LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

Safety Data Sheet

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)

1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SUBSTANCE/PREPARATION AND COMPANY/UNDERTAKING
Product Type/Use

Fuel, Base chemical.

Name
Liquefied Natural Gas

Other Names

Supplier
Nigeria LNG Limited
CORPORATE OFFICE
INTELS, ABA ROAD ESTATE
KM 16 ABA EXPRESSWAY
PMB 5660 PORT HARCOURT
NIGERIA.

Telephone Numbers
Emergency Tel.
+234 (0) 803 905 3999 (Production Plant - Operations)
Telephone/Fax Number
Tel: +234 (0) 803 905 3111 Fax: +234 (0) 803 905 3103

2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Preparation Description
Natural Gas - CAS 8006-14-2; EINECS 232-343-9; F+; R12 Extremely Flammable.
Complex mixture of hydrocarbons, predominantly methane with some other lower alkanes. Traces of C4 and C5
components may be present but 1,3-butadiene concentrations are <0.1%.
Dangerous Components / Constituents
Contains the following constituents which may have health and safety effects that are present at significant
quantities.
Name
Methane
Ethane
Propane
Butane
Heavier

CAS
74-82-8
74-84-0
74-98-6
106-97-8

EINECS
2008127
2008148
200-827-9
203-448-7

Proportion
85-100 %
1-10 %
1-5 %
0-1.5%
0-0.1%

Hazard
F+
F+
F+
F+

R Phrase
R12
R12
R12
R12

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EC Classification

Extremely Flammable.

Human Health Hazards

Liquefied natural gas is a cryogenic liquid. Skin contact with liquid gas may give rise to frost-bite. High gas
concentrations will displace available air; unconsciousness and death may occur suddenly from lack of oxygen.
Safety Hazards
Extremely flammable. In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture.

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Environmental Hazards
Not classified as dangerous for the environment.

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Symptoms and Effects
Not expected to give rise to an acute hazard under normal conditions of use.
Inhalation
Remove to fresh air. Do not attempt to rescue the victim unless proper respiratory protection is worn. If the victim
has difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest, is dizzy, vomiting or unresponsive, give 100% oxygen with rescue
breathing or CPR as required and transport to the nearest medical facility.
Skin
Slowly warm exposed area by rinsing with lukewarm water. Transport to the nearest medical facility for additional
treatment.
Eye
Slowly warm exposed area by rinsing with lukewarm water. Transport to the nearest medical facility.
Ingestion
In the unlikely event of ingestion, obtain medical attention immediately.
Advice to Doctor
Treat symptomatically.

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Specific Hazards
Forms flammable mixture with air. If LNG is released, the resulting vapours will disperse with the prevailing wind.
If a source of ignition is present where the vapour exists at 5-15% concentration in air, the vapour will burn along
the flame front toward the source of the fuel.
Extinguishing Media
Shut off supply. If not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. Dry powder, carbon dioxide
may be used for small fires. Fire fighting foam (medium or high expansion) can only control the fire and dispersion
it will not stop it.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media
Do not use water in a jet.
Protective Equipment
Fire fighters to wear self-contained breathing apparatus if risk of exposure to vapour or products of combustion.

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Accidental Release Measures
Avoid contact with spilled or released material. For guidance on selection of personal protective equipment see
Chapter 8 of this material safety data sheet. See chapter 13 for information on disposal. Observe all relevant local
and internal regulations.
Personal Precautions
Remove all possible sources of ignition in the surrounding area. Evacuate all personnel. Do not breathe vapour.
Do not operate electrical equipment. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Ventilate contaminated area
thoroughly.
Environmental Precautions
Shut off leaks, if possible without personal risk. Attempt to disperse the gas or to direct its flow to a safe location for
example by using fog sprays. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Ensure electrical continuity
by bonding and grounding (earthing) all equipment. Monitor area with combustible gas meter.

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Maritime Spillages
For small spillages on the deck of ships the source should be isolated and the spill should be sprayed with water to
minimize the risk of cryogenic fracturing of steel. In the case of large spillages on deck or onto water, the source is
to be isolated if possible, but personnel to be kept clear and natural vaporization allowed to take its course.
Release of LNG into water may cause explosive boiling due to rapid phase transition (liquid to gas).
Other Information
Local authorities should be advised if significant spillages cannot be contained. Observe all relevant local
regulations.

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling
Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Extinguish any naked flames. Remove ignition sources. Avoid sparks.
Do not smoke. Under normal conditions, LNG will be handled in enclosed systems, therefore no exposure is
anticipated.
Storage
Cryogenic containers are equipped with pressure relief devices to control internal pressure. Under normal
conditions, these containers will periodically vent product. Do not plug, remove or tamper with the pressure relief
device. Do not enter storage tanks. If entry into tanks is absolutely necessary, specialist advice should be sought.
Storage Temperatures
-162C.
Product Transfer
Electrostatic charges may be generated during pumping. Ensure electrical continuity by bonding all equipment.
Only transfer lines designed for cryogenic liquids shall be used.
Tank Cleaning
Inspection and maintenance of LNG storage tanks is a specialist operation which requires the implementation of
strict procedures and precautions. These include issuing of work permits, gas-freeing of tanks, using a manned
harness, lifelines, and wearing air-supplied breathing apparatus. Prior to entry the atmosphere in the tank must be
monitored using an oxygen meter and explosimeter.
Recommended Materials
For containers, allowable materials are those with proven sufficient low temperature (-165C) toughness. The
verification of sufficient toughness properties is usually carried out by testing at 196C (liquid nitrogen). Suitable
materials include austenitic stainless steels (types 304, 304L, 304LN, 316, 316L, 316LN), weldable aluminium
alloys and 9%nickel steels (ASTM A553 Type 1 and equivalents).
Examples of suitable non-metallic materials, for cryogenic application, are: PTFE, PCTFE, ETFE, and graphite.
For container linings, PTFE, PCTFE, or ETFE may be used. For seals and gaskets, graphite, or (expanded)PTFE
may be used.
Unsuitable Materials
Materials with unproven or insufficient low temperature (-165C) toughness are prohibited. These include
unalloyed carbon steels. In austenitic stainless steels, weld metals containing niobium should not be used in LNG
service.
Non-metallic materials, e.g. fiberglass, elastomers, thermoplastics, may be unsuitable for containers, container
linings, seals, and gaskets, at cryogenic temperatures. Examples of materials to avoid are: natural rubber (NR),
nitrile rubber (NBR, HNBR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), Viton (FKM), polyethylene (PE, HDPE),
polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Other Information
Ensure that all local regulations regarding handling and storage facilities are followed.

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8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION

Exposure Limits
Substance
Propane
Butane

Regulations
ACGIH
ACGIH

Exposure Duration Exposure Limit

TWA
1000
TWA
1000

ACGIH

ACGIH Threshold Limit Values.

Units
ppm
ppm

Notes

Other Exposure Information

Methane, Ethane and Propane are all simple asphyxiants.
Exposure Controls
The level of protection and types of controls necessary will vary depending upon potential exposure conditions.
Select controls based on a risk assessment of local circumstances. Used sealed systems as far as possible.
Adequate explosion-proof ventilation to control airborne concentrations below the exposure guidelines/limits.
Respiratory Protection
If engineering/operation controls do not maintain airborne concentrations to a level which is adequate to protect
worker health, select respiratory protective equipment suitable for the specific conditions of use and meeting
relevant legislation. Check with respiratory equipment suppliers. Where air-filtering respirators are unsuitable (e.g.
where airborne concentrations are high, there is a confined space or a risk of oxygen deficiency) use appropriate
positive pressure breathing apparatus. Where Respiratory Protective equipment is required, use a full face mask.
Hand Protection
Where hand contact with the product may occur the use of gloves approved to relevant standards (e.g. Europe:
EN374, US: F739) that are thermally resistant, are recommended.
Suitability and durability of a glove is dependent on usage, e.g. frequency and duration of contact, chemical
resistance of glove material, glove thickness, dexterity. Always seek advice from glove suppliers. Contaminated
gloves should be replaced. Personal hygiene is a key element of effective hand care. Gloves must only be worn on
clean hands. After using gloves, hands should be washed and dried thoroughly. Application of a non-perfumed
moisturizer is recommended.
Eye Protection
Chemical splash goggles (gas-tight monogoggles) and face shield with chin guard.
Body Protection
Do not allow any part of the body to touch un-insulated pipes or vessels containing cryogenic liquids. Chemical and
cold resistant gloves/gauntlets, boots, and apron.
Exposure Measurement Methods
Monitoring the oxygen content of the air is often the best means of ensuring safety. There are substantial risks if the
concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere varies from the normal (20.8%) under normal atmospheric pressure.

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Colour
Physical State
Odour
Boiling Point
Solubility in Water
Density
Flash Point
Flammable Limits - Upper
Flammable Limits - Lower
Auto-Ignition Temperature

Colourless.
Cryogenic liquid.
Odourless.
-161.5C (as methane)
Negligible.
Liquid methane at boiling point: 420 kg/m3
Flammable Gas.
15%V (methane)
5%V/V (methane)
537C.

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Vapour Density (Air=1)

0.56-0.60.

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stability
Stable under normal use conditions.
Conditions to Avoid
Heat, flames and sparks.
Materials to Avoid
Strong oxidizing agents e.g. chlorates and ammonium nitrate.
Hazardous Decomposition Products
Hazardous decomposition products are not expected to form during normal storage.

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute Toxicity - Oral
LD50 2000 mg/kg (rat).
Acute Toxicity - Dermal
LD50 2000 mg/kg (rat).
Acute Toxicity - Inhalation
LC50 >20mg/l/4hours(rat). Acts as a simple asphyxiant by displacement of oxygen in the air.
Eye Irritation
Contact with liquid product may cause severe frost-bite. Vapours are not expected to be irritating.
Skin Irritation
Contact with liquid product may cause severe frost-bite. Vapours are not expected to be irritating.
Respiratory Irritation
Not expected to be a respiratory irritant.
Skin Sensitisation
Not a skin sensitizer.
Carcinogenicity
Not known to be associated with carcinogenic effects.
Mutagenicity
Not considered to be a mutagenic hazard.
Reproductive Toxicity
Not a developmental toxicant.
Other Information
High gas concentrations will displace available air; unconsciousness and death may occur suddenly from lack of
oxygen. Rapid release of gases which are liquids under pressure, may cause frost burns of exposed tissues (skin,
eye) due to evaporative cooling.

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Basis for Assessment
Information given is based on data on the components and the ecotoxicology of similar products.
Mobility
Contains volatile components which are expected to be released to air. Evaporates extremely rapidly from water
or soil surfaces.

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Persistence / Degradability
Inherently biodegradable. Oxidises rapidly by photochemical reactions in air.
Bioaccumulation
Does not bioaccumulate significantly.
Ecotoxicity
Practically non-toxic, LC/EC50 > 100 mg/L, to aquatic organisms.

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Waste Disposal
Avoid discharge to atmosphere.
Product Disposal
Do not discharge into areas where there is a risk of forming an explosive mixture with air.
Local Legislation
Disposal should be in accordance with applicable regional, national, and local laws and regulations. Local
regulations may be more stringent than regional or national requirements and must be complied with.

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

ADR/RID UN Number
1972
ADR/RID Class
2.1
ADR/RID Proper Shipping Name
NATURAL GAS, REFRIGERATED LIQUID
IMDG UN Number
1972
IMDG Hazard Class
2.1
IMDG Proper Shipping Name
NATURAL GAS, REFRIGERATED LIQUID
Other Information
This product is forbidden to be transported by Air.

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

EC Symbols

F+

Indication of danger
Extremely Flammable.
EC Risk Phrase
EC Safety Phrase
EINECS

R12 Extremely Flammable.

S16 Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
S33 Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
S9 Keep container in a well ventilated place.
Listed.

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16. OTHER INFORMATION

References
67/548/EEC - Dangerous Substances Directive.
1999/45/EC - Dangerous Preparations Directive.
91/155/EEC - Safety Data Sheet Directive.
EN 1473 - Installation and equipment for Liquefied Natural Gas - Design for onshore installations.
EN 1160 - Installation and equipment for Liquefied Natural Gas.
United Nations - Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations. Vol 1 & 2.
International Air Transport Association - Dangerous Goods Regulations.
International Maritime Organisation - International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. Vol 1 & 2.
Restrictions
This product must not be used in applications other than those recommended without first seeking the advice of
the supplier.
List of R Phrases in Section 2
R12 Extremely Flammable.
Further Information
This information is based on our current knowledge and is intended to describe the product for the purposes of
health, safety and environmental requirements only. It does not constitute a guarantee for any specific property of
the product.
... End Of SDS ...

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