International Chemical Safety Cards

BUTANE

ICSC: 0232

n-Butane
C₄H₁₀
Molecular mass: 58.1
(cylinder)
(liquefied)

ICSC #    0232
CAS #     106-97-8
RTECS # EJ4200000
UN #        1011
EC #         601-004-00-0
November 27, 2003 Peer reviewed

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

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Remove all ignition sources. Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. (Extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.)

Fireproof. Cool.

Note: C
F+ symbol
R: 12
S: 2-9-16-33
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0232

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

BUTANE

ICSC: 0232

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

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.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 800 ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2003).
MAK: 1000 ppm, 2400 mg/mł;
Peak limitation category: II(4); Pregnancy risk group: IIc;
(DFG 2003).
OSHA PEL: none
NIOSH REL: TWA 800 ppm (1900 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: No data

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 .

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

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: 287°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-8.4
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 2.89

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

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.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1011

NFPA Code: H1; F4; R0;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0232	BUTANE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.