CHEMICAL HAZARD BULLETIN NO.

49

ACETYLENE 1000177863 40 CF CY
1000177903 250 CF CY
(Compressed 1000177907 250 CF CY
Welding Gas)

Health 1 PURE COMPRESSED GAS: ODORLESS & COLORLESS CAS: 74-86-2

UN: 1001
Fire 4 SLIGHTLY TOXIC, EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE AND HIGHLY GUIDE: 116
Reactivity 3 REACTIVE, ASPHYXIAT
ASPHYXIATES
ES BY DISPLACING OXYGEN

GAS/VAPOR:  A compressed gas that acts as a “simple asphyxiant” which displaces oxygen in the air.
The NIOSH recommended ceiling is 0.25% (2,500 ppm). Impurities such as phosphine,
hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia may give the gas a mild garlic odor and are toxic.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE:
OVEREXPOSURE: health
EYE/SKIN: Not irritating to eye or skin.

INHALATION: Exposure to 10% (100,000 ppm) causes deep sleep or stupor, and exposure to 35%
hazards
(350,000 ppm) for five minutes causes loss of consciousness due to oxygen displacement
that may lead to death.

INGESTION: Not possible.

WEAR RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

The flashpoint is <50 °C (<-58°F) with an explosive range in air of 2.5% (LEL) to 81% (UEL). Any spark or flame
may cause an explosion between those limits.
REACTIVITY: Reacts with Copper, Silver or Mercury to form explosive
explosive compounds.
compounds. Fluorine or Chlorine reacts fire and
explosively with acetylene.
acetylene. High pressure or shock waves may cause an explosion.

KEEP CYLINDERS COOL WITH WATER SPRAY & EXTINGUISH WITH WATER, CO 2 or FOAM
reactivity
USES: Used in acetylene torches for welding, cutting, and brazing.
STORAGE: Store cylinders UPRIGHT
UPRIGHT and no not store near sources
sources of ignition, chlorine gas, copper,
mercury or silver.
TRANSPORT: For transportation, Label with DOT-IMO-UN Class 2 “Flammable Gas” hazardous warning
label/placard.
handling
SPILLS/LEAKS: Will quickly dissipate into atmosphere. Label. storage
DISPOSAL: For proper disposal methods and locations for chemical or chemical contaminated
material, contact the Environmental Engineering Division at 874-6428. &
SAFETY
EQUIPMENT:
Provide adequate ventilation. During welding use welder’s glasses and cover exposed
skin to prevent flash
flash burns. During accidental release or use in confined
confined spaces an SCBA disposal
(1000127427) is required.

USE CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES IF APPLICABLE

INHALATION: Remove affected
affected person from exposure.
exposure. If breathing is difficult
difficult administer
administer oxygen. If
breathing has stopped apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Keep warm and quiet
EYE / SKIN
CONTACT:
Does not apply.
first aid
INGESTION: Does not apply.

CALL 110 FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY

For further information call Industrial Hygiene: 872-2623 (DH), 678-4902 (RT), 572-3553 (ABQ), or 427-2217
427-2217 (JID).
Hazard Ratings: 0=Insignificant, 1=Slight, 2=Moderate, 3=High, 4=Extreme
Revised: 4/12/2003