Material Safety Data Sheet
N-Butane, (No Odourant)
Date Issued: January 25th, 2010
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Product Name:
Material Use:
Manufacturer:
Emergency
Tel:
Fax Number:
N-Butane
Commonly used as a gasoline blending component and liquefied gas fuel; raw
material for making maleic anhydride, ethylene, acetic acid, synthetic rubber
and high octane liquid fuels; as a propellant in aerosols; as a refrigerant; and
as a food additive.
Spectra Energy Transmission
Address: Bag Service 6180
1-800-663-9931
Mile 53 Alaska Highway
1-250-262-3422
WHMIS Class:
UN/PIN Number:
TDG:
Class:
Shipping Name:
Chemical Identity:
Fort St. John, BC
V1J 4H7
Class A- Compressed Gas
Class B1 – Flammable Gas
1011/1075
2.1
Butane
Saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon / alkane / paraffin / n-alkane /
butane isomer
C4H10 (Structural Formula: CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3)
Chemical Formula:
58.122 g/mol
Molecular Weight:
106-97-8
CAS Number:
Trade Names/Synonyms: Butyl hydride, Diethyl, Methylethylmethane, Butane (non-specific
name), Liquefied butane
Poison Control Centre
British Columbia Poison Control Centre 1 (800) 567-8911
Numbers:
Consult local telephone directory for emergency numbers
2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Appearance:
Odour:
Flammability:
TLV (ACGIH):
Potential Health Effects:
Potential Environmental Effects:
Routes of Exposure:
Acute Inhalation:
Colourless gas/liquid
Typically odourless. At high concentrations, n-butane has
a characteristic natural gas or petroleum-like odour.
Extremely flammable gas or liquid at temperatures below 11 oC. Can form explosive mixtures in air at room
temperature.
1,000ppm
Refer to Section 11
Refer to Section 12
At low concentrations n-butane is essentially nontoxic. At high concentrations, it can cause
depression of the central nervous system (CNS)
with symptoms such as headache, nausea,
dizziness, drowsiness and confusion.
It is expected to cause unconsciousness (narcosis)
due to CNS depression at approximately 17,000
ppm (1.7%). (Note that n-butane is extremely
flammable). No symptoms except drowsiness were
experienced by 3-6 volunteers during a 10-minute
exposure to 10,000 ppm (1%).
n-Butane gas concentrations can become so high
that oxygen is displaced, especially in confined
spaces. Life-threatening asphyxiation (suffocation)
may result. n-Butane displaces oxygen to 18% in
air when present at 14% (14,0000 ppm).
Eye Contact:
Skin Contact:
Chronic Inhalation:
Ingestion:
Skin Absorption:
n-Butane and some other closely related aliphatic
hydrocarbons (propane and isobutane) are weak
cardiac sensitizers in humans following inhalation
exposures to high concentrations. Cardiac
sensitizers may cause the sudden onset of an
irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and, in some cases,
sudden death. The asphyxiant effects of n-butane
may enhance cardiac sensitization.
Exposure to rapidly expanding gas or vaporizing
liquid may cause frostbite (cold burns) and
permanent eye damage.
Exposure to rapidly expanding gas or vaporizing
liquid may cause frostbite (cold burns).
None available
Material cannot usually be swallowed due to its
primary physical state as a gas.
None expected
3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Component Concentration
N-Butane
Propane
95 – 100%
0 – 3%
CAS
No.
75-28-5
74-98-6
Exposure Limit
(ACGIH TLV)
1,000 ppm
1,000 ppm
LD50/LC50
(Species and route)
LC50 (rat) – 680,000 mg/m3/ 2hr
Not Applicable
4. FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
Eye Contact:
This product is flammable. Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety
before attempting rescue. Remove victim to fresh air. Commence CPR if
breathing has stopped and summon medical attention immediately. Oxygen
may be beneficial if administered by a person trained in its use.
Liquid:
Quickly remove victim from source of contamination. Immediately
and briefly flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water until the
chemical is removed. Do not attempt to re-warm. Cover both eyes
Skin Contact:
Ingestion:
with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow the victim to drink alcohol
or smoke. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.
Gas:
No effects anticipated
Liquid:
Quickly remove victim from source of contamination. Immediately
and briefly, flush with lukewarm, gently flowing water until the
chemical is removed. Do not attempt to re-warm the affected area
on site. DO NOT rub or apply dry heat. Gently remove clothing or
jewellery that may restrict circulation. Loosely cover the affected
area with a sterile dressing. DO NOT allow victim to drink alcohol
or smoke. Quickly transport victim to an emergency care facility.
Gas:
No effects anticipated
Not applicable route of exposure for gases.
5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flashpoint:
Lower Flammable (Explosive) Limit:
Upper Flammable (Explosive) Limit:
Auto-ignition Temperature:
Flammability Classification:
Combustion Products:
Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact:
Sensitivity to Static Charge:
Extinguishing Media:
Special Procedures:
-60 - -83oC
1.6%
8.4%
287oC
Extremely flammable gas or material. Can form
explosive mixtures in air at room temperature.
Oxides of carbon and other products of incomplete
combustion.
Stable material
Not applicable.
Can be readily ignited by a spark resulting from
nearby mechanical impact.
Can be ignited readily by an electrostatic charge of
sufficient energy.
Dry chemical powder and high-expansion foam.
This product presents an extreme fire hazard. Liquid
very quickly evaporates, even at low temperatures,
and forms vapour, which can catch fire and burn with
explosive force. Invisible vapour spreads easily and
can be set on fire by many sources such as pilot lights,
welding equipment, and electrical motors and
switches. Heat from a fire can cause a rapid build-up
of pressure inside cylinders, which may cause
explosive rupture. Use water spray to cool exposed
cylinders or tanks. If a leak or spill has not ignited,
use water spray to disperse the vapours. Extinguish
small residual fires with dry chemical powder or water
spray. Try to cover liquid spills with foam. Evacuate
area and fight fire from a safe distance or protected
location. Use full protective equipment and SCBA.
Use gas detectors in confined spaces.
6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Accidental Release Measures:
Waste Disposal Method:
Eliminate all sources of ignition in vicinity of released gas.
Stop the source of the leak or release if possible to do so
safely. Keep the public away. Notify the appropriate
authorities immediately. Warn occupants of downwind areas.
Disperse vapours with hose streams using fog nozzles.
Monitor low areas, as butane is heavier than air and can settle
into low areas. Prevent vapour and /or liquid from entering
into sewers, basements or confined spaces.
Dispose to an approved hazardous waste site. Where
appropriate, incineration or vent to a burning flare may be an
option in emergency situations. Check with applicable
jurisdictions for specific regulatory and disposal
requirements.
7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Follow handling regulations for flammable materials.
Use ppe as directed in Section 8.
Keep away from sources of heat and ignition, flammable materials, and
oxidizers.
Do not weld, cut, or heat.
Use only with adequate ventilation and avoid breathing vapours.
Ground and bond all lines and equipment and use intrinsically safe
electrical equipment.
To be handled by appropriately trained personnel only.
Follow approved operating procedures.
Storage
Follow storage regulations, including NFPA for flammable materials.
Store in a fire-proof building that is cool, dry, well ventilated, clearly
identified, well illuminated, clear of obstruction and accessible only to
trained and authorized personnel.
Use a non-sparking ventilation system, explosion=proof equipment, and
intrinsically safe electrical equipment.
Inspect all incoming containers to ensure they are in good condition.
sure no sources of ignition present in storage areas
Store material out of direct sunlight and away from flammable and
incompatible materials.
Consider leak detection and alarm equipment for storage area.
Work/Hygiene:
Have emergency eyewash/shower facilities as appropriate in the vicinity
of any potential splash areas.
Practice good hygiene practices including washing hands prior to eating,
drinking, using the toilet, etc.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas of use and/or storage.
Promptly remove contaminated clothing and launder prior to reuse.
 Use care when laundering to prevent formation of
flammable/harmful vapours.
8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
General
Considerations:
Ventilation:
Respiratory
Protection:
Skin Protection:
Eye/Face Protection:
Exposure to this material can be controlled in many ways. The
measures appropriate for a particular worksite depend on how this
material is used and on the extent of exposure.
General ventilation. Use explosion-proof mechanical ventilation.
Local exhaust ventilation if necessary to keep vapours below allowable
limits.
Full face breathing apparatus during transfer to rail or tank car and
sampling. Use self-contained or supplied air breathing apparatus for
levels exceeding TLV.
Follow NIOSH criteria for working (and entry) into confined space
(tank entry).
Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from
becoming frozen from contact with the liquid or from contact with
vessels containing the liquid.
Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid
that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.
9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Physical State:
Odour:
Appearance:
Vapour density (Air =1):
Boiling Point (oC):
Freezing Point:
Evaporation Rate:
Solubility in Water:
Molecular Weight
Specific Gravity (Water=1):
Specific Gravity (Air=1):
Odour Threshold:
Vapour Pressure:
pH:
Coefficient Water/Oil Distribution:
Density (g/ml):
Gas/liquid
Typically odourless. At high concentrations, n-butane
has a characteristic natural gas or petroleum-like odour.
Colourless
2
0.5 oC
Not Applicable
Not applicable for gas. Liquefied n-butane will
evaporate rapidly at room temperature.
Practically insoluble (49 mg/L) at 25 oC
58.122 g/mol
0.6
0.6
50,000 ppm
214.0 kPa at 21.1 oC)
Not applicable
Log P(oct) = 2.89
Not applicable
10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Hazardous Decomposition
Products:
Stability:
Incompatible With:
None
This material is stable.
NOTE: Chemical reactions that could result in a hazardous
situation (e.g. generation of flammable or toxic chemicals,
fire or detonation) are listed here. Many of these reactions
can be done safely if specific control measures (e.g.
cooling of the reaction) are in place. Although not intended
to be complete, an overview of important reactions
involving common chemicals is provided to assist in the
development of safe work practices.
The risk of a hazardous incident occurring due to
accidental mixing of n-butane with other substances is low
because n-butane only reacts with a very small number of
chemical classes that are commonly used in the workplace.
If an accidental mixing does occur, these few reactions
may be severe.
STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS (e.g. peroxides,
perchlorates) - Increases the risk of fire and explosion.
Reaction may be delayed.(36)
Conditions to Avoid:
Corrosivity to Metals:
Corrosivity to Non-Metals:
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS (e.g. chlorine, and bromine) Risk of fire and explosion. Fluorine gas reacts
explosively.(37) ) Mixtures with around 20% or more of
chlorine are explosive. However, if any mixture of nbutane and chlorine gas is exposed to direct sunlight there
is almost always an explosion.(38) The presence of some
metallic salts or oxides (e.g. ferric chloride, copper oxide)
or metals (e.g. mercury, zinc) increases the reactivity with
the halogen compounds.(36,38,39) Reaction with iodine is
not vigorous.
Static charge, heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition
sources
Pure isobutane gas or liquefied gas is not corrosive to
aluminum or carbon steel.
Pure n-butane gas is corrosive to polypropylene, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene, and
polyurethane; and is slightly corrosive to acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS). n-Butane gas is not corrosive to
fluorinated plastics, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), most
polyamides, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and
polyacetals.
11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
LD50:
LC50:
Acute Effects:
Not applicable
LC50 (rat) – 680,000 mg/m3/ 2hr
At low concentrations n-butane is essentially non-toxic. At high
concentrations, it can cause depression of the central nervous system
(CNS) with symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness
and confusion.
It is expected to cause unconsciousness (narcosis) due to CNS
depression at approximately 17,000 ppm (1.7%). (Note that n-butane is
extremely flammable). No symptoms except drowsiness were
experienced by 3-6 volunteers during a 10-minute exposure to 10,000
ppm (1%).
n-Butane gas concentrations can become so high that oxygen is
displaced, especially in confined spaces. Life-threatening
asphyxiation (suffocation) may result. n-Butane displaces oxygen to
18% in air when present at 14% (14,0000 ppm).
n-Butane and some other closely related aliphatic hydrocarbons
(propane and isobutane) are weak cardiac sensitizers in humans
following inhalation exposures to high concentrations. Cardiac
sensitizers may cause the sudden onset of an irregular heartbeat
(arrhythmia) and, in some cases, sudden death. The asphyxiant effects
of n-butane may enhance cardiac sensitization.
Chronic Effects:
Carcinogenicity:
Reproductive Effects:
Teratogenicity:
Mutagenicity:
Irritant:
Sensitizer:
Synergistic Effects:
Exposure to rapidly expanding gas or vaporizing liquid may cause
frostbite (cold burns) and permanent eye damage.
None
Not considered carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, or ASHA
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Not available
Ecotoxicity:
Not available
Persistence/Degradeability:
Bioaccumulation/Accumulation: Not available
Note:
Due to high volatility, it is expected to rapidly disperse in the atmosphere and undergo
photochemical degradation and as such, is not expected to cause ground or water
pollution if released into the environment.
13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Disposal:
Allow to dissipate to the atmosphere (if permitted by applicable regulatory
authorities).
Dispose in a safe location, possibly by flaring.
If material cannot be flared, take care to ensure gas has dissipated to concentrations
below its flammable limits.
14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
UN/PIN Number:
TDG:
Class:
Shipping Name:
1011/1075
2.1
Butane
Special Shipping Information:
Handle as extremely flammable gas.
Avoid static accumulation during transportation.
Workers should take special precautions to minimize risk of
inhalation.
15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
UN/PIN Number:
DSL (Canada):
WHMIS Class:
TDG:
1011/1075
Yes (CAS Number: 106-97-8)
Class A- Compressed Gas
Class B1 – Flammable Gas
2.1
Class:
Butane
Shipping Name:
NFPA Hazard
Ratings:
1 – Slightly Hazardous
Health:
Flammability: 4 - Very flammable gas
0 - Normally stable
Reactivity:
“This product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the CPR and the
MSDS contains all of the information required by the CPR”
16. OTHER INFORMATION
MSDS Preparation:
Date Issued:
Information Sources:
Glossary:
Prepared by:
EHS Services, Spectra Energy Transmission
Phone
250-262-3422
Number:
Fax Number:
250-262-3638
January 25th, 2010
Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety Cheminfo,
industry publications, and material analysis.
NIOSH – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
WHMIS – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
TDG – Transportation of Dangerous Goods
NFPA – National Fire Protection Association
IDLH – Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health
SCBA - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
SABA - Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus
TLV – Threshold Limit Value (herein refers to 8-hour unless
otherwise stated)
STEL – Short Term Exposure Limit (herein refers to 15 minute unless
otherwise stated)
Disclaimer: The information presented in this Material Safety Data Sheet is based on tests,
research and reports from the above mentioned sources, which are believed to be
accurate and reliable. The data and information are presented without warranty,
guarantee or liability on the part of the preparer in good faith.