Right to Know

Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

ACETYLENE

Common Name:

Synonyms: Narcilene; Ethenylene; Vinylene

CAS Number:

74-86-2

Chemical Name: Ethyne

RTK Substance Number:

0015

DOT Number:

UN 1001

Date: June 2008

Revision: December 2009

Description and Use

Acetylene is a colorless and odorless gas. Commercial grade
Acetylene may have an Ether-like or garlic-like odor. It is
used for welding, cutting, brazing and soldering, and in making
other chemicals. Acetylene is shipped under pressure
dissolved in Acetone or Dimethylformamide.
f ODOR THRESHOLD = 226 ppm (with contaminants)
f Odor thresholds vary greatly. Do not rely on odor alone to

determine potentially hazardous exposures.

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS >>>> SEE BACK PAGE

Hazard Summary
Hazard Rating
NJDOH
HEALTH
FLAMMABILITY
REACTIVITY
FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE

NFPA
0
4
3

Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;

4=severe

Reasons for Citation

f Acetylene is on the Right to Know Hazardous Substance

List because it is cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, DEP, NFPA

and EPA.
f This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance
List.

SEE GLOSSARY ON PAGE 5.

FIRST AID
Eye Contact
f Immediately flush with large amounts of warm water for at
least 30 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove
contact lenses, if worn, while flushing. Seek medical
attention immediately.
Skin Contact
f Immerse affected part in warm water. Seek medical
attention.
Inhalation
f Remove the person from exposure.
f Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
f Transfer promptly to a medical facility.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
NJDEP Hotline: 1-877-927-6337
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802

f Acetylene can affect you when inhaled.

f Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite.
f Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness,

and passing out.

f Very high levels of Acetylene can decrease the amount of

Oxygen in the air and cause suffocation and death.

f Acetylene may be contaminated with Arsine, Phosphine and

Hydrogen Sulfide. For more information, consult the Right to

Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets on these
substances.
f Acetylene is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE and a
DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.

Workplace Exposure Limits

NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit (REL) is
2,500 ppm, which should not be exceeded at any
time.
ACGIH: An exposure limit has not been determined for this
simple asphyxiant gas.
f Acetylene decreases the amount of available Oxygen.

Routinely measure Oxygen content to make sure it is at least

19.5% by volume.

Page 2 of 6

ACETYLENE
Determining Your Exposure
f Read the product manufacturers Material Safety Data

Sheet (MSDS) and the label to determine product

ingredients and important safety and health information
about the product mixture.
f For each individual hazardous ingredient, read the New

Jersey Department of Health Hazardous Substance Fact

Sheet, available on the RTK website
(www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb) or in your facilitys RTK
Central File or Hazard Communication Standard file.
f You have a right to this information under the New Jersey

Worker and Community Right to Know Act and the Public

Employees Occupational Safety and Health (PEOSH) Act
if you are a public worker in New Jersey, and under the
federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) if you
are a private worker.
f The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most

employers to label chemicals in the workplace and

requires public employers to provide their employees with
information concerning chemical hazards and controls.
The federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29
CFR 1910.1200) and the PEOSH Hazard Communication
Standard (N.J.A.C. 12:100-7) require employers to provide
similar information and training to their employees.
This Fact Sheet is a summary of available information
regarding the health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.

Health Hazard Information

Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to Acetylene:
f Contact with the liquid can cause frostbite.
f Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness,

and passing out. It can also affect concentration and vision.

f Very high levels of Acetylene can decrease the amount of

Oxygen in the air and cause suffocation with symptoms of

headache, dizziness, weakness, loss of coordination and
judgement, coma and death.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at
some time after exposure to Acetylene and can last for
months or years:
Cancer Hazard
f According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Acetylene has not been
tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.

Reproductive Hazard
f According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, Acetylene has not been
tested for its ability to affect reproduction.
Other Effects
f No chronic (long-term) health effects are known at this time.

Medical
Medical Testing
There is no special test for this chemical. However, seek
medical attention if illness occurs or overexposure is
suspected.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under the OSHA Access to Employee
Exposure and Medical Records Standard (29 CFR 1910.1020).

Page 3 of 6

ACETYLENE
Workplace Controls and Practices
Very toxic chemicals, or those that are reproductive hazards or
sensitizers, require expert advice on control measures if a less
toxic chemical cannot be substituted. Control measures
include: (1) enclosing chemical processes for severely
irritating and corrosive chemicals, (2) using local exhaust
ventilation for chemicals that may be harmful with a single
exposure, and (3) using general ventilation to control
exposures to skin and eye irritants. For further information on
workplace controls, consult the NIOSH document on Control
Banding at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ctrlbanding/.
The following work practices are also recommended:
f Label process containers.
f Provide employees with hazard information and training.
f Monitor airborne chemical concentrations.
f Use engineering controls if concentrations exceed

recommended exposure levels.

f Provide eye wash fountains and emergency showers.
f Wash or shower if skin comes in contact with a hazardous

f Where exposure to cold equipment, vapors, or liquid may

occur, employees should be provided with insulated

Neoprene, Viton and Viton/Butyl gloves, and special clothing
designed to prevent the freezing of body tissues.
f All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
should be clean, available each day, and put on before work.
Eye Protection
f Wear non-vented, impact resistant goggles when working
with fumes, gases, or vapors.
f Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances.
Respiratory Protection
Improper use of respirators is dangerous. Respirators
should only be used if the employer has implemented a written
program that takes into account workplace conditions,
requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing, and
medical exams, as described in the OSHA Respiratory
Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134).

material.
f Always wash at the end of the workshift.
f Change into clean clothing if clothing becomes

f Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that

contaminated.
f Do not take contaminated clothing home.
f Get special training to wash contaminated clothing.
f Do not eat, smoke, or drink in areas where chemicals are
being handled, processed or stored.
f Wash hands carefully before eating, smoking, drinking,
applying cosmetics or using the toilet.

f Exposure to Acetylene is dangerous because it can replace

In addition, the following may be useful or required:

f Before entering a confined space where Acetylene is

present, check to make sure sufficient Oxygen (19.5%)

exists.
f Before entering a confined space where Acetylene may be
present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration
does not exist.
f Specific engineering controls are required for this chemical
by OSHA. Refer to the OSHA Compressed gases Standard
(29 CFR 1910.101).

Personal Protective Equipment

The OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Standard (29 CFR
1910.132) requires employers to determine the appropriate
personal protective equipment for each hazard and to train
employees on how and when to use protective equipment.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may
not apply to every situation.
Gloves and Clothing
f Avoid skin contact with Acetylene. Wear personal
protective equipment made from material that can not be
permeated or degraded by this substance. Safety
equipment suppliers and manufacturers can provide
recommendations on the most protective glove and clothing
material for your operation.

exposure to Acetylene does not occur.

Oxygen and lead to suffocation. Only NIOSH approved selfcontained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated
in the positive pressure mode should be used in Oxygen
deficient environments.

Fire Hazards
If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in the OSHA Fire Brigades Standard
(29 CFR 1910.156).
f Acetylene is a FLAMMABLE GAS.
f Stop flow of gas or let fire burn itself out.
f Use water spray to disperse gas, keep fire-exposed

cylinders cool, and protect individuals attempting to stop

leak.
f POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including
flammable Hydrogen gas.
f CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
f Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and flash back.

Page 4 of 6

ACETYLENE
Spills and Emergencies
If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
properly trained and equipped. The OSHA Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR
1910.120) may apply.
If Acetylene is leaked, take the following steps:

Occupational Health Information

Resources
The New Jersey Department of Health offers multiple services
in occupational health. These services include providing
informational resources, educational materials, public
presentations, and industrial hygiene and medical
investigations and evaluations.

f Evacuate personnel and secure and control entrance to the

area.
f Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas.
f Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak

cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a

safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to
empty.
f Keep Acetylene out of confined spaces, such as sewers,
because of the possibility of an explosion.
f It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Acetylene as
a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the
federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific
recommendations.

Handling and Storage

Prior to working with Acetylene you should be trained on its
proper handling and storage.
f Acetylene reacts violently with OXIDIZING AGENTS (such

as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES,

CHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and
FLUORINE).
f Acetylene reacts with ALKALI METALS (such as
POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC) and
POWDERED METALS and their SALTS (such as COPPER,
MERCURY and SILVER) to form explosive and shocksensitive Acetylide compounds and Hydrogen.
f Acetylene is not compatible with COBALT; CESIUM
HYDRIDE; IODINE; NITRIC ACID; RUBIDIUM HYDRIDE;
FERROSILICON; SODIUM HYDRIDE; BRASS; and
OZONE.
f Acetylene reacts with WATER to form toxic Ammonia.
f Acetylene is shipped under pressure dissolved in Acetone
or Dimethylformamide to prevent fires and explosions.
f Store cylinders in tightly closed containers in a cool, wello
o
ventilated area at temperatures below 120 F (50 C).
f Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Acetylene is used, handled, or stored.
f Use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings
wherever Acetylene is used, handled, manufactured, or
stored.
f Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of Acetylene.

For more information, please contact:

New Jersey Department of Health
Right to Know
PO Box 368
Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
Phone: 609-984-2202
Fax: 609-984-7407
E-mail: rtk@doh.state.nj.us
Web address: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb
The Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets
are not intended to be copied and sold
for commercial purposes.

ACETYLENE

Page 5 of 6

GLOSSARY
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists. They publish guidelines called Threshold Limit
Values (TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals.
Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs) are established
by the EPA. They describe the risk to humans resulting from
once-in-a lifetime, or rare, exposure to airborne chemicals.
Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance can
change its physical state from a liquid to a gas.
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer.
The CAS number is unique, identifying number, assigned by
the Chemical Abstracts Service, to a specific chemical.
CFR is the Code of Federal Regulations, which are the
regulations of the United States government.
A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
destruction of human skin or severe corrosion of containers.
The critical temperature is the temperature above which a
gas cannot be liquefied, regardless of the pressure applied.
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection.
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency
that regulates the transportation of chemicals.
EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards.

LEL or Lower Explosive Limit, is the lowest concentration of

a combustible substance (gas or vapor) in the air capable of
continuing an explosion.
mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air.
It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume).
A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation
is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations
can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves
respirators, conducts studies of workplace hazards, and
proposes standards to OSHA.
NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests chemicals
and reviews evidence for cancer.
OSHA is the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, which adopts and enforces health and safety
standards.
PEOSHA is the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational
Safety and Health Act, which adopts and enforces health and
safety standards in public workplaces.
Permeated is the movement of chemicals through protective
materials.
ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
measure of concentration by volume in air.

ERG is the Emergency Response Guidebook. It is a guide for

emergency responders for transportation emergencies
involving hazardous substances.

Protective Action Criteria (PAC) are values established by

the Department of Energy and are based on AEGLs and
ERPGs. They are used for emergency planning of chemical
release events.

Emergency Response Planning Guideline (ERPG) values

provide estimates of concentration ranges where one
reasonably might anticipate observing adverse effects.

A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases

energy under certain conditions.

A fetus is an unborn human or animal.

A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will
ignite easily and burn rapidly.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air.
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a
scientific group.
Ionization Potential is the amount of energy needed to
remove an electron from an atom or molecule. It is measured
in electron volts.
IRIS is the Integrated Risk Information System database on
human health effects that may result from exposure to various
chemicals, maintained by federal EPA.

STEL is a Short Term Exposure Limit which is usually a 15minute exposure that should not be exceeded at any time
during a work day.
A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
damaging the fetus.
UEL or Upper Explosive Limit is the highest concentration in
air above which there is too much fuel (gas or vapor) to begin a
reaction or explosion.
Vapor Density is the ratio of the weight of a given volume of
one gas to the weight of another (usually Air), at the same
temperature and pressure.
The vapor pressure is a force exerted by the vapor in
equilibrium with the solid or liquid phase of the same
substance. The higher the vapor pressure the higher
concentration of the substance in air.

Right to Know Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet

Common Name: ACETYLENE
Synonyms: Ethyne; Narcilene; Ethenylene; Vinylene
CAS No: 74-86-2
Molecular Formula: C2H2
RTK Substance No: 0015
Description: Colorless, odorless gas or the commercial product may have an Ether-like or garlic-like odor

HAZARD DATA
Hazard Rating

Firefighting

Reactivity

0 - Health

Acetylene is a FLAMMABLE GAS.

Acetylene reacts violently with OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as

PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES,
CHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and
FLUORINE).
Acetylene reacts with ALKALI METALS (such as
POTASSIUM, SODIUM, MAGNESIUM and ZINC) and
POWDERED METALS and their SALTS (such as COPPER,
MERCURY and SILVER) to form explosive and shocksensitive Acetylide compounds and Hydrogen.
Acetylene is not compatible with COBALT; CESIUM
HYDRIDE; IODINE; NITRIC ACID; RUBIDIUM HYDRIDE;
FERROSILICON; SODIUM HYDRIDE; BRASS; and OZONE.
Acetylene reacts with WATER to form toxic Ammonia.
Acetylene is shipped under pressure dissolved in Acetone or
Dimethylformamide to prevent fires and explosions.

4 - Fire
3 - Reactivity
DOT#: UN 1001
ERG Guide #: 116
Hazard Class: 2.1
(Flammable)

Stop flow of gas or let fire burn itself out.

POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN
FIRE, including flammable Hydrogen gas.
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
Use water spray to disperse gas, keep fireexposed cylinders cool, and protect
individuals attempting to stop leak.
Vapors may travel to a source of ignition and
flash back.

SPILL/LEAKS
Isolation Distance:
Small Spill: 100 meters (330 feet)
Large Spill: 800 meters (1/2 mile)
Fire: 1,600 meters (1 mile)
Keep Acetylene out of confined spaces, such as
sewers, because of the possibility of an explosion.
Use only non-sparking tools and equipment.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Odor Threshold:
Flash Point:
LEL:
UEL:
Auto Ignition:
Vapor Density:
Vapor Pressure:
Specific Gravity:
Water Solubility:
Boiling Point:
Freezing Point:
Critical Temp:
Ionization Potential:
Molecular Weight:

EXPOSURE LIMITS
NIOSH: 2,500 ppm, Ceiling
ACGIH: Maintain 19.5% Oxygen content
The Protective Action Criteria values are:

226 ppm (with contaminants)

Extremely flammable gas
2.5%
100%
o
o
581 F (305 C)
0.9 (air = 1)
4.04 x 104 mm Hg at 77oF (25oC)
0.65 (water = 1)
Very slightly soluble
-118oF (-83oC)
o
o
-113 F (-80.6 C)
o
o
97.3 F (36.3 C)
11.4 eV
26

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Gloves:
Coveralls:
Respirator:

Insulated Neoprene, Viton and Viton/Butyl

Insulated materials
<19.5% Oxygen or 350 ppm - SCBA

PAC-1 = 350 ppm PAC-2 = 2,500 ppm PAC-3 = 6,000 ppm

HEALTH EFFECTS
Eyes:
Skin:
Inhalation:

Contact with the liquid can cause

frostbite
Contact with the liquid can cause
frostbite
Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness,
and passing out

FIRST AID AND DECONTAMINATION

Remove the person from exposure.
Immediately flush with large amounts of warm water for at least 30
minutes, lifting upper and lower lids. Remove contact lenses, if worn,
while flushing. Seek medical attention immediately.
Immerse affected part in warm water.
Begin artificial respiration if breathing has stopped and CPR if
necessary.
Transfer to a medical facility.
December 2009