addition to
gloves, boots and full head and face protection. The equipment must be thoroughly
cleaned after each use.
Propylene Oxide releases flammale vapours below normal ambient temperatures.
Flammability:
When mixed with air and exposed to a source of ignition, it can burn in the open or
explode if confined. Flammable vapours may be heavier than air, and may travel
long distances along the ground before igniting and flashing back to the vapour
source. Vapour air mixtures are explosive above flash point.
SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
Pre-plan handling and emergency response procedures prior to use . Protect
Storage and Transport:
containers from physical damage and regulary inspect them for cracks, leaks or
faulty valves. Use only non sparking tools and equipment when opening and
closing containers. Container and system must be electrically grounded before
unloading. Dry inert gas blanketing should be used to reduce possibility of
flammable vapour mixtures in storage. Store in a cool, properly ventilated area
away from incompatible chemicals, heat sparks, open flame and strong oxidising
agents. Store only in highly closed containers. Outside or detached storage is
preferred.
Release of Propylene Oxide may create fire or explosion hazard. Evacuate all
Spills and Disposal:
nonessential personnel. Extinguish all ignition sources. Clean up personnel must be
equipped with proper protective equipment. Blanket spill with water to reduce
vapours. For small spills, absorb liquid with vermiculite and place into containers
for later disposal. Do not use clay base absorbents.
Contaminated solids should be landfilled only at properly permitted disposal sites
using registered concentrated contractors. Concentrated liquid waste may be
incinerated (if safety precautions are taken because of very low flash point) in
compliance with applicable air pollution control regulations. It is recommended that
contaminated product, soil or water intended for disposal be handled as hazardous
waste due to potentially low flashpoint. Disposal should be in accorance with
applicable local, state and federal regulations.
Wear NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus ( SCBA ) with a full
Fire/Explosion Hazard:
facepiece operated in the pressure-demand or positive pressure mode. Fight fires
from a safe distance /protected location. Heat may build pressure in closed
containers. If recommended foam is not available, cut off the supply of fuel to the
fire. Maintain water spray to prevent spreading and allow fire to burn out.
OTHER INFORMATION
Strong acids, bases, peroxides, clay-based adsorbent materials, anhydrous metal
Incompatibilities
chlorides, copper and its alloys, brass, bronze and other acetylide forming metals.
(Materials to avoid)
Avoid contact with incompatible chemicals. Prevent exposure to any and all
sources of ignition such as heat, sparks, open flame, etc. Avoid oxidizing
conditions.
Studies on animals have shown chronic effects such as loss of body weight, gastric
Animal Toxicity Data:
irritation and liver injury, growth depression, pulmonary edema, lung and liver
injury and death.
The information published in this Material Safety Data Sheet has been compiled from data in various technical
publications. It is the user's responsibility to determine the suitability of this information for adoption of necessary
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Propylene Oxide
safety precautions. We reserve the right to revise Material Safety Data Sheets as new information becomes available.
Copies may be made for non-profit use.
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