MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: Propylene
CHEMICAL NAME: Propylene, Alkene, Unsaturated Aliphatic Hydrocarbon, Liquefied Petroleum
Gas (LPG), LP-Gas
FORMULA: C3H6
SYNONYMS: Propene, APACHI?Gas, Methyl Ethylene
MANUFACTURER: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195-1501
PRODUCT INFORMATION: (800) 752-1597
MSDS NUMBER: 1083 REVISION: 7
REVIEW DATE: July 1999 REVISION DATE: July 1999
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Propylene is packaged as pure material (>99%).
CAS NUMBER: 115-07-1
EXPOSURE LIMITS:
OSHA: None established ACGIH: Simple asphyxiant NIOSH: None established
ACGIH recommends 1000 ppm TWA for LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).
SECTION 3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Propylene is a flammable, colorless liquefied compressed gas packaged in cylinders under its own vapor
pressure of 152.2 psia at 70 F. It poses an immediate fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air at
concentrations exceeding 1.9%. High concentrations that can cause rapid suffocation are above the lower
flammable limit and must not be entered. Propylene is heavier then air and may collect in low areas or
travel along the ground where there may be an ignition source present. It is generally odorless at
concentrations below 2.0%. Direct contact with liquid can cause frostbite.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(800) 523-9374 Continental U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
(610) 481-7711 Other locations
ACUTE POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
EYE CONTACT: Contact with liquid (or rapidly expanding gas) may cause irritation and frostbite.
INGESTION: Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Propylene.
INHALATION: Propylene is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant and a mild anesthetic. It
can also displace the amount of oxygen in the air necessary to support life. Exposure to oxygen-
deficient atmospheres (less than 19.5%) may produce dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of
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consciousness, and death. At very low oxygen concentrations (less than 12%) unconsciousness and
death may rapidly occur without warning. It should be noted that before suffocation could occur, the
lower flammable limit for Propylene in air will be exceeded; causing both an oxygen deficient and an
explosive atmosphere.
SKIN CONTACT: Contact with liquid (or rapidly expanding gas) can cause irritation and frostbite.
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF REPEATED EXPOSURE:
ROUTE OF ENTRY: Skin contact
SYMPTOMS: Repeated or prolonged contact may cause dermatitis.
TARGET ORGANS: Skin
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: May aggravate dermatitis.
CARCINOGENICITY: Propylene is not listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or
OSHA Subpart Z.
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES
EYE CONTACT: If liquid propylene comes in contact with eyes, flush eyes with plenty of lukewarm water
for several minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
INGESTION: Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Propylene.
INHALATION: Remove person to fresh air. If not breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing
is difficult, administer oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention.
SKIN CONTACT: If liquid Propylene comes in contact with skin, remove contaminated clothing and flush
with plenty of lukewarm water for several minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: Treatment of overexposure should be directed at the control of symptoms and
the clinical condition.
SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
FLASH POINT: AUTOIGNITION: FLAMMABLE RANGE:
Not applicable 851癋 (455癈) 1.9% - 11.1%
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Evacuate all personnel from area. If possible, without risk,
shut off source of Propylene, then fight fire according to types of materials burning. Extinguish fire only if
gas flow can be stopped. This will avoid possible accumulation and re-ignition of a flammable gas
mixture. Keep adjacent cylinders cool by spraying with large amounts of water until the fire burns itself
out. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when
exposed to elevated temperatures. Pressure in a cylinder can build up due to heat and it may rupture if
pressure relief devices should fail to function. Propylene vapors are heavier than air and may travel to a
source of ignition and flash back.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: Carbon monoxide
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IF MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: Evacuate immediate area.
Eliminate any possible sources of ignition, and provide maximum explosion-proof ventilation. Use a
flammable gas meter (explosimeter) calibrated for Propylene to monitor concentration. Never enter an
area where the Propylene concentration is greater than 0.38% (which is 20% of the lower flammable limit).
An immediate fire and explosion hazard exists when atmospheric Propylene concentration exceeds 1.9%.
Use appropriate protective equipment (SCBA and fire resistant suit). Shut off source of leak if possible.
Isolate any leaking cylinder. If leak is from container, pressure relief device or its valve, contact your
supplier. If the leak is in the user's system, close the cylinder valve, safely vent the pressure, and purge
with an inert gas before attempting repairs.
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SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE: Store cylinders in a well-ventilated, secure area, protected from the weather. Cylinders
should be stored upright with valve outlet seals and valve protection caps in place. There should be no
sources of ignition. All electrical equipment should be explosion-proof in the storage areas. Storage
areas must meet National Electrical Codes for class 1 hazardous areas. Flammable storage areas must
be separated from oxygen and other oxidizers by a minimum distance of 20 ft. or by a barrier of non-
combustible material at least 5 ft. high having a fire resistance rating of at least ?hour. Post "No
Smoking or Open Flames" signs in the storage or use areas. Do not allow storage temperature to exceed
125 F (52 C). Storage should be away from heavily traveled areas and emergency exits. Full and
empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a first-in first-out inventory system to prevent full containers
from being stored for long periods of time.
HANDLING: Do not drag, roll, slide or drop cylinder. Use a suitable hand truck designed for cylinder
movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap. Secure cylinders at all times while in use. Use a
pressure reducing regulator or separate control valve to safely discharge gas from cylinder. Use a check
valve to prevent reverse flow into cylinder. Never apply flame or localized heat directly to any part of the
cylinder. Do not allow any part of the cylinder to exceed 125 F (52 C). Once cylinder has been
connected to properly purged and inerted process, open cylinder valve slowly and carefully. If user
experiences any difficulty operating cylinder valve, discontinue use and contact supplier. Never insert an
object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, etc.) into valve cap openings. Doing so may damage valve causing a
leak to occur. Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. All piped systems and
-
associated equipment must be grounded. Electrical equipment should be non-sparking or explosion-
proof.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Always store and handle compressed gas cylinders in accordance with
Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (telephone 703-412-0900) pamphlet CGA P-1, Safe Handling of
Compressed Gases in Containers. Local regulations may require specific equipment for storage or use.
SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
VENTILATION: Provide adequate natural or explosion-proof ventilation to prevent accumulation of
gas concentrations above 0.38% Propylene (20% of LEL).
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Emergency Use: Do not enter areas where Propylene concentration is greater than 0.38% (20% of
LEL). Exposure to concentrations below 0.38% do not require respiratory protection.
EYE PROTECTION: Safety glasses for handling cylinders. Chemical goggles with full faceshield for
connecting or disconnecting cylinders.
SKIN PROTECTION: Leather gloves for handling cylinders. Leather, rubber or neoprene gloves during
use of product. Fire resistant suit and gloves in emergency situations.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes are recommended when handling cylinders.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE, ODOR AND STATE: At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, Propylene is a
colorless, flammable gas with a sweet odor at concentrations above 2%. It is shipped as a liquefied gas
under its own vapor pressure.
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 42.08
BOILING POINT (1 atm): -53.8 癋 (-47.7 C)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (also called vapor density) (Air = 1): 1.453
FREEZING POINT / MELTING POINT: -301.4 癋 (-185.2 C)
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VAPOR PRESSURE (At 70 F (21.1 C)): 152.2 psia
3
GAS DENSITY (At 70 F (21.1 C) and 1 atm): 0.110 lb/ft
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (vol./vol.): 6.5 / 100
3
LIQUID DENSITY (At 70 F (21.1 C), Sat.): 31.92 lb/ft
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Cylinders should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 125 F (52 C).
INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to Avoid): Oxygen, Halogens and Oxidizers
REACTIVITY:
A) HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: None
B) HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: May occur at high temperatures or in the presence of a
catalyst.
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
LC50 (Inhalation): Not applicable. Simple asphyxiant.
LD50 (Oral): Not applicable
LD50 (Dermal): Not applicable
SKIN CORROSIVITY: Propylene is not corrosive to the skin.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Propylene is a CNS depressant and acts as a simple asphyxiant and mild
anesthetic. Propylene was found to be a cardiac sensitizer in the dog. Rats and mice exposed to 10,000
ppm of propylene, 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for 103 weeks exhibited no carcinogenic effects. Rats
exposed at this level did exhibit microscopic changes of the nasal epithelium. Propylene was not
mutagenic in bacterial (Ames salmonella and E. coli) assays.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
AQUATIC TOXICITY: Not determined
MOBILITY: Not determined
PERSISTENCE AND BIODEGRADABILITY: Not determined
POTENTIAL TO BIOACCUMULATE: Not determined
REMARKS: Propylene does not contain any Class I or Class II ozone depleting chemicals.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
UNUSED PRODUCT / EMPTY CYLINDER: Return cylinder and unused product to supplier. Do not
attempt to dispose of unused product.
DISPOSAL: Residual product in the system may be burned if a suitable burning unit (flair incinerator) is
available on site. This shall be done in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations. Wastes
containing this material may be classified by EPA as hazardous waste by characteristic (i.e., Ignitability,
Corrosively, Toxicity, Reactivity). Waste streams must be characterized by the user to meet federal, state,
and local requirements.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
DOT SHIPPING NAME: Propylene
HAZARD CLASS: 2.1
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: UN1077
SHIPPING LABEL(s): Flammable gas
PLACARD (When required): Flammable gas
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Cylinders should be transported in a secure upright position in a
well-ventilated truck. Never transport in passenger compartment of a vehicle. Ensure cylinder valve is
properly closed, valve outlet cap has been reinstalled, and valve protection cap is secured before shipping
cylinder.
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CAUTION: Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled except by qualified producers of compressed
gases. Shipment of a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with the owner's
written consent is a violation of Federal law (49 CFR 173.301).
NORTH AMERICAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK NUMBER (NAERG #): 115
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
EPA - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
(40 CFR Parts 117 and 302)
Reportable Quantity (RQ): None
SARA TITLE III: Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act
SECTIONS 302/304: Emergency Planning and Notification (40 CFR Part 355)
Extremely Hazardous Substances: Propylene is not listed.
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ): None
Reportable Quantity (RQ): None
SECTIONS 311/312: Hazardous Chemical Reporting (40 CFR Part 370)
IMMEDIATE HEALTH: Yes PRESSURE: Yes
DELAYED HEALTH: No REACTIVITY: No
FIRE: Yes
SECTION 313: Toxic Chemical Release Reporting (40 CFR Part 372)
Propylene does not require reporting under Section 313.
CLEAN AIR ACT:
SECTION 112 (r): Risk Management Programs for Chemical Accidental Release
(40 CFR PART 68)
Propylene is listed as a regulated substance.
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ): 10,000 lbs
TSCA: Toxic Substance Control Act
Propylene is listed on the TSCA inventory.
OSHA - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
29 CFR Part 1910.119: Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
Propylene is not listed in Appendix A as a highly hazardous chemical. However, any
process that involves a flammable gas on site in one location, in quantities of 10,000
pounds (4,553 kg) or greater is covered under this regulation unless it is used as fuel.
STATE REGULATIONS:
CALIFORNIA:
Proposition 65: This product is not a listed substance which the State of California
requires warning under this statute.
SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION
NFPA RATINGS: HMIS RATINGS:
HEALTH: =1 HEALTH: =0
FLAMMABILITY: =4 FLAMMABILITY: =4
REACTIVITY: =0 REACTIVITY: =0
SPECIAL:
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