EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: Methane is an odorless, colorless gas, or a colorless, odorless liquid in its
cryogenic form. Both the liquid and the gas pose a serious fire hazard when accidentally released. The liquid will rapidly
boil to the gas at standard temperatures and pressures. As a gas, it will act as a simple asphyxiant and present a
significant health hazard by displacing the oxygen in the atmosphere. The gas is lighter than air and may spread long
distances. Distant ignition and flashback are possible. The liquefied gas can cause frostbite to any contaminated tissue.
Rapid evaporation of the liquid from the cylinder may cause frostbite. Flame or high temperature impinging on a
localized area of the cylinder of Methane can cause the cylinder to rupture without activating the cylinder’s relief devices.
Provide adequate fire protection during emergency response situations. Allow the released gas to dissipate in the
atmosphere.

MATERIALS WITH WHICH SUBSTANCE IS INCOMPATIBLE: Strong oxidizers (e.g., chlorine, bromine pentafluoride,
O-X-Y-G-E-N, oxygen difluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride).

The boiling point of methane is -162.0° C (-259.6° F)

It is lighter than air, having a specific gravity of 0.55

Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%

mixtures of methane and air, with the methane content between 5 and 14 percent by volume, are explosive

Methane reacts with steam at high temperatures to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen

symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears,



XXXXXXXXXXXX...Simple Asphyxiant...XXXXXXXXXXX

No adverse effect is anticipated to occur to plant-life, except for frost produced in the presence of rapidly
expanding gases.

MSDS Methane gases [link to avogadro.chem.iastate.edu]
Methane is the simplest member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons. Its chemical formula is CH4. It is lighter than air, having a specific gravity of 0.554. It is only slightly soluble in
water. It burns readily in air, forming carbon dioxide and water vapour; the flame is pale, slightly luminous, and very hot. The boiling point of methane is -162.0° C (-259.6° F) and the melting point is -182.5° C (-296.5° F). Methane in general is very stable, but mixtures of methane and air, with the methane content between 5 and 14 percent by volume, are explosive. Explosions of such mixtures have been frequent in coal mines and collieries and have been the cause of many mine disasters.

Methane is an important source of hydrogen and some organic chemicals. Methane reacts with steam at high temperatures to yield carbon monoxide and hydrogen; the latter is used in the manufacture of ammonia for fertilizers and explosives. Other valuable chemicals derived from methane include methanol, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and nitromethane. The incomplete combustion of methane yields carbon black, which is widely used as a reinforcing agent in rubber used for automobile tires.
[link to www.c-f-c.com]
INHALATION: High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygendeficient
environment. Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may
experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears,
dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and
depression of all the senses. Under some circumstances of
overexposure, death may occur. Isobutylene also has some degree of
anesthetic action and can be mildly irritating to the mucous
membranes. The effects associated with various levels of oxygen are
as follows:
CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased,
muscular coordination slightly disturbed.
10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue,
disturbed respiration.
6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of
consciousness.
Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory
collapse, and death.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% in the workplace. Use supplied air respiratory
protection if oxygen levels are below 19.5% or during emergency response to a release of Methane. If respiratory
protection is required, follow the requirements of the Federal OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) or
equivalent State standards.

9. PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
VAPOR DENSITY: 0.6784 kg/m3 (0.042 35 lb/ft3) SPECIFIC VOLUME: 23.7
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (air = 1): 0.555 FREEZING POINT: -182.2°C (-296°F)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Very slight. BOILING POINT @ 1 atm: -161°C (-258.7°F)
EXPANSION RATIO: 626 (cryogenic liquid) EVAPORATION RATE (n-BuAc): Not applicable.
ODOR THRESHOLD: Not applicable. Odorless. VAPOR PRESSURE (psia): Not applicable.
COEFFICIENT WATER/OIL DISTRIBUTION: Not applicable. pH: Not applicable.
APPEARANCE AND COLOR: Colorless, odorless gas, or colorless, odorless, cryogenic liquid.
HOW TO DETECT THIS SUBSTANCE (warning properties): There are no distinct warning properties. In terms of leak
detection, fittings and joints can be painted with a soap solution to detect leaks, which will be indicated by a bubble
formation.
NOTE: This gas is lighter than air and must not be allowed to accumulate in elevated locations.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION (Continued)
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY INFORMATION: Listed below is information concerning the effects of Methane on the human
reproductive system.
Mutagenicity: No mutagenicity effects have been described for Methane.
Embryotoxicity: No embryotoxic effects have been described for Methane.
Teratogenicity: No teratogenicity effects have been described for Methane.
Reproductive Toxicity: No reproductive toxicity effects have been described for Methane.

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There are no specific exposure limits for Methane. Methane is a simple asphyxiant
(SA). Oxygen levels should be maintained above 19.5%.

METHANE MSDS GASES [link to www.mesagas.com]