Gas Detector Knowledge Gas Aware: Methane (CH4)

Chemical Identity
● Product Name: Methane
● Chemical Formula: CH₄
● Common Names: Methane, Biogas
● Application Type: General Industry

[Composition/Composition Information]

Ingredient	CAS Number	Concentration (Volume)
Methane	74-82-8	100%

Concentration is nominal. For the exact concentration of the mixture, refer to the technical specifications.


【Overview of Dangers】
Emergency Summary
● High-pressure gas.
● Can cause rapid suffocation.
● Extremely flammable.
● May form explosive mixtures with air.
● When mixed with air above the lower flammable limit (LFL), there's a risk of fire and explosion.
● High concentrations in the flammable range can cause quick suffocation; access should be limited.
● Avoid breathing the gas.
● A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be necessary.

Potential Health Hazards
● Inhalation: High concentrations may lead to suffocation. Symptoms include loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and an inability to recognize danger.
● Skin Contact: No adverse effects.
● Ingestion: Not considered a primary exposure route.
● Chronic Effects: Not applicable.

Exposure Guidelines
● Main Exposure Route: Inhalation.
● Target Organ: Unknown.

Symptoms
Exposure to oxygen-deficient conditions may result in dizziness, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, and unconsciousness.

Environmental Impact
● Harmless to the environment.


【First-Aid】
● General Advice: Wear SCBA to move the patient to a safe area. Keep the patient warm and rest. Seek medical attention. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration.
● Skin Contact: Rinse with water and soap as a precaution.
● Ingestion: Not considered a potential exposure route.
● Inhalation: Provide oxygen if needed. Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult or stops, administer artificial respiration and supplemental oxygen. If the heart stops, perform CPR immediately and seek medical help.
● Eye Contact: Flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

【Fire-Fighting Measures】
● Suitable Extinguishing Agents: All known extinguishing agents can be used.
● Special Hazards: Combustion by-products may be toxic. Cylinders can rupture or explode when exposed to high heat or flames. Cool containers with water mist. Only fight fires when airflow is blocked. If possible, shut off the air supply and let the flame burn out. Do not extinguish leaking gas flames unless absolutely necessary. Explosive re-ignition may occur. Fight all other fires from a safe distance. Cool adjacent cylinders with water until the fire is out. If the flame is accidentally extinguished, re-ignition is possible. Take appropriate protective measures (e.g., full evacuation). Cylinders may discharge contents when exposed to high temperatures.
● Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters: SCBA may be required during firefighting.

[Leakage Emergency Treatment]
● Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to a safe area. Eliminate all ignition sources. Do not enter areas where flammable gas concentration exceeds 10% of the LFL. Increase ventilation in the affected area.
● Environmental Precautions: Do not release into environments where accumulation is possible. Prevent further leakage while ensuring safety.
● Cleaning Methods: Increase ventilation in the operating area. Be cautious around suspected leak areas.
● Other Suggestions: Increase ventilation in the leak area and monitor gas concentration. If the leak comes from a cylinder or valve, contact AirProducts emergency number. If the leak occurs in the customer’s system, close the cylinder valve before attempting repairs, safely vent it, and purge with inert gas.

[Operation and Storage]
Disposal
● Prevent physical damage to the cylinder. Do not pull, roll, or kick the cylinder. Storage temperature must not exceed 50°C (122°F). Only trained personnel should handle compressed gases. Check labels before use. Understand the product’s properties and risks. Consult your supplier if unsure. Never remove or damage the label. When transporting, secure the cylinder on carts or trolleys. Cap the cylinder until it is fixed in place. Use an adjustable wrench to open tight or rusted caps. Before connecting, ensure the system is suitable (pressure range, material compatibility). Do not allow feedback from the system to the container. Confirm the entire system is leak-free. Use a pressure regulator if the gas is released at a lower pressure. Do not insert tools into the cap. Open the valve slowly. If the valve is difficult to operate, stop and contact the supplier. Close the valve after each use and when empty. Do not attempt to repair valves or pressure relief devices. Report any damage to the supplier. Replace the outlet plug after removing the cylinder. Avoid mechanical vibrations that could damage the valve. Never use the valve cap to lift the cylinder. Cylinders are only for gas storage, not for use as rollers or supports. Do not re-compress gas or make it part of a circuit. Smoking is prohibited when handling gas or cylinders. Do not re-compress without consulting the supplier. Do not transfer gas between cylinders. Use anti-reverse devices on pipelines. Purge the system with air before introducing gas. Install outlet plugs when returning the cylinder. Do not use open flames or electric heaters to increase pressure. Temperature must not exceed 50°C (122°F). Avoid storing below -30°C (-20°F) for long periods. All piping systems and equipment must be grounded.

Store
● Store cylinders in well-ventilated buildings, preferably outdoors. Follow local regulations. Regularly check for leaks. Do not store in open air to prevent rust and weather damage. Avoid corrosive environments. Store upright and secure to prevent tipping. Close the valve and install the correct cap or plug. Ensure containers are tightly sealed in cool, ventilated areas. Store away from fire hazards and ignition sources. Separate full and empty cylinders. Keep storage temperature under 50°C (122°F). Smoking is strictly forbidden in storage areas. Display "No smoking or open flame" signs. Minimize the amount of flammable or toxic gas stored. Return empty bottles promptly. Flammable substances should be kept at least 20 feet (6.1 m) away from oxygen and oxidants, or separated by a 5-foot (1.5 m) non-combustible barrier with at least 30 minutes of fire resistance. Store containers in categories according to local regulations. Keep away from combustibles. All electrical equipment in storage areas must be compatible with the stored materials. Flammable gas containers should be stored separately from other combustibles. Oxygen and oxidants should be isolated from flammable gases.

[Contact Control/Personal Protection]
Engineering Controls: Provide sufficient natural or explosion-proof ventilation to prevent flammable gas concentrations from reaching the LFL.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
● Respiratory Protection: Restrict entry to high-concentration areas due to risk of suffocation.
● Hand Protection: Use safety gloves with penetration time exceeding expected usage duration.
● Eye Protection: Use safety glasses when handling cylinders.
● Skin and Body Protection: Wear safety shoes and flame-resistant clothing.
● Hygiene Instructions: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in enclosed spaces.

[Physical and Chemical Properties]
● State: Compressed gas.
● Color: Colorless.
● Odor: None.
● Molecular Weight: 16 g/mol.
● Relative Vapor Density: 0.6 (air = 1).
● Relative Density: 0.42 (water = 1).
● Density: 0.044 lb/ft³ (0.0007 g/cm³), at 70°F (21°C).
● Specific Volume: 24.06 ft³/lb (1.5020 m³/kg), at 70°F (21°C).
● Boiling Point: -258°F (-161°C).
● Critical Temperature: -116°F (-82°C).
● Melting Point: -296°F (-182°C).
● Flash Point: -187.7°C.
● Self-Ignition Temperature: 1,103°F (595°C).
● Upper Explosion Limit: 15% (V).
● Lower Explosion Limit: 5% (V).
● Water Solubility: 0.026 g/L.

Stability and Reactivity
● Stability: Stable under normal conditions.
● Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, sparks. May form explosive mixtures with air and oxidants.
● Incompatible Materials: Oxygen, oxidizers.
● Hazardous Decomposition Products: Incomplete combustion may produce carbon monoxide.

[Toxicology Information]
Acute Health Hazards
● Ingestion: No useful information available.
● Inhalation: No useful information available.
● Skin Contact: No useful information available.

Ecological Information
● Ecotoxicological Effects:
Water Toxicity: No useful information available.
Toxicity to Other Organisms: No relevant data.
● Persistence and Degradability:
Liquidity: No relevant data.
Bioaccumulation: No useful information available.
● Other Information: This product has no known ecotoxicological effects.

Disposal
• Residual/Unused Products: Contact the supplier for guidance. Return unused products to the supplier in the original cylinder. Do not discharge into areas with explosive risks. Exhaust gas should be burned in a suitable furnace with a flashback arrestor.
● Contaminated Packaging: Recycled by the supplier.

【Transport Information】
● CFR: Correct Shipping Name: Compressed Methane, Class: 2.1, UN/ID: UN1971.
● IATA: Correct Shipping Name: Compressed Methane, Class: 2.1, UN/ID: UN1971.
● IMDG: Correct Shipping Name: Compressed Methane, Class: 2.1, UN/ID: UN1971.
● CTC: Correct Shipping Name: Compressed Methane, Class: 2.1, UN/ID: UN1971.
● Other Information: Avoid transporting vehicles not separated from the driver’s cab. Ensure the driver understands the hazards and knows how to respond in emergencies.

【Regulatory Information】
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200): Flammable, Compressed Gases.

Country	List of Regulations
United States	TSCA
EU	EINECS
Canada	DSL
Australia	AICS
Japan	ENCS
Korea	ECL
China	SEPA
Philippines	PICCS

EPASARA Title III, Section 312 (40 CFR 370): Fire Hazard, Risk of Sudden Pressure Release.
US State of California Safe Drinking Water and Poison Enforcement Act (Proposition 65):
● This product does not contain any chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other harmful effects in California.

【Other Information】

Level: NFPA Level	Level: HMIS Level
Health: 4	Health: 0
Flammability: 0	Flammability: 4
Instability: 0	Physical Hazards: 3