Praxair Material Safety Data Sheet - GE Industrial Systems

Product: Acetylene, Dissolved P-4559-J Date: December 2006PROTECTION OF FIREFIGHTERS: DANGER! Flammable gas under pressure. Evacuate allpersonnel from danger area. Immediately cool cylinders with water spray from maximumdistance, taking care not to extinguish flames. If flames are accidentally extinguished, explosivere-ignition may occur. Use self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove ignition sources ifwithout risk. Stop flow of gas if without risk while continuing cooling water spray. Remove allcylinders from area of fire if without risk. Allow fire to burn out. On-site fire brigades mustcomply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156.Specific Physical and Chemical Hazards. Heat of fire can build pressure in cylinder andcause it to rupture. Acetylene cylinders are provided with pressure relief devices designed tovent contents when exposed to elevated temperature. No part of a cylinder should be subjectedto a temperature higher than 125°F (52°C). If venting or leaking acetylene catches fire, do notextinguish flames. Flammable vapors may spread from leak, creating an explosive reignitionhazard. Vapors can be ignited by pilot lights, other flames, smoking, sparks, heaters, electricalequipment, static discharge, or other ignition sources at locations distant from product handlingpoint. Explosive atmospheres may linger. Before entering area, especially confined areas,check atmosphere with an approved explosion meter.Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters. Firefighters should wear selfcontainedbreathing apparatus and full fire-fighting turnout gear.6. Accidental Release MeasuresSTEPS TO BE TAKEN IF MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED:DANGER! Flammable gas under pressure.Personal Precautions. Forms explosive mixtures with air. Immediately evacuate all personnelfrom danger area. Use self-contained breathing apparatus where needed. Remove all sourcesof ignition if without risk. Reduce vapors with fog or fine water spray. Shut off flow if withoutrisk. Ventilate area or move leaking cylinder to well-ventilated area. Flammable gas mayspread from leak. Before entering area, especially confined areas, check atmosphere with anappropriate device.Environmental Precautions. Prevent waste from contaminating the surrounding environment.Keep personnel away. Discard any product, residue, disposable container, or liner in anenvironmentally acceptable manner, in full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.If necessary, call your local supplier for assistance.7. Handling and StoragePRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING: Keep away from heat, sparks, and openflame. Use only spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment. Never use acetylene atpressures exceeding 15 psig (103.5 kPa). Can cause rapid suffocation due to oxygendeficiency. Close valve after each use; keep closed even when empty. Arcs and sparks canignite combustible materials. Prevent fires. For more information on fire prevention inwelding and cutting, see NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention During Welding, Cutting, andOther Hotwork, published by the National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, POBox 9101, Quincy, MA 02269-9101; 1-800-344-3555; www.nfpa.org. Do not strike an arc on acompressed gas cylinder. The defect produced by an arc burn could lead to cylinder rupture.PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN STORAGE: Acetylene storage in excess of 2,500 cu ft(70.79 m 3 ) is prohibited in buildings with other occupancies. Store and use with adequateventilation. Separate acetylene cylinders from oxygen and other oxidizers by at least 20 ftPage 3 of 10