ROURKELA STEEL PLANT

COAL CHEMICALS DEPARTMENT

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (SULPHUR)
Chemical SULPHUR (CAS 7704-34-9) MIN. 99.5% BY WEIGHT ON DRY BASIS COMMERCIALLY FREE FROM ARSENIC,SELLENIUM
AND TELLURIUM
Properties Appearance (physical state, colour, etc.): Yellow solid, easily crushed into yellow dust. Molten- Yellow liquid
Odour: Pure sulphur is odourless or tasteless. However, trace hydrocarbon impurities may give it a faint oily and / or
rotten egg odour.
Melting Point/Freezing Point: 113-120°C
Boiling Point: 445°C
-6
Vapour Pressure: 4x10 mm of Hg(@30°C)
Relative Density: 1.96 (H2O=1).
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Flash Point: 207°C
Auto ignition Temperature: 232°C
3 3
LEL : 35 g/m (dust) 4% for H2S UEL: 1400 g/m (dust) 44% for H2S
Important  Sulphur is stable. Hazardous polymerization will not occur.
Data  Incompatible with chlorates, nitrates, other oxidizers, carbides, halogens, phosphorous, and heavy metals. This
incompatibility may result in fire, excessive heat generation, release of toxic products or explosion.
 Sulphur burns to sulphur dioxide. Sulphur reaction with hydrocarbons and other organic material may produce
H2S or CS2.
Hazards  Contact with molten sulphur may cause serious burns and blindness. Sulphur vapour may cause eye irritation.
Dust contact with eye may cause mechanical irritation (abrasion), characterized by a scratchy discomfort. This
may progress to burning and tearing, with blurring of vision upon repeated or prolonged exposure. Severe
exposure may cause permanent damage.
 Prolonged contact with sulphur dust in localized area may result in irritation, primarily from abrasive action.
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Molten sulphur may cause 1 , 2 or 3 degree burn.
 Ingestion of large dose may cause mucous membrane irritation, difficulty in swallowing, redness of throat and
tongue, stomach, urinary disturbance, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
 Inhalation of large amount of dust may cause inflammation of the nose and throat.
 Long term exposure to high concentrations can cause respiratory disease.
Prevention  Wear protective gloves / protective clothing /eye protection / face protection.
 Obtain special instructions before use.
 Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
 Wash thoroughly after handling.
 Avoid repeated or prolonged skin contact.
Response  If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do.
Continue Rinsing. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.
 If on skin: Wash with plenty of water. Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. If skin irritation
occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
 If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
Storage  Keep godown well ventilated.
 Smoking and hot work prohibited.
Disposal Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local/regional /national regulations
FIRE EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
FIGHTING SMALL FIRES: Any extinguisher suitable for Class B fires, dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fire fighting foam, or Halon.
LARGE FIRES: Water spray, fog or fire fighting foam. Water may be ineffective for fighting the fire, but may be used to
cool fire-exposed containers.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
Small fires in the incipient (beginning) stage may typically be extinguished using handheld portable fire extinguishers
and other firefighting equipment.
Firefighting activities that may result in potential exposure to high heat, smoke or toxic by-products of combustion
should require NIOSH/MSHA- approved pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus with full face piece
and full protective clothing.
 ROURKELA STEEL PLANT
COAL CHEMICALS DEPARTMENT