28 Auto Suspension and Steering Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. ACME Chemical Company Safety Data Sheet Product Name: Acetylene Revised 3/3/16 24-hour Emergency Phone: Chemtrec 1-800-424-9300 Outside United States 1-905-501-0802 Trade Name/Syn: Acetylene Chemical Name/Syn: Acetylene, Ethyne, Acetylen, Ethine CAS Number: 74-86-2 Formula: C 2 H 2 Hazards Identifi cation NFPA Ratings Health: 0 Flammability: 4 Reactivity: 0 Simple Asphyxiant. Th is product does not contain oxygen and may cause asphyxia if released in a confi ned area. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. May cause anesthetic eff ect. Highly fl ammable under pressure. Spontaneous combustion in air at pressures above 15 psig. Acetylene liquid is shock sensitive. Eff ects of Exposure-Toxicity-Route of Entry Toxic by inhalation. May cause irritation of the eyes and skin. May cause an anesthetic eff ect. At high concentrations, excludes an adequate oxygen supply to the lungs. Inhalation of high vapor concentrations causes rapid breathing, diminished mental alertness, impaired muscle coordination, faulty judgment, depression of sensations, emotional instability, and fatigue. Continued exposure may cause nausea, vomiting, prostration, loss of consciousness, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death. Hazardous Decomposition Product Carbon, hydrogen carbon monoxide may be produced from burning. Hazardous Polymerization Can occur if acetylene is exposed to 250°F (121°C) at high pressures or at low pressures in the presence of a catalyst. Polymerization can lead to heat release, possibly causing ignition and decomposition. Stability Unstable—shock sensitive in its liquid form. Do not expose cylinder to shock or heat do not allow free gas to exceed 15 psig. Fire and Exposion Hazard Pure acetylene can explode by decomposition above 15 psig therefore the UEL is 100% if the ignition source is of suffi cient intensity. Spontaneously combustible in air at pressures above 15 psi (207 kPa). Requires very low ignition source. Does not readily dissipate, has density similar to air. Gas may travel to source of ignition and fl ashback, possibly with explosive force. Conditions to Avoid Contact with open fl ame and hot surfaces, physical shock. Contact with copper, mercury, silver, brasses containing 66% copper and brazing materials containing silver or copper. Accidental Release Measures Evacuate all personnel from aff ected areas. Use appropriate protective equipment. Shut off all ignition sources. Stop leak by closing valve. Keep cylinders cool. Ventilation, Respiratory, and Protective Equipment General room ventilation and local exhaust to prevent accumulation and to maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Mechanical ventilation should be designed in accordance with electrical codes. Positive pressure air line with full face mask or SCBA. Safety goggles or glasses, PVC or rubber gloves in laboratory and as required for cutting or welding, safety shoes. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 2-3. This safety data sheet (SDS) is for acetylene.