SAFETY DATA SHEET

LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS

Information about the product

Name of product
Synonyms
WHMIS resource person
Emergency telephone No.
Liquefied Natural Gas Usage Mixture of petroleum hydrocarbons
LNG, liquefied natural gas, natural gas in a Manufacturer/Supplier Gaz Métro, LSR Plant
liquid state 11201 Henri-Bourassa Boulevard East,
Emmanuelle Quirion-Boivin Montréal
Montréal, Québec
Canada H1C 1H2
Technical Support
514 494-2424 Telephone: 514 494-2424
Fax:
Email:
www.gazmetro.com

Hazardous components
Components CAS No. Concentration: % per
DL50 CL50
volume
Methane 74-82-8 97.9 N/A N/A
Ethane 74-84-0 1.8 N/A N/A
Other simple hydrocarbons 0.3

Physico-chemical characteristics (methane)

Molecular formula CH4 Relative liquid density 0.4415 at -162 °C
(water = 1)
Physical form Liquefied gas (cryogenic fluid) Molecular weight 16.043 g/mol
Appearance Clear liquid Vapour pressure 110 kPa
Cold vapour; white cloud
Colour and odour Colourless and odourless (or very faint odour) Evaporation rate Not determined
Odour threshold N/A Water/oil partition 0.0812
coefficient
Relative vapour density 0.555 pH N/A
(air = 1)
Boiling point -161.4 °C (1 atm) Gas/liquid equivalent 622 v/v (1.013 bar, 15 °C)
Freezing point -182.5 °C

Reactivity
Chemical stability
Reactivity condition(s)
Stable Hazardous decomposition CO, CO2, fumes (combustion)
products
Keep away from sources of ignition and heat, Polymerization N/A
high temperatures, open flames, sparks,
welding, static electricity and other ignition Incompatibility with other May burn or explode in an enclosed space
sources. Do not smoke. materials when mixed with a strong oxidizing agent
(peroxide, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, liquid
oxygen)

Fire and explosion risks (methane)

Flash point -188 °C (in Sensitivity to No data available Hazardous Carbon compounds (e.g. CO)
a vacuum) impacts combustion
products
Auto-ignition 580 °C Extinguishing Dry chemical, powders (BC), Sensitivity to Gaseous methane, within the
temperature methods high expansion foam, carbon electrostatic flammable or explosive limits, can easily
Flammable or Below: dioxide (CO2). Water spray (A) charge ignite if subject to a sufficiently high-
explosive limits 5% may be used to cool the energy electrostatic discharge.
Above: contents.
15%
Fire and explosion risks (cont.)
Special techniques
Explosibility conditions
Toxicological properties
WHMIS
Absorption or exposure points
Contact with the skin and eyes
Acute exposure/Exposure to
vapours
Chronic exposure
Toxicity
SIMPLE ASPHYXIANT: A physiologically inert gas that exerts its action by displacing the oxygen in the air and that may thus lower the percentage volume of oxygen
below the 19.5% needed to maintain oxygen saturation.
Irritant and corrosive
properties
Sensitivity to the product
Carcinogenicity
Toxic effects on reproduction
Teratogenicity
Mutagenicity
Toxicologically synergic
products
 Do not try to extinguish the fire if the gas leak cannot be stopped. Intervene at a distance, approaching downwind, if
necessary. If needed, use a combustible gas detector (explosimeter). Establish a security perimeter.
 In case of fire, and if it can be done safely, close the gas inlet valve.
 The vapours generated during a significant spill of liquefied gas may travel a long way to a distant ignition source and produce
a flashback.
 The spilled liquid may pool on the ground and flow toward lower points until the cloud temperature rises to more than -100 C.
 Do not use carbon dioxide, low-expansion foam or a strong water spray directly on the liquefied gas.
 Using water or any other liquid at room temperature directly on the liquefied gas will instantaneously vaporize the gas.
 Wear a supplied-air respirator near the leak to avoid any risk of asphyxiation.
 Cool the exposed containers with water spray. Help the gas cloud to disperse using a water spray.
 The vapours may form a flammable mixture with air, which, in case of ignition, may release an explosive force if in an enclosed
space.
 Risk of RPT (Rapid Phase Transition): the significant difference in temperature between the LNG and a hotter liquid may cause
the "almost instantaneous" vaporization of the LNG. The sudden increase in total volume occupied by the LNG may generate a
"cold explosion" shock wave (sudden generation of overpressure but without combustion).
Classification: B1
Flammable gas
Respiratory tracts and skin. Physiologically inert. Ingestion unlikely during normal industrial use.
 Tissue damage caused by frostbite on contact with liquefied gas. The vapours are not irritants. However, direct contact of the
eyes, skin or mucous membranes with the cold vapours or liquid gas may cause frostbite, burns and permanent ocular and skin
lesions.
 The signs of frostbite are a change in the colour of the skin to grey or white, followed later by blisters.
The skin may become inflamed and painful.
 The vapours have a narcotic effect. Because of the very rapid rate of evaporation, all the air may be displaced, leading to a risk
of asphyxiation.
 Methane is a simple asphyxiant. Exposure to very high concentrations of methane may induce asphyxiation since it displaces
the oxygen in the air.
 The principal symptoms associated with asphyxiation are rapid pulse and respiration, headaches, dizziness, visual problems,
mental confusion, impaired coordination, mood changes, muscular weakness, trembling, cyanosis, narcosis, numbness of the
extremities, unconsciousness leading to a lesion in the central nervous system that may result in death by anoxia.
 The effects of asphyxiation may be felt more rapidly during physical effort since oxygen consumption is increased.
 Even though considered non-toxic by inhalation, exposure to high concentrations of LNG may cause a depression of the
nervous system (rapid respiration, dizziness, somnolence, headaches—symptoms similar to those of drug use), but without
any long-term effects.
 People with pre-existing heart, lung and/or blood conditions may have an increased sensitivity to symptoms of asphyxiation.
No data
Simple asphyxiant
Possibility of frostbite on contact with liquefied gas.
No data concerning respiratory or skin sensitivity were found in the documentary sources consulted.
No data concerning a carcinogenetic effect were found in the documentary sources consulted (OSHA, ACGIH).
No data concerning effects on reproduction were found in the documentary sources consulted.
No data concerning a teratogenic effect were found in the documentary sources consulted.
No data concerning a mutagenic effect whether in vivo or in vitro on mammalian cells were found in the documentary sources
consulted.
No data available
Preventive measures
Eyes
Protective equipment
Skin
Inhalation
Specific technical mechanisms
to be used
Handling methods and
equipment
Measures to be taken in case
of a leak or spill
Elimination of residues
Storage
Shipping and transporting
First aid
Contact with the eyes
Contact with the skin
Inhalation
Information about the preparation of the Safety Data Sheet
Additional information and comments: the natural gas Safety Data Sheet is available on Gaz Metro's website at www.gazmetro.com in the About us section, under
the Natural Gas tab.
Prepared by: the Health and Safety department
Wear eye protection if there is a risk of refrigerated liquefied gas splatters. The choice of eye protection, goggles, face shields,
etc., depends on the nature of the work to be done and the risk of exposure.
In case of a risk of contact with refrigerated liquefied gas, wear a face shield and waterproof low-temperature-resistant clothing
(apron, cryogenic gloves). Flame-retardant clothing may also be worn, depending on the nature of the work and the risk of fire.
In general, no protection is necessary if there is sufficient oxygen. Wear a supplied-air respirator if the concentration in the work
area is likely to induce asphyxiation.
Keep away from flames, sparks and excessive temperatures.
Never respond alone to a significant incident.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. See also OSHA regulations regarding the handling of this product, including standard
29 CFR 1910.110: Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases.
 Activate the Emergency Measures Plan in case of a spill.
 Evacuate non-essential personnel and establish a security perimeter.
 Suppress or control all ignition sources.
 Check the condition and characteristics of the container.
 Consider the meteorological conditions (wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity).
 Stay upwind and, if possible, evaluate the direction taken by the product.
 The vapour cloud may be white, but the colour dissipates and there is always the risk of a fire or an explosion.
 Do not flush, or allow the LNG to flow, down the drain or into the sewer system. Check if combustible gas is present in the
sewers, underground structures and buildings.
 Do not touch the spilled liquid.
 Use water spray to disperse vapours.
 Isolate the area until the gas has dispersed.
 Aerate and test the area before entering.
 Let the gas escape into the atmosphere.
 In the event of significant quantities, consult the regional office of the environmental authority that has jurisdiction.
Store only in containers approved for liquid natural gas. See also OSHA regulations regarding the handling of this product,
including standard 29 CFR 1910.110: Storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gases.
UN number: UN1972 Classification: 2.1
NATURAL GAS, REFRIGERATED LIQUID with high methane content Flammable gas
 In case of frostbite or freezing, gently rise the eyes with warm water. DO NOT RINSE THE EYES WITH HOT WATER.
 Keep the eyelids open wide to allow the liquid to evaporate.
 If the person cannot tolerate the light, protect the eyes with a bandage or handkerchief.
 Do not put any ointment in the eyes without medical advice.
 Consult a doctor immediately.
 Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with warm water.
 The exposed area may be warmed, but DO NOT USE HOT WATER.
 Consult a doctor immediately in the event of frostbite or blisters.
 Move the exposed person to fresh air.
 If the person is not breathing, call 911 or an ambulance, then administer CPR.
 If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
 Never try to make an unconscious person drink. Do not leave victims unattended.
 Consult a doctor immediately.
Telephone No.: 514 598-3270 Prepared on: July 27, 2015