.

SAFETY DATA SHEET

FOR

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPGas)

Supplier Name
Address

Telephone
Fax
Emergency
Other Names
Uses

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE MATERIAL AND SUPPLIER

Elgas Ltd, A.C.N. 002 749 260
10 Julius Avenue, North Ryde NSW 2113
PO Box 1336, Chatswood NSW 2067
AUSTRALIA
(02) 8094 3200
(02) 9018 0146
1800 819 783 (24 hours)
Propane, butane, propene or a combination of these products
As an energy source in the residential, commercial and automotive markets.
A feedstock for the petrochemical industry and as refrigerant.
2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

NOT CLASSIFIED AS HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO ASCC (NOHSC) CRITERIA.

CLASSIFIED AS A DANGEROUS GOOD BY THE CRITERIA OF THE ADG CODE.

LP Gas
Main Components

Propane
Propene

Minor Components
Odourant:

3. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

CAS Number
Composition in
68476 85 7
accordance with the
0074 98 6
appropriate LPG
Australia specifications
115 07 1
and state regulations

n-Butane

106 97 8

Iso-Butane
Ethane
1,3-Butadiene
Ethyl Mercaptan

75 28 5
74 84 0
106 99 0
75 08 1

<0.1%
Approx 25ppm

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

In all cases seek medical attention and see the Elgas Super Cold Contact Injuries Hospital
Information Sheet for further information and procedures.
Eye Treatment for cold burns: Immediately flush with tepid water or with sterile saline
solution. Hold eyelids apart and irrigate for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation

Skin

Remove from area of exposure immediately.

Be aware of possible explosive atmospheres.
If victim is not breathing apply artificial respiration and seek urgent medical attention.
Give oxygen if available. Keep warm and rested.
Cold burns: Remove contaminated clothing and gently flush affected areas with warm
water (30 C) for 15 minutes.
Apply non-adhesive sterile dressing and treat as for a thermal burn.
For large burns, immerse in warm water for 15 minutes.
DO NOT apply any form of direct heat. Seek immediate medical attention.

Ingestion

For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (Australia Wide) or a

doctor. Ingestion is considered unlikely due to product form.

Advice to
Doctor

Treat symptomatically. Severe inhalation over exposure may sensitise the heart to
catecholamine induced arrhythmias. Do not administer catecholamines to an
overexposed person.
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Last Review Date: 30 Jan 13

Flammability

Fire and
Explosion

Extinguishing

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Highly flammable.
Heating to decomposition produces acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Product will add fuel to a fire.
Eliminate all ignition sources including cigarettes, open flames, spark producing
switches / tools, heaters, naked lights, pilot lights, mobile phones etc. when
handling.
Highly flammable.
Temperatures in a fire may cause cylinders or pressure vessels to rupture and
pressure relief devices to be activated (venting).
Call Fire Brigade. This product will add fuel to a fire.
Cool cylinders and vessels exposed to fire by applying water from a protected
location and with water spray directing spray primarily onto the upper surface.
Do not approach any LPGas container suspected of being hot.
Stop flow of gas if safe to do so, such as by closing valves or by activating
Emergency Shutdown Systems. If the gas source cannot be isolated, do not
extinguish the flame, since re-ignition and explosion could occur.
Await arrival of emergency services.
Drench and cool cylinders or vessels with water spray from protected area at a
safe distance.
If it is absolutely necessary to extinguish the flame, use only a dry chemical
powder extinguisher.
Do not move cylinders for at least 24 hours. Avoid shock and bumps to
cylinders. Evacuate the area of persons not fighting the fire.
Carbon oxides (CO, CO2) fumes may be produced should burning occur
especially within an enclosed space (ie causing a deficiency of oxygen).
Fire fighters should wear full protective clothing and be aware of the risk of
possible explosion (especially in a confined space). Flashback may occur along
vapour trail.
Where possible, remove cool cylinders from the path of the fire. Do not re-use a
fire-exposed vessel or cylinder seek advice of supplier.

Hazchem Code

Spillage

2YE (as defined in ADG7 published in 2007)

2WE (as defined in ADG6 published in 1998)

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

As this product has a very low flash point any spillage or leak is a fire and / or
explosion hazard. If a leak has not ignited, stop gas flow, isolate sources of
ignition and evacuate personnel.
Ensure good ventilation.
Liquid leaks generate large volumes of heavier than air flammable vapour which
may travel to remote sources of ignition (eg along drainage systems).
Where appropriate, use water spray to disperse the gas or vapour and to protect
personnel attempting to stop leakage.
Vapour may collect in any confined space.

Gas Cylinders

If the cylinder is leaking, eliminate all potential ignition sources and evacuate
area of personnel. Inform manufacturer / supplier of leak.
If safe to enter the area, wear appropriate PPE and carefully move the cylinder to
a well ventilated remote area, then allow to discharge.
Do not attempt to repair leaking valve or cylinder fusible plugs.
For vessels operate the Emergency Shutdown System (where fitted) and
proceed as above.
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Last Review Date: 30 Jan 13

Precautions
for Safe
Handling

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Avoid inhalation of vapour.
Avoid contact with liquid and cold storage containers.
When handling cylinders wear protective footwear and suitable gloves.
Always ensure that cylinders are within test date, are fit for use and are leak
checked prior to use.
Do not fill dented, gouged or rusty containers (refer AS2337.1). Only fill cylinders
to 80% fill level (ullage tube via decanting or mass via mechanical filling).
The maximum fill level for vessels is dependent upon their size and location as
detailed in AS / NZS 1596.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Class 2.1 Flammable Gas products may only be loaded in the same vehicle or
packed in the same freight container with the classes of products as permitted in
the ADG Code (see references).
Cylinders shall only be transported in an upright, secure position in accordance
with the National Road Transport Commission Load Restraint Guide and shall
not be dropped.

Conditions for
Safe Storage

Store and use only in equipment / containers designed for use with this product.
Store and dispense only in well ventilated areas away from heat and sources of
ignition.
Do not enter storage vessels. If entry to a vessel is necessary, contact the
supplier.
Cylinders and vessels must be properly labelled. Do not remove warning labels.
LPGas cylinders shall be stored in accordance with the requirements of the ADG
Code, AS 4332 and AS/NZS1596.
Do not store in pits and basements where vapour may collect.
Store cylinders securely in an upright position. Note: forklift cylinders may be
stored horizontally.
Store away from incompatible materials particularly oxidising agents. Check
vessels and cylinders are clearly labelled.
Do not contaminate cylinders or vessels with other products.

Other
Information

Product spilt on clothing may give rise to delayed evaporation and subsequent
fire hazard.
Check for leaks by sound and smell and by locating with soapy water or with
approved detection devices.
Use only equipment and pipework designed and approved (where applicable) for
LPGas applications.
Ensure that cylinders cannot be struck by forklift vehicles or by dropped or rolled
objects, etc.
Refer to Australian state and territory Dangerous Goods regulations.

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Last Review Date: 30 Jan 13

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Ventilation

Maintain adequate ventilation.

Confined areas (eg tanks) should be adequately ventilated and gas tested and must
NEVER be entered unless under supervision via a Permit Procedure.

Exposure
Standards

PPE

Ingredient Name

Occupational Exposure Limits

LP Gas

NOHSC
TWA: 1000 ppm 8 hour(s)

Butane

NOHSC
3
TWA: 1900 mg/m 8 hour(s)
TWA: 800 ppm 8 hour(s)

Propane

ACGIH TLV
TWA: 1000 ppm 8 hour(s)

Propylene

ACGIH TLV
TWA: 500 ppm 8 hour(s)

Wear suitable gloves and overalls to prevent cold burns and frostbite.
In filling operations wear protective clothing including impervious gloves, safety
goggles or face shield.
All clothing should be of the anti-static, low flame spread type.
When handling cylinders wear protective footwear.

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Last Review Date: 30 Jan 13

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

PROPERTY

PROPANE

BUTANE

Appearance
Odour
Chemical Formula

Colourless Gas
Characteristic Odour
C3H8

Colourless Gas
Characteristic Odour
C4H10

Molecular Weight

44.1

58.1

Boiling Point

-420C

-0.50C

Density (kg/m3)

Liquid at
150C

Gas at
101 kPa
& 150C

Liquid at
150C

Gas at
101 kPa
& 150C

510

1.86

568

2.47

Relative Density:
water = 1.0
air
= 1.0

0.510

Litres/tonne
m3/tonne
m3/m3 of liquid

1961
1.961
1.000

Specific heat of
liquid (kJ/kg/0C)

2.512

2.386

Latent heat of
vapourisation
(MJ/m3)
(MJ/kg = GJ/t)

232
0.358

239
0.372

Heat combustion
(MJ/m3)
(MJ/kg = GJ/t)

25000
50.1

Volume of air
(m3) needed to
burn 1m3 of gas
Flash point
Ignition temp.
Max. flame temp.
Limits of
flammability in
air (% by vol):
upper %
lower %

536000
536
274

93.3
50.1

2.00
1760
1.760
1.000

28800
49.47

405000
405
235

121.9
49.47

23.7

31.0

-1040C
493-5490C

-600C
482-5380C

19700C

19900C

9.6
2.4

8.6
1.9

Solubility (water): 0.07cm3 / cm3

Other Properties:
Other name/numbers:

0.568
1.53

LPGas
Propane

UN 1075
UN 1978

Butane

UN 1011

IsoButane

UN 1969

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Reactivity

Decomposition
Products

Health Hazard
Summary
Eye

Inhalation

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Incompatible with oxidising agents, acids, heat and ignition sources. Do not use
natural rubber flexible hoses. Also incompatible (potentially violently) with
oxygen, halogens and metal halides.
Heating to decomposition produces acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Asphyxiant gas. Symptoms of exposure are directly related to displacement of
oxygen from air.
Non irritating. However, direct contact with evaporating liquid may result in
severe cold burns with possible permanent damage.
Non irritating Asphyxiant. Effects are proportional to oxygen displacement.
Low vapour concentrations may cause nausea, dizziness, headaches and
drowsiness.
May have a narcotic effect if high concentrations of vapour are inhaled. High
vapour concentrations may produce symptoms of oxygen deficiency which,
coupled with central nervous system depression, may lead to rapid loss of
consciousness.

Abuse

Under normal conditions of use the product is non hazardous, however abuse
involving deliberate inhalation of very high concentrations of vapour can produce
unconsciousness and / or result in a sudden fatality or brain damage.

Skin

Non irritating. Contact with evaporating liquid or supercold vessels or pipes may
result in frost-bite with severe tissue damage.

Ingestion
Toxicity Data

Eco Toxicity

Mobility

Due to product form, ingestion is considered highly unlikely.

PROPANE (74-98-6)
LC50 (Inhalation) : 50,000 ppm

ISOBUTANE (75-28-5)
LC50 (Inhalation): 57pph/15 min (rat)

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Not toxic to flora, fauna or soil organisms.
Will not cause long term adverse effects in the environment and is not
dangerous to the ozone layer.
Spillages are unlikely to penetrate the soil.
The product is likely to volatise rapidly into the air.

Persistence /
Degradability

Unlikely to cause long term adverse effects in the environment.

Bioaccumulative
Potential

This material is not expected to bio-accumulate.

Other Ecological
Information

Unlikely to cause long term effects in the aquatic environment.

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Waste
Disposal

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Cylinders should be returned to the manufacturer or supplier for disposal.
Empty cylinders or vessels may contain some remaining product.
Hazard warning labels are a guide to the safe handling of empty packaging and
should not be removed. LPGas cylinders or vessels should NEVER be
inadvertently disposed of in any land fill facility without being rendered visually and
physically unusable before disposal.
EMPTY container warning: empty containers can sometimes retain residue
(liquid and / or vapour) and can be dangerous.
DO NOT PRESSURISE, CUT, WELD, BRAZE, SOLDER, DRILL, GRIND OR
EXPOSE SUCH CONTAINERS TO HEAT, FLAME, SPARKS AND OTHER
SOURCES OF IGNITION THEY MAY EXPLODE AND CAUSE INJURY OR
DEATH. Do not attempt to clean.

Legislation

Dispose of in accordance with relevant legislation.

Transport

UN Number
Shipping Name
DG Class

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Transport of LPGas is controlled in accordance with the requirements of the
ADG Code and the Load Restraint Guide.
1075
PETROLEUM GASES, LIQUEFIED
2.1

Subsidiary Risk(s)

None Allocated

Packing Group

None Allocated

Hazchem Code

See Section 5

AICS
Poison
Schedule

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

All chemicals listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).
A poison schedule number has not been allocated to this product using the criteria in
the Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP).

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Last Review Date: 30 Jan 13

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Principal Retail Centres
NSW
Blacktown

22 Holbeche Road
Blacktown NSW 2148
Phone: (02) 9672 0777
Fax: (02) 9672 1481

VIC
Mulgrave

331-347 Police Road

Mulgrave VIC 3170
Phone: (03) 9767 7222
Fax: (03) 9767 7372

QLD
Brisbane

Tanker Street
Lytton QLD 4178
Phone: (07) 3396 2769
Fax: (07) 3893 1495

SA
Adelaide

1 Newfield Road
Para Hills West SA 5096
Phone: (08) 8368 4700
Fax: (08) 8349 4624

ACT
Canberra

3-5 Geelong Street

Fyshwick ACT 2609
Phone: (02) 6280 6355
Fax: (02) 6280 4217

Swap n Go

Contact the principal retail centre in

your state or territory

Stargas

Contact the principal retail centre in

your state or territory

WA
Perth

NT
Darwin

References

2 Uppsala Place
Canning Vale WA 6155
Phone: (08) 6465 8561
Fax: (08) 6254 2893
1227 Winnellie Road
Winnellie NT 0821
Phone: (08) 8947 4256

ALPGA (now Gas Energy Australia) Specification for Liquefied Petroleum Gas for
Automotive use 2004.
ALPGA (now Gas Energy Australia) Specification for Liquefied Petroleum Gas for
Heating use 2004.
ACGIH = American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
CAS Number = Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
HAZCHEM Code = Emergency action code of numbers and letters which gives
information to emergency services
ICAO = International Civil Aviation Organisation
IATA = International Air Transport Association
IMDG = International Maritime Organisation Rules
NOHSC = National Occupational Health & Safety Commission, Australia
TWA = Time weighted average
STEL = Short term exposure limit
UN Number = United Nations Number, a four digit number assigned by the United
Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Petroleum and Gas Legislation / Queensland: 2004
Australian Standards as detailed within this document
The Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail
(commonly known as the ADG Code)
The Load Restraint Guide as prepared by the National Transport Commission

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