Ted Pella, Inc.
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Material Safety Data Sheet

Prod. No. 18601 Propylene Oxide
Issue Date (09-26-96)


Section 1: Product and Company Identification
Product Name: Propylene Oxide
Common Names, Synonyms: PO, 1-2 Epoxypropane, Propene Oxide, Methyl Ethylene Oxide, Propylene oxide; Methoxirane, Propylene Epoxide, Epoxypropane
CAS Number: 75-56-9
Formula: C3H6O
Product Use: Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals and polymers; as a fumigant for dried fruits and food stuffs; as a mixture with CO2; as a stabilizer for methylene chloride; treating wood for termite resistance; acid scavenger; pH control agent; as a treatment chemical for removing residual from crude polyolefins.
Company Name
Ted Pella, Inc. and PELCO International, P.O. Box 492477, Redding, CA 96049-2477
Domestic Phone  (800) 237-3526 (Mon-Thu. 6:00AM to 4:30PM PST; Fri 6:00AM to 4:00PM PST)
International Phone (01) (530) 243-2200 (Mon-Thu. 6:00AM to 4:30PM PST; Fri 6:00AM to 4:00PM PST)
Chemtrec Emergency Number 1-800-424-9300 24 hrs a day.
Section 2 Hazardous Ingredients:

Component

% CAS #

Propylene Oxide

100

75-56-9


Hazard Rating (NFPA 49): Health: 2, Fire: 4, Reactivity: 2, Special: None
(Scale: 0=Minimal, 1=Slight, 2=Moderate, 3=Serious, 4=Severe)

OSHA Action Level (8hr TWA) Not applicable
OSHA PEL 8hr TWA: 20ppm (50 mg/m3)
STEL:
ACGIH TLV:
TLV TWA: 20ppm (48 mg/m3)
IDLH: 2000ppm
LD50: 1140 mg/kg, rat-oral
LC50 (4 hr): 4000ppm Rat-Inh

Section 3 Physical/Chemical Characteristics:
Boiling Point: 94°F / 34.2°C
Freezing: -169°F / -111.7°C
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): 0.833 @20/20°C
Vapor Pressure: 455°C mm/hg
Vapor Density (air=1): 2.0
Water Solubility: 39.5 @ 20°C
Molecular weight: 58.08 grams/mole
Percent volatiles by vol: 100%
Evaporation Rate: 33.7 Butyl Acetate=1
pH: not applicable
Odor Threshold: 200ppm
Appearance and Odor: Clear colorless liquid with a sweet ether like odor.

Section 4 Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Flash Point: Tag open cup: <-35°F/<-37.2°C, Tag closed cup: -35°F/-37.2°C Flammable Limits in air, % by volume:
Lower: 1.7%
Upper: 38.5%
NFPA Hazard Symbol codes: Flammability:4 Health: 2 Reactivity: 2
Auto Ignition Temperature: 869°F (465°C)
Ignition Temperature: 840°F (449°C)
Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical; Alcohol resistant foam; CO2; Water spray/fog can be used for cooling.
Hazardous decomposition by products:
Incomplete combustion will generate highly poisonous carbon monoxide and perhaps other toxic vapors.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: Wear NIOSH approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full facepiece operated in the pressure-demand or positive pressure mode. Fight fires from a safe distance/protected location. Heat may build pressure in rupture-closed containers. If recommended foam is not available, cut off the supply of fuel to the fire, maintain water spray to prevent spreading and allow fire to burn out.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Propylene Oxide releases flammable vapors below normal ambient temperatures. When mixed with air and exposed to a source of ignition, it can burn in the open or explode if confined. Flammable vapors may be heavier than air, and may travel long distances along the ground before igniting and flashing back to the vapor source, Vapor air mixtures are explosive above flash point.

Section 5 Reactivity Data:
Stability: Stable
Hazardous Polymerization: May polymerize on exposure to excessive heat, peroxides, acids alkalis, or amines.
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, bases, peroxides, clay-based absorbent material, anhydrous metal chlorides, copper and its alloys, brass, bronze and other acetylide forming metals.
Conditions to Avoid: Contact with incompatible chemicals. Prevent exposure to any and all sources of ignition such as heat, sparks, open flames, etc. Avoid oxidizing conditions.

Section 6 Health Hazard Data:
Primary Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption or eye contact, ingestion.
Hazard: Flammable
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Effects of acute exposure to product:
Skin contact: Propylene oxide in contact with the skin may cause severe skin irritation and blistering. May cause burns, ulcers and superficial scarring with prolonged contact
Skin absorption: Propylene oxide in liquid or solid solution form may be absorbed through the skin and produce toxic effects. Repeated exposure can result in significant skin absorption.
Eye Contact: Propylene oxide splashed in the eye can cause severe burning, tearing, redness, swelling and corneal burns, Propylene oxide vapors also can cause severe eye irritation.
Inhalation: Excessive inhalation of vapors can cause nasal and respiratory irritation, central nervous system depression, including dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, headache, possible unconsciousness and even death.
Ingestion: Swallowing the liquid may result in headache, nausea, vomiting, and unconsciousness, Aspiration of propylene into the lungs can cause pneumonitis, which can be fatal.
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product:
Skin Contact: Repeated or prolonged exposure may cause delayed secondary burns.
Eye contact: No data on chronic effects is available.
Inhalation: Studies on animal have shown chronic effects such as growth depression, pulmonary edema, lung and liver injury and death.
Ingestion: Studies on animals have shown chronic effects such as loss of body weight, gastric irritation and liver injury.
Irritancy to material: Severe irritant
Sensitization: Yes
Carcinogenicity:
OSHA: Not classified.
ACGIH: Not classified.
NTP: Classified as anticipated human carcinogen.
IARC: Classified as anticipated human carcinogen.
Tetrogenicity: No tetratogenic effects have been reported.
Reproductive toxicity: Reproductive effects have been shown in experimental animals exposed to propylene oxide.
Mutagenicity: DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations have been shown in experimental animals exposed to propylene oxide.

Section 7 Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
Eye Exposure: Immediately flush eyes with lots of water for 15-20 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin Exposure: Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Immediately wash exposed area with large quantities of mild soap and water. Flush with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Seek prompt medical attention.
Inhalation: Remove exposed person to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration, then oxygen if needed. Contact physician immediately.
Ingestion: Administer one pint of lukewarm water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING; risk of damage to lungs exceeds poisoning risk. Obtain immediate emergency medical treatment. Get immediate medical attention.

Section 8 Spill, Leak, and Disposal Procedures:
Spills/Leak Procedures: Release of propylene oxide may create fire or explosion hazard. Evacuate all nonessential personnel. Extinguish all ignition sources. Clean up personnel must be equipped with proper protective equipment. Blanket spill with water to reduce vapors. For small spills, absorb liquid with vermiculite and place into containers for later disposal. Do not use clay-based absorbents.
Disposal Methods: Contaminated solids should be landfilled only at properly permitted disposal sites using registered contractors. Concentrated liquid waste may be incinerated (if safety precautions are taken because of very low flash point.) in compliance with applicable air pollution control regulations. It is recommended that contaminated product, soil or water intended for disposal be handled as hazardous waste due to potentially low flashpoint. Disposal should be in accordance with applicable Federal, state and local regulations.
OSHA Designations: Specifically regulated substance: No, 40CFR 302.4
EPA Designations: RCRA Hazardous Waste No. N/A
CERCLA RQ: 100 lbs. (45.4 Kg)

Section 9 Special Personal Protection:
Eye Protection: Eye protection, including splash proof goggles and face shield, must always be worn when the possibility exists for eye contact due to splashing or sprayed liquid. Do not wear contact lenses.
Respirator: Where the potential exists for exposures over 20ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH-approved supplied respirator with full face piece, or use a MSHA/NIOSH-approved self containing breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in positive pressure mode. Air purifying respirators are ineffective and must not be used.
Other: When handling propylene oxide, wear an impervious protective suit, in addition to gloves, boots, and full head and face protection. The equipment must be thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Ventilation: Install and operate general and local ventilation systems powerful enough to maintain airborne levels of propylene oxide below the PEL (20ppm 8hr TWA). Ventilation equipment must be explosion proof.
Safety Stations: Emergency eyewash stations and safety showers should be available in all areas of use and handling.

Section 10 Special precautions:
Storage segregation: Store propylene oxide in a cool properly ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals, heat, sparks, open flame and strong oxidizing agents. Store only in highly closed containers. Outside or detached storage is preferred.

Transportation Data:

49 CFR 172.101

DOT Shipping name

Propylene Oxide

DOT Label (s)

Flammable liquid

DOT Class

3

IMO Label

Flammable liquid

IMO Class

3

UN Register

UN 1280

Special handling/storage: Pre-plan handling and emergency response procedures prior to use. Protect containers from physical damage and regularly inspect them for cracks, leaks or faulty valves. Use only non-sparking tools and equipment when opening and closing containers. Container and system must be electrically grounded before unloading. Dry inert gas blanketing should be used to reduce possibility of flammable vapor mixtures in storage. Store in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.106
Engineering Controls: All engineering systems should be of appropriate explosion proof design (e.g. NEC standards, NFPA, ETC.) Propylene oxide must be used in closed engineering systems because of its flammability/explosibility hazard. This prevents dispersion of this highly flammable gas into work area.
State Regulatory Information:
NJ/PA/MA: Right to Know:
California: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.


Ted Pella, Inc. makes no warranty of any kind regarding the information furnished herein. Users should independently determine the suitability and completeness of information from all sources. While this data is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, it should be considered only as a supplement to other information gathered by the user. It is the User's responsibility to assure the proper use and disposal of these materials as well as the safety and health of all personnel who may work with or otherwise come in contact with these materials