METHANE
Basic information
- Chemical formula(s): \({\rm CH_4}\)
- Other names: methyl hydride, marsh gas
- CAS: 74-82-8
- International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0291
- Flammability: yes - highly flammable
- NOAA’s description: colourless odourless gas; easily ignited; vapors lighter than air; under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
- Health (blue): 2 - intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
- Flammability (red): 4 - rapidly or completely vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily.
- Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
- Special notice (white):
- SA - simple asphyxiant gas - a nontoxic or minimally toxic gas which reduces or displaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air.
Hazard statements
| Code | Phrase |
|---|---|
| H220 | extremely flammable gas |
Precautionary statements
| Code | Phrase |
|---|---|
| P210 | keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources, no smoking |
Protective measures
Gloves
No skin protection necessary.
Safety goggles
- Always wear safety goggles when handling methane. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
- Handle methane inside the fume hood only.
Clothing
- Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
- Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
- Do not wear cosmetics.
- Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
- Do not wear headphones.
Spill management
Not applicable.