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Product Name: Natural Gas, Methane-Rich
Chemical Name: Methane, with minor hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butane)
Chemical Formula: CH4 (main component)
Synonyms: Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, Pipeline Gas
Recommended Use: Fuel, energy source for industrial, commercial, and residential applications
Supplier/Manufacturer: Regional gas utility, energy company, or relevant distributor
Emergency Contact: 24/7 hotline from regional supplier or public emergency services
CAS Number: 74-82-8
Classification: Flammable gas, Category 1; Gas under pressure, Compressed Gas
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Pictograms: Flame; Gas cylinder
Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable; may explode if exposed to heat or open flame; Asphyxiant in high concentrations; Rapid fire or explosion risk in confined areas
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces; store in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation; use only in environments with adequate ventilation; prevent gas leaks
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation; direct contact with liquefied form may cause cold burns
Effects of Overexposure: Nausea, dizziness, unconsciousness, asphyxiation in confined spaces due to oxygen displacement
Methane: 80%–98% by volume, CAS 74-82-8
Ethane: 1%–6%, CAS 74-84-0
Propane: 0.1%–2%, CAS 74-98-6
Butane: 0.1%–2%, CAS 106-97-8
Other Trace Components: Nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide (may be present in low concentrations)
Odorant: Mercaptan or similar sulfur compound added for leak detection; negligible toxicity at detection threshold
Inhalation: Move the affected person to open air immediately; check responsiveness and breathing; administer oxygen if available; seek medical attention for persistent symptoms
Skin Contact (Liquefied Gas): Remove exposed clothing and flush skin with lukewarm water; avoid hot water; seek prompt medical care for frostbite
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with water for 15 minutes; seek medical evaluation if irritation develops or persists
Ingestion: Unlikely due to physical properties; treat symptoms; support breathing if affected
Special Instructions for Medical Professionals: Provide symptomatic and supportive care; monitor for signs of hypoxia and frostbite
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, water fog or deluge
Unsuitable Media: Direct water jet (spreads flammable gas)
Specific Hazards: Vapors may ignite explosively; leaks can form flammable mixtures with air; blasts possible if gas accumulates in confined spaces
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus needed
Special Procedures: Cool tanks with water spray; evacuate area in event of large leak or fire; control ignition sources and ventilate area
Explosion Sensitivity: Static discharge or open flame can trigger ignition; LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) for methane is about 5%, UEL is 15%
Personal Precautions: Evacuate all unnecessary personnel; avoid entering confined spaces without proper respiratory protection; use explosion-proof tools and non-sparking footwear
Environmental Precautions: Ventilate area to atmosphere if safe; never permit gas to accumulate in low, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas; notify authorities regarding substantial releases; avoid entry into sewers or confined drains
Cleanup Methods: Shut off source of leak if it can be done safely; allow gas to disperse in open air; monitor flammable gas concentrations before reentry
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), goggles, gloves for handling equipment exposed to cold or pressurized liquid; fire-resistant clothing for major incidents
Handling: Use in well-ventilated spaces; keep ignition sources away; avoid static buildup and use grounded equipment; don’t allow containers to fall, puncture, or receive mechanical shock; use explosion-proof devices
Storage: Store upright in secure, ventilated area; keep away from heat, sunlight, and ignition sources; ensure labels stay legible; secure cylinders to prevent tipping; separate from oxidizing agents, strong acids, and incompatible chemicals
Other Considerations: Rotate stock using FIFO; ensure emergency procedures and onsite gas detectors are available
Exposure Limits: Methane is a simple asphyxiant; NIOSH REL: None established, but oxygen levels should exceed 19.5% at all times
Engineering Controls: Use local and general ventilation; explosion-proof exhaust systems required in indoor spaces; install detectors for methane concentration and oxygen level
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Respiratory protection for leaks in confined areas or poor ventilation; chemically insulated gloves for liquefied gas handling; flame-resistant clothing; protective goggles
Hygiene Measures: Remove contaminated clothing; avoid smoking or eating in areas where gas is being used or stored; wash exposed areas after handling
Physical State: Colorless, odorless gas at room temperature; odorant may give a rotten egg-like smell
Odor Threshold: Added mercaptans detectable at very low ppm
Melting Point: -182.5°C (-296.5°F)
Boiling Point: -161.5°C (-258.7°F)
Relative Density (Air=1): 0.55 (lighter than air)
Solubility in Water: Slight (about 22 mg/L at 20°C)
Vapor Pressure: High at ambient temperature
Explosive Limits: 5% (LEL) to 15% (UEL) by volume in air
Auto-Ignition Temperature: 537°C (999°F)
Flash Point: Not applicable (gas under standard conditions)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended handling and storage practices
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid combustion with oxygen or air when ignited; forms explosive mixtures within specified concentration limits
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers such as chlorine, fluorine, nitric acid; certain halogens
Decomposition Products: Combustion yields carbon dioxide, water vapor, and possibly carbon monoxide in oxygen-deficient atmospheres
Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, sparks, static discharge, and unventilated spaces exposed to leaks
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity; simple asphyxiant effects due to oxygen displacement
Symptoms of Exposure: Headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion, suffocation
Chronic Effects: Not expected from normal exposures; long-term effects relate to asphyxiation risk, not toxicity
Target Organs: Central nervous system impairment due to asphyxia in enclosed or poorly ventilated places
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, OSHA
Other Health Risks: Frostbite or cold burns with exposure to liquefied product contact
Ecotoxicity: No direct toxicity for aquatic or terrestrial organisms at normal concentrations; main concern related to asphyxiation for animals in confined environments
Persistence and Degradability: Methane is persistent in air; photo-oxidation leads to CO2 and water but with significant greenhouse gas impact
Bioaccumulation Potential: Very low; methane readily dispersed or oxidized in open air
Mobility in Soil: Gas migrates through soil if released underground; may reach surface or migrate to confined spaces
Other Adverse Effects: Potent greenhouse gas, contributes to climate change; limited direct environmental toxicity but significant indirect global warming potential
Disposal Methods: Discharge to atmosphere if safe, diluted, and in compliance with local rules; keep away from ignition sources during venting; never release directly to underground sewers or confined spaces
Container Disposal: Vent cylinders outdoors and return to supplier if reusable; puncture or crush only under certified supervision when contents are confirmed absent
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to federal and local safety and environmental codes; destroy only at authorized facilities
Special Precautions: Ensure dispersion of gas before personnel leave site
UN Number: UN 1971 (Compressed); UN 1972 (Liquefied)
UN Proper Shipping Name: Natural Gas, Compressed or Methane, Compressed
Transport Hazard Class: 2.1 (Flammable gas)
Packing Group: Not assigned
Labeling Requirement: Flammable gas symbol and transport information
Special Transport Precautions: Secure cylinder; ventilate cargo area; avoid overheating; display hazard identification tags during shipment
Environmental Hazards: Not designated as marine pollutant, but risk associated with leaks in enclosed spaces during transport
Relevant Regulations: OSHA HazCom Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication); DOT 49 CFR; SARA Title III sections 302/304/311/312 (hazard categorization); Clean Air Act for emission regulation; TSCA inventory listing for methane and components
Safety Measures: Compliance with local and national fire safety codes; regular employee emergency response training; periodic review of workplace monitoring and reporting procedures
Other Requirements: Gas cylinders and piping must meet design, testing, and licensing requirements for flammable gases; proper labeling and identification on-site and during transit
