 |
Molten
Sulfur
MSDS
General Info
Ingredients
Physical Data
Fire & Explosion Data
Reactivity Data
Health Hazard Data
Spill or Leak Procedures
Special Precautions and Maintenance Notes
Control Measures & Personal Protection
SECTION 1. GENERAL
Manufactured by: MONTANA SULPHUR & CHEMICAL COMPANY
P.O. Box 31118, Billings, Montana USA 59107-1118
Offices and Plant located at 627 Exxon Mobil Road, Billings, Montana 5910
Emergency Telephone Number: (406) 252-7101
Telephone (406) 252-9324
Fax (406) 252-8250
E-Mail: sales@montanasulphur.com
|
Chemical Name: |
Sulfur or
Sulphur, elemental |
|
Chemical Symbol: |
S |
|
Common Name(s): |
Brimstone, Crude
Sulfur, Elemental Sulfur, Sulphur |
|
DOT Shipping
Name: |
SULFUR, 9,
NA1350, PG III. [See 49 CFR § 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table, and
49 CFR § 172.202 Description of Hazardous Material on Shipping
Papers.] |
|
DOT Hazard
Class: |
ORM-C |
|
DOT #: |
NA1350 |
|
DOT LABELS: |
Placards not
required for U.S. domestic land shipments, provided vehicle marked
“2448” black on white diamond or UN orange panel. Water transport
is placarded. See [49 CFR § 172.102(c)(1) Code/Special Provision
30]. |
|
EPA TOSCA & CAS#: |
[7704-34-9] ; [STC Code 49 457 70]
|
|
DOC Schedule B
No: |
2503.10.0000 Ck
Dgt 6 |
SECTION 2. INGREDIENTS/IDENTITY (exceeding 1% by weight)
Elemental Sulfur, S-; Chemical Family: Sulfur.
Lump or Crude
99.9% minimum S TLV-none established*
varies ca.99% S TLV-none established*
*No standards exist for elemental sulfur. The Nuisance Dust
Recommendation should govern exposure to solid sulfur in the absence
of other standards, in the opinion of this writer. For Nuisance
Dusts: OSHA = 15 mg/m3 (total) and 5 mg/m3 (as respirable dust);
ACGIH = 10 mg/m3 (total dust) or 5 mg/m3 (as respirable dust).
NOTICE: Molten sulfur may contain small amounts (less than
1%) of dissolved hydrogen sulfide [H2S] vapors and/or sulfur oxides
[S02] and may release same. Combustion of sulfur will produce sulfur
dioxide. Danger! These gases are toxics/irritants! (Request data
sheet for H2S. A NIOSH Criteria Document exists on H2S.) Avoid eye
irritation from H2S: 10 ppm. Exposure limits for these gases are
shown below for advisory purposes:
Sulfur
Dioxide: OSHA=5 ppm TWA: ACGIH TLV=2 ppm: STEL=5ppm.
Hydrogen
Sulfide: OSHA 8 HR TWA: n/a; 8 HR ACC 20 ppm or peak of 50 ppm.
(10 minutes once, if no other measurable exposure occurs in 8 hrs)
ACGIH TLV-TWA 10 ppm; TLV-STEL 15 ppm
Abbreviations Key: mg/m3 designates milligrams per cubic meter; ppm
designates parts per million (volume); ACC designates Acceptable
Ceiling Concentration; TWA designates Time Weighted Average; STEL
designates Short Term Exposure Limit; TLV designates Threshold Limit
Value. |
SECTION 3. PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point: 832.3 F.; Vapor Pressure: 1.15 X 10[E-4] (mm.Hg) @ 140 F.; Vapor
Density: >l @ 830 F. (air=1); Specific Gravity: 2.07 @ 77 F.; Melting Point: 231 - 246
F.; Evaporation Rate:< l ether = l;
Solubility in Water: Negligible.
Appearance and Odor: Bright yellow, minimal dust, odor very slight- may be sweet to
mercaptan-like. Melted sulfur changes from lemon yellow color to orange to red to black as
temperature increases. Strong sulfuric odor at liquid state. Viscosity increases rapidly
with temperature, then falls back off with further temperature increase.
SECTION 4. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Auto-ignition point (air): 478-511 degrees F.;
Flash Point: 335+F. Flammable Limits: LEL Dust 35 g/m3; UEL Dust
1400 g/m3. NOTE: May vary considerably depending on particle size
and dispersion. NOTE: With any combustible material near or above
the Flash Point, due consideration should be given to the
possibilities for hot vapors traveling to a remote source of
ignition and flashing back (while remaining above the flash point
and LEL).
Extinguishing media: Use water, water fog, dirt, sand, or a
carbon dioxide blanket to extinguish a fire. Hi-velocity jets of
water or gas should be avoided as these will tend to spread and
splash burning material over a larger area. Gentle water sprays or
flooding work best. Fire inside tank cars can be smothered by simply
closing the dome cover, thus closing off the air supply.
Special fire-fighting procedures: Protect product and
containers from ignition during nearby fires if possible. As a
precaution, keep exterior of tanks and bins cool with water spray to
help prevent ignition and to help control sulfur fire if ignition
occurs. If sulfur ignites: Stay upwind to avoid irritating-toxic
sulfur dioxide gas. Protect skin from molten sulfur burns. Indoors,
especially, wear self-contained breathing apparatus of the positive
pressure type. Protect the eyes. Combustion products (sulfur
dioxide) will cause severe coughing/eye & throat pain/and distress.
DO NOT INHALE! Avoid raising dust. Once a fire is controlled, post
fire watch for at least 4 hours. Small fires are easy to miss and
can linger for hours. Re-ignition may occur.
Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Combustion product is
sulfur dioxide, an irritating toxic gas which smells like burning
match heads. Dust-air mixtures are highly flammable/explosive.
Sulfur fires are deep blue at night, with very short flames. Fire is
invisible by daylight except for smoke and heat. Burning material,
however, turns a deep red-black.
|
SECTION 5. REACTIVITY DATA
Elemental sulfur is stable by itself at ambient
temperatures.
Conditions to avoid: mixtures of air and sulfur dust, sparks
or open flames, mixtures of sulfur and oxidizing agents (other than
sulfur) in general, large accumulations of sulfur dust which could
become airborne in an explosion or process disruption caused by
other materials. Examples of common oxidizing agents are
PERCHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORATES, PERMANGANATES, PEROXIDES, OXYGEN,
HALOGENS, etc. Good housekeeping is important to minimize fire
danger.
General Information: Solid sulfur is satisfactorily
compatible with common materials of construction including steel and
aluminum. Molten sulfur may attack and degrade rubber and some
plastics. At still higher temperatures sulfur will react with
hydrocarbons evolving poisonous hydrogen sulfide gas in the absence
of air. The gas is also flammable. Sulfur is both an OXIDIZING AGENT
and a REDUCING AGENT. Sulfur will form sulfides with most metals,
including iron, and reacts vigorously with metals in the Sodium and
Magnesium groups on the periodic table. Sulfides of iron will
oxidize fairly rapidly in moist air. In the presence of other
readily oxidized combustibles (such as some oily materials) under
certain conditions, the heat liberated may be sufficient to result
in spontaneous ignition. This phenomenon has not been observed with
these pure Sulfur products or Disintegrating Sulfur in contact with
unprotected steel at ordinary ambient temperatures. However, users
are cautioned against allowing inadvertent mixtures of sulfur, iron,
and miscellaneous oils to remain. Oxidation is accelerated by higher
temperatures. Heat buildup and ignition can be prevented by keeping
the sulfides wet until oxidation is complete. The literature on
sulfur is extensive. Consult a chemist before compounding.
Hazardous combustion products: Sulfur dioxide gas is
invisible, poisonous, choking and irritating. It smells like burning
match heads (which also liberate sulfur dioxide). Do not inhale! If
exposed get to fresh air at once. Hazardous polymerization of pure
sulfur does not occur. Treat over-exposure the same as for smoke
inhalation.
|
SECTION 6. HEALTH HAZARDS
Threshold limit value: none established for
sulfur.
Effects of overexposure to hydrogen sulfide: potential for
deadening of sense of smell, headache, eye and breathing passage
irritation and/or pain, dizziness, coughing, loss of consciousness,
respiratory paralysis, coma, death. Target organs are the airway
mucus membranes, the nervous system and interference with
respiratory centers resulting in stopped breathing, gastrointestinal
effects, etc. Other effects include fatigue, irritability,
incoordination, nausea, vomiting, chemical pneumonia, edema, low
blood pressure, convulsions, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance,
conjunctivitis, and a sensation of dryness or pain in the nose,
throat, chest, etc.
Hydrogen Sulfide Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
Inhalation: keep calm. Remove victim to fresh air immediately
without endangering yourself. If hydrogen sulfide is suspected
(strong rotten egg odor or sick sweet odor or a man down for no
obvious reason) DO NOT ENTER THE AREA WITHOUT PROPER RESPIRATORY
PROTECTION (FRESH AIR MASK) FOR YOURSELF EVEN TO ATTEMPT A RESCUE.
Without protection you run the risk of being overcome by gas
yourself. Administer oxygen and perform CPR. Watch for signs of
shock. Seek immediate medical attention.
ELEMENTAL SULFUR ROUTES OF ENTRY & FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
Inhalation (smoke, Sulfur Dioxide or H2S): Remove victim to
fresh air. Start artificial resuscitation and/or CPR if not
breathing. Call a physician.
Eyes: Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. Irritation may be
delayed several hours; usually disappears soon after exposure
ceases. Unless irritation is obviously minor, consult physician.
Also see THERMAL BURNS below.
Skin Contact: Wash skin/hair thoroughly with soap and water
after use to prevent irritation and transferring material to eyes
from fingers/hair. Prolonged contact with skin causes skin dryness.
[Has been used as an acne treatment for this reason] Lotions and
moisturizers may be useful in prevention. Also see THERMAL BURNS
below.
Ingestion: If ingested consult a physician. Sulfur is not
considered highly toxic. Has been used medically in years past in
"laxatives, alterative, antiseptics, antiparasitics" and is a
component of animal feeds.
Thermal Burns: Flood EYES and/or SKIN with cool water at
once! Unless skin burn is obviously minor/superficial; seek medical
attention. See that solidified sulfur is carefully and gently
removed without tearing flesh. If eyes are involved seek medical
attention at once.
Medical Conditions that may be aggravated by exposure to
fumes/hydrogen sulfide/sulfur oxides include respiratory disease or
infections; cardiovascular diseases. [It should be noted however
that this company has successfully employed selected persons with
pre-existing heart disease and emphysema without adverse results and
that sulfur has been known and used since antiquity with remarkable
safety]. Sulfur is NOT listed as Carcinogen or Potential Carcinogen
under the National Toxicology Program of IARC or OSHA. |
SECTION 7. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Allow product to solidify. Avoid sources of ignition.
Have proper extinguishing media present. Utilize proper eye, face and
respiratory protection. Wet down as needed to control dust.
Waste disposal: handle in accordance with all federal, state and local
regulations.
SECTION 8. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS and MAINTENANCE
NOTES
Handling and Storage: Have fire fighting media at hand. Store solids
outdoors or in a cool, vented area or an inert gas blanketed vessel. Avoid
all sources of excessive heat and ignition. Avoid generating static
electricity. Avoid explosive mixtures of dust and air. Handle sulfur with
electrically grounded equipment. Enclosed equipment containing dust and air
should be adequately explosion vented. Sulfur may be stored molten in steel
or other compatible metallurgy in vented atmospheric pressure tanks or in
pressure vessels. Avoid unnecessarily high or low temperatures in storage
vessels and keep temperature below flash point.
Excessively low temperature accelerates corrosion. Be aware that in the
presence of moisture over long periods of time, some of the sulfur will
convert to sulfuric acid which is corrosive and will attack steel, metals,
paper, concrete and wood products.
As
with any hot material, violent generation of steam may result from
introduction of water or other volatile liquids into the molten sulfur or
the hot tanks. Serious burns could happen. Be sure vessels are properly
vented or able to contain resulting steam pressures safely before
introducing any water to such systems.
When unloading tank cars or trailers, be sure all connections are tight
before pressuring lines. Stand well clear of nozzles and apertures from
which molten sulfur may issue. Positively vent tank BEFORE heating or
steaming. When opening tank cars/trailers, check carefully for pressure or
vacuum before releasing all hatch hold downs. Covers may try to swing open
forcefully and/or material or gas may eject forcefully – stand clear. Vent
any gas pressure out of doors, stand upwind of discharge and DO NOT INHALE
FUMES. Beware of potential poisonous gas hazard. Avoid overheating and
over-pressuring tank cars/trailers. NEVER apply pressure in excess of
vessel or steam coil ratings. Thoroughly melt all cargo before unloading
is attempted. Avoid heating sulfur above 300 degrees F. during transfer
operations. Once sulfur is melted, unload by gravity or pressure. In
pressure unloading, use regulated air or nitrogen pressure and NEVER more
than rated pressure limit. Do NOT depend on installed transport tank
pressure relief devices to limit pressure, because they may be plugged with
solids. Violent rupture of the tank or other severe damage to personnel and
property could occur from improper methods. Except in case of emergencies,
the use of steam to pressure unload shipper’s cars/trailers is prohibited by
the shipper because excessive corrosion results. Steam must be used on the
heating coils only.
SPECIAL NOTE: Higher temperature increases vapor pressure and fluid
viscosity drastically making flow and pumping difficult and increases danger
of burns and exposure to irritating fumes with open systems. Material
heated to near or above the flash point should also be especially protected
from ignition sources or handled in closed systems. Be familiar with all
information on this sheet and use common sense. Have fire fighting media at
hand.
Vessel Entry. Isolate vessel from process and heat input. Do not enter
hot tanks. If molten sulfur has been generated in the process, be advised
that sulfur may remain molten under a crust for a considerable time.
Ventilate enclosed tanks with fresh air and purge of all potentially
explosive air/dust mixtures before and during entry. Check air in enclosed
spaces for flammability, poisonous gases and oxygen before entry. Work in
the buddy system. Wet down residual sulfur on walls to control dust and
fire hazard while cleaning and working on vessels. If vessel is not to be
re-used at once, rinse and dry thoroughly to limit corrosion.
Welding/Cutting/Grinding: Remove bulk sulfur from equipment or wet down
thoroughly or blanket with inert gas to prevent ignition. Fully protect
material in nearby equipment/containers from sparks or remove it. Eliminate
all sources of sulfur dust suspended in air in welding/cutting/grinding
area. Wet work is usually preferable. Welding/cutting combustion products
will contain sulfur dioxide as well as noxious metal oxides. Do not breathe
fumes. Ventilate properly or wear breathing protection suitable for both
sulfur dioxide and welding fumes. Posting fire watch during and after such
work for 4 hours recommended.
SECTION 9. CONTROL MEASURES & PERSONNEL PROTECTION
Work Area Ventilation:
(1) Local exhaust, handle outdoors if practical or in closed systems. (2)
Mechanical ventilation of indoor work areas recommended for controlling
fumes and dust. If possibility of vapor or fume accumulation exists above
the flammable limit, utilize explosion proof ventilating equipment to avoid
toxic or explosive concentrations.
Protective Clothing:
Leather or insulating cotton gloves, chemical resistant if dictated by other
chemicals present. Long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize skin contact.
Eye & Face Protection:
Dust tight safety goggles recommended where dust is likely to be present in
irritating amounts. Face shield recommended when making/breaking
connections to molten sulfur lines and steam coils.
Respiratory Protection:
Use appropriate NIOSH approved respirator if PEL’S for nuisance dust,
hydrogen sulfide, and/or sulfur dioxide are exceeded. For nuisance dust we
use 3M-Co. #8710 mask.
For
toxic gases we use full face positive pressure or pressure/demand supplied
air or self contained breathing apparatus. Other masks may be suitable.
Consult your safety equipment manufacturer or supplier.
Work & Hygienic Practices:
When working with sulfur, wash exposed skin with soap and water after work
periods and before breaks. Use clean work clothing each day.
Montana Sulphur & Chemical Company will be pleased to work with customers in
developing safety rules and procedures for particular situations - contact
us.
NOTICE: The information and judgments contained herein are based on experience and
data considered accurate, however, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding accuracy
or the results to be obtained from use. Manufacturer assumes no responsibility for injury
to vendee/user or third person proximately caused by the material if reasonable safety
procedures are not adhered to. Additionally, manufacturer assumes no responsibility for
injury to vendee/user or third persons proximately caused by abnormal use of the material
even if normal and reasonable safety procedures are followed. Furthermore, buyer/user
absolutely assumes full responsibility for the risks in his use of the material.
Prepared by Lawrence Zink, Chemist,
Montana Sulphur & Chemical Company -- January 23,1997
Last Revision
12/12/06 |