MCA 1971 SD37 Styrene

8/6/2019 MCA 1971 SD37 Styrene

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Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-37PROPERTIES AND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

FOR

SAFE HANDLING AND USE

OF

STYRENE MONOMER

Chemicals in any farm can be safely stared, handled or used ifthe physical, chemical an d hazardous properties ar e fully under-stood an d the necessary precautions, including the use of propersafeguards an d personal protective equipment, ar e observed.

REVISED 1971

REFERENCE00 NOT LOAN

MANUFACTURING CHEMISTS ASSOCIATION1825 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, N. W. WASHINGTON, D. C. 20009


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Published as an activity of the Association's Safety and Fire Protection Committee.Other MCA committees which have cooperated in its preparation include:

Air Quality CommitteeChemical Packaging CommitteeLabels and Precautionary Information CommitteeOccupational Health CommitteeTransportation and Distribution CommitteeWater Resources Committee

Address correspondence to staff editor-F. G. Stephenson, Manufacturing ChemistsAssociation, 1825 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, D. C. 20009.

1971 by Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc.

The information and recommendations contained in this Chemical Safety Data Sheet have been compiled fromsources believed to be reliable and to represent the best opinion on the subject as of 1971. However, noguarantee, or representation is made by the Manufacturing Chemists Association as to the correctness or ollftic.iencyof any information or recommendation herein, and the Association assumes no responsibility in connectionnor can it be assumed that all necessary warnings and precautionary measures are contained in this ChemicalDala Sheet, or that other or additional informaf.ion or measures may not be required or desirable becauseparticular or exceptional conditions or circumstances, or because of applicable federal, state, or local law.


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TABLE OF CONTENTSPage

Preface -- ---- ----- ------ -------- ---- -__ __ ___ __ ___ _ ___ ___ _ __ __ __ ____ ____ _ _ _ _ ______ _ __ __ ___ _____ _ 41. NAMES ------------------- ______________________ .______________________________________________________________ 52. PROPERTIES --------------:----__ :__________________________________________________________________________ 5

2.1 Grade an d Strength -----_____________________________________________________________________ 52.2 Properties and Characteristics _________________________________________________________ 5

3. HAZARDS ------------------------____________________________________________________________________________ 63.1 Health Hazards -----------_______________________________________________________________________ 63.2 Fire an d Explosion Hazards ______________________________________________________________ 6

4. ENGINEERING CONTROL OF HAZARDS ____________________________________________________ 64.1 Equipment Design ----_________________________________________________________________________ 64.2 Ventilation ------------____________________________________________________________________________ 7

5. EMPLOYEE SAfETY -------_______________________________________________________________________________ 75.1 Employee Education an d Training _____________________________ ______________________ 75.2 Personal Projective Equipment ______________________________ _______________ 7

6. FIRE FIGHTING -________________________________________________________________ __________________________ 97_ SHIPPING, LABELING, HANDLING AND STORAGE ________________________________ 9

7.1 Shipping Containers -_________________________________________ _______________________________ 97.1.1 Type and Size --- ______________________________________ ,____________________________________ 97.1.2 Labeling and Identification __ ________________ _________ ______________________ 9

7.2 Handling -----------________________________ _ _______ ____________________________________ 107.2.1 Drums ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 107.2.2 Tank Trucks --- ____________________________________________________________________________ 107.2.3 Tank Cars -------- ___________________________________________________________________________ 10

7.3 Disposal and Return Precautions _____________________________________________________ 107.4 Storage ------------___________________________________________________________________________________ 107.5 Spills an d Leaks ---- ___________________________________________________________________________ 10

8. TANK AND EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND REPAIRS ____________________________________ 119. WASTE DISPOSAL ________________________________________________________________________________________ 12

10_ MEDICAL MANAGEMENT ____________________________________________________________________________ 1210.1 Hazards ------------- _______________________________________________________________________________ 1210.2 Preventive Health Measures ____________________________________________________________ 13

I -1- FIRST AID -------------------_________________________________________________________________________________ 13

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Chemical Safety Data S h ~ t STYRENE MONOMER

PREFACEStyrene monomer is a colorless liquid. Both the liquid and concentratedvapors are irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract and high con-centrations of the vapor have an anesthetic action.

Styrene monomer is flammable an d can form explosive mixiureswith ai r at ambient temperatures; therefore, open flames, static elec-tricity and other sources of ignition should be avoided when workingwith the material.

Styrene monomer polymerizes readily at elevated temperaturesand slowly at room temperatures. Heat is evolved and the process isautocatalytic, the temperature rise accelerating the rate of polymeri-zation and thus increasing the rate of heat evolution with possiblyserious consequences. An inhibitor is added to the monomer to preventpolymerization during shipment and subsequent storage.

The full text of this chemical safety data sheet should be con-sulted for details of the hazards of styrene monomer and suggestionsfor their control.

FIRST AID-SEE PAGE 13

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Chemical Safety Data SheetSTYRENE MONOMER

1. NAMES

Chemical Names: Styrene, Vinylbenzene, PhenylethyleneCommon Name: Styrene MonomerFormula: C6H 5CHCH2

2. PROPERTIES2.1 GRADE AND STRENGTH

Grade ________________________________________________--.CommercialStrength_________________________________________ _____ 99.5% (minimum)

2.2 PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERISTICSAutoignition Temperature__________________ A90 c. (914 of.)Boiling PoinL __________________ ---------__________ 145.2DC. (293.4of.) at 760 mm.Color ------------ _______________________________________.Colorless

ManualSheetSD-37

Corrosivity _________________________________________ Noncorrosive to most metals except copper and copper-containilalloys.Critical Pressure _________________________________3 7.8 atmospheresCritical Temperature ___________________________ 362.10dc. (683 F. )Flammable Limits _______________________________ l.1 to 6.1 volume percent in air at room temperature.Fla sh Poin L-----------_____________________________Tag. Closed Cup: 31 C. (88 of . )

Tag. Open Cup: 37C. (98F.)Freezing PoinL ___________________________________ - 30.63 C. ( - 23.1 F. )Molecular Weigh ________________________________ l 04.14OdoL __________________________________________________ Sweet, pleasant odor in very low concentrations; increasingly dis

agreeable at higher concentrations.- Aldehydes or peroxides may form on exposure to air. These teneto increase the sharp and penetrating odor of the monomer.

Physical State--c-__________________ , _________________ Liquid at room temperature.Reactivity ________________________: __________________ Very reactive; rate of polymerization violently increased with man

of the common reagents and/or elevated temperatures. This hazaris reduced if the material is properly inhibited.

Specific Gravity _____________________________ _____ 0.90 177 at 25/25 DC.Vapor Density ---___________________________________ 3.6Vapor Pressure ___________________________________A.3mm Hg. at 15C.

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Manufacturing Chemists Association Styrene Monomer

3. HAZARDS3.1 HEALTH HAZARDS

3.1.1 Styrene is a colorless liquid with a disagreeable odor but with good warning p r " ~ e r t i e s . Boththe liquid and its vapor when in sufficient concentration, are irritants to the eyes and respiratory tract.High concentrations have an anesthetic action. Prolonged exposure is capable of causing respiratoryirritation, bu t other systemic iniuiY is unlikely. TheThreshold Limit Value published by the ACGIH is100 ppm (1969). The Z-37 Committee of ANSIrecommends a ceiling value of 200 ppm if the timeweighted average exposure does not exceed 100 ppm(SeeANSIZ-137.S (1968)).3.1.2 Liquid styrene monomer and concentratedvapors are extremely irritating to the eyes but permanent injury has not been reported.3.1.3 Prolonged contact with the skin may causesome moderate irritation.

3.2 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS, .3.2.1 Styrene monomer is flammable and canform explosive mixtures with air at ambient temperatures. Open flames, local hot spots, frir-lion, staticelectricity, and all other sources of ignition are to beavoided when working with the material.3.2.2 Styrene monomer polymerizes rcCldily atelevated temperatures and slowly atrooP1 temperatUJes. Considerable heat is evolved during polymerization, and serious consequences may result.The process is autocatalytic, and temperature rise

accelerates the rate of polymerization, which in turnincreases the rate of heat evolution. Eventually, thereaction may become violent in nature.The literature value for the heat of polymerization is 288 BTU per pound. This is enough het topromote a self-sustaining (runaway) reaction provided the temperature is first raised to a level highenough to initiate the reaction. (Usually a tempera-

ture above lS0F. is required to initiate a rapid polymerization reaction.) After the reaction is well underway the temperature usually rises to the boilingpoint of styrene (294F.) and as the reaction proceeds and more polymer i


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Styrene Monomer Manufacturing Chemists Association ManualSheetSD-37

point of discharge in the outside atmosphere awayfrom operating stations, roadways, and at least 50feet from possible sources of ignition. As the monomer vapors are uninhibited and may form polymersin vents and flame arrestors, these should be inspected and cleaned periodically to prevent plugging.Sparks, flames, heated surfaces, or other sourcesof ignition should be kept away from all vents. Ifthe material is heated above its flash point do notprovide suction on the vessel when inspections orobservation openings are made.4.2 VENTILATION

4.2.1 In venting styrene monomer vapors, considerations should be given to possible halogenation

of the vapors by low concentrations of free chlorineand bromine with the resultant formation of lacrimators.4.2.2 Under abnormal conditions such as leaksor spills, all available ventilation should be used.4.2.3 Good natura l ventilation should normallybe sufficient. If other than natural ventilation is required, the ventilating equipment should be designedto handle the styrene monomer vapor. Since styrenemonomer vapor is heavier than air, exhausts shouldbe provided at the ground level. The most importantconsideration in ventilation should be to ensure asubstantial air flow away from the work area. Allventi lating systems require periodic inspection.

5. EMPLOYEE SAFETY5.1 EMPLOYEE EDUCATION ANDTRAINING

5.1.1 There has been good industrial experiencein the handling of styrene monomer despite the toxicand flammable propert ies of the material. This showsthat styrene monomer can be used with safety if allnecessary precautions are taken.5.1.2 Employee education, training, and propersupervision are recognized as fundamental precautionary measures. Una:uthorized and untrained employees should not be permitted in areas wherestyrene monomer is being handled.5.1.3 Employee education and training shouldemphasize the need to handle styrene monomer according to approved safety methods, in order toavoid spilling or splashing, leaks, inhalation of thevapor, or ingestion.5.1.4 Before being placed on the job, new employees should be instructed thoroughly in theproper handling of styrene monomer. Older employees should be reinstructed periodically. Frequentquestioning of employees will enable management

to insure their thorough understanding of essentialfacts.5.1.5 Each employee should know the location,purpose and maintenance of personal protectiveequipment and be thoroughly trained in its use.5.1.6 Only reliable, dependable and properlytrained employees should be given the responsibility

of operating valves which control the movement ofstyrene monomer to and from storage tanks, tankcars and containers.5.1.7 Employees should be trained to report tothe proper authority all suspected leaks or equipmentfailures and any signs of iIlness or skin irritations.

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5.2 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT5.2.1 Exposure to styrene monomer liquid orvapods likely to occur during the transfer and handling of the material. Thorough operational analysisand the provision of prope r protective equipment willprevent most exposures of a serious consequence..5.2.2 Availahility and Use

Personal protective equipment is not an adequate substitute for good safe working conditions,adequate ventilation and intelligent conduct on thepart of the employees working with styrene monomer.Such equipment may protect the individual wearingit, while others in the area may be exposed to danger.The correct usage of personal protective equipmentrequires the education of the worker in the properemployment of the equipment available to him. Under conditions which are sufficiently hazardous to require protective equipment, the use of such equipmentshould be carefully supervised. In all cases, the typeof protective equipment selected should depend uponthe degree of hazard existing.

5.2.3 'Eye Protection5.2.3.1 Chemical Safety Goggles: In mostoperations offering a possibility of eye injury, protection will be afforded by chemical safety goggles.Cup-type c. rubber-framed goggles equipped withapproved impact resistant glass or plastic lenses

should be worn whenever there is danger of styrenemonomer coming in contact with the eyes. Gogglesshould be carefully fitted to insure maximum protection and comfort.5.2 .3.2 Face Shields: Plastic shields (fulllength, 8-inch minimum) with forehead protectionmay be worn in addition to chemical safety goggleswhen complete face protection is desirable.


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5.2.3.3 Each employee should know the location of eye baths for flushing the eyes.5.2.4 Respiratory Protection

5.2.4.1 Fo r concentrations not exceeding 2percent by volume and for relatively brief exposureperiods, an industrial canister-type gas mask with fullface piece and canister, approved for this purposeby the United States Bureau of Mines, may be used.The oxygen content of the air must no t be less than] 6 percent by volume. Canister-type masks are r , ~ ! suitable for use under emergency conditions since itis usually impossible to determine if the concentration of contaminant present is within the filteringcapacity of the mask or if sufficient oxygen is present.5.2.4.2' Air or oxygen-supplied masksequipped with full face pieces must be worn for protection when the following conditions may be en

countered:(a ) In emergencies, when the vapor concentration is not definitely known.(b ) Wheri the vapor concentration is over2 percent by volume.(c ) When the oxygen content of the air maybe less than 16 percent by volume.(d ) When the exposure period may exceedthirty minutes.(e) In tank and process equipmcnt cleaningand repair work when any of the conditions mentioned in a, b, c, or d are present.

5.2.4.3 Air or oxygen-supplied masks shouldbe approved by the United States Bureau of Minesand the manufacturer's instructions should be carefully followed. Types available include:(a) Air-line masks supplied by plant compressed air or compressed-air cylinders. These aresuitable for use only where conditions will permitsafe escape in case of failure of the compressed airsupply. Such masks should be used only in conjunction with a suitable reducing or demand-type valve

and filter and an appropriate pressure relief valve.The compressed air should be checked frequently tomake certain that harmful gases from the decomposition of the lubricating oil used in the compressor, orfrom impure air supply, are no t present. Th e safermethod is to use a separate compressor of the typenot requiring internal lubrication. Pressure-reducingand relief valves must be installed at all mask stations.An alternative arrangement frequently used is highpressure breathing air from standard (200 cu. ft.)cylinders with a demand-type valve and face piece.This arrangement may also be used with 50 to 100psi clean piped plant air. As an additional precaution with the demand mask, a small cylinder of compressed air may be worn for use as an emergency airsupply for escape from the area.

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(b) Positive-pressure hose masks suppliedh y externally luhricated blowers. These are usuallypreferred to the air-line type. Since these masks alsodepend en a remote air supply, they should be used

,.only where conditions will permit safe escape in theevent of an air supply failure. Care must be takento locate the blower air source in an area which isfree from styrene monomer or other air contaminants.(c ) Self-contained breathing apparatuswhich permits the wearer to carry a supply of oxygenor air compressed in a cylinder, or the self-generatingtype which produces oxygen chemically. These allowfor greater mobility. The length of time a self-contained breathing apparatus provides protection variesaccording to the amount of air or oxygen supplycarried. In tank work, where small manholes areencountered, a self-contained breathing apparatus isusually unsuitable because of its bulk.

5.2.4.4 Respiratory protective equipment mustbe carefully maintained, inspected, cleaned and sterilized at regular intervals and always before use byanother person. Personnel wearing such equipmentmust be carefully instructed in its operation andlimitations.

5.2.5 Head Protection5.2.5.1 Safety or "hard" hats will provide protection against falling tools or other objects.5.2.5.2 Soft brimmed hats may be substitutedfor safety hats where the danger of falling objects isremote.

5.2.6 Foot Protection5.2.6.1 Chemical resistant synthetic rubbershoes or boots should be worn when there is risk offoot exposure to styrene monomer. Frequent ex

amination of this equipment should be made to insureagainst possible holes and leaks. Leather shoes willnot afford adequate protection against contact asstyrene monomer readily penetrates the leather a ~ d , if undetected, may result in blistering of the SkIll.Leather shoes wet with styrene monomer should beremoved promptly, dried thoroughly and aired free ofstyrene before they are reworn.5.2.7 Body, Skin an d Hand Protection

5.2.7.1 Gloves and aprons of suitable rubberor of nonsoluble plastic materials should be wornwhere splashes or contact with styrene monomer ~ r e likely to occur. Frequent examinations of this eqUIP-ment should be made.

5.2.7.2 All contaminated clothing, i n c l u ~ i n g gloves, shoes, coveralls, etc. should be removed Im-mediately to avoid prolonged contact with styrenemonomer. Contaminated skin should be washedclothing should not be Worn again until all evi'deJ1Ceof styrene has been removed.


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Styrene Monomer Manufacturing Chemists Association

6. FIRE FIGHTING

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6.1 The following extinguishing agents may be usedon styrene monomer fires: dry chemical, water fog,foam and carbon dioxide. I f electrical equipment isinvolved, the used of foam should be avoided.

6.2 Equipment handling styrene monomer shouldbe cooled by water stream if exposed to fire.

7. SHIPPING, LABELING, HANDLING AND STORAGE7.1 Shipping Containers

The shipment of inhibited styrene monomer isnot regulated by the Department of TransportationHazardous Materials Regulations. The Manufacturing Chemists Association recommends the followingcontainers be used:7.1.1 Type and Size

7.1.1.1 Glass Bottles: Pint and quart capacityin suitable containers.7.1.1.2 Metal Cans: One and five gallon capacity, in suitable outside containers.

7.1.1.3 Metal Drum (Single Trip): Not over55 gallon capacity, such as DOT Spec. 17E, UniformFreight Classification Rule 40, Section 5C or National Motor Freight Classification Rule 260.7.1.1.4 Tank Trucks7.1.1.5 Tank Cars: 4,000 to 12,500 galloncapacity. DOT Spec. 103, 103W, 104 and 104W.

7.1.2 Labeling an d Identification7.1.2.1 The Manufacturing Chemists Association recommends that all containers of styrene monomer should bear a label as shown. The text is de-

STYRENE MONOMERWARNING! CAUSES EYE IRRITATION

VAPOR IRRITATINGCOMBUSTIBLE

Avoid contact with eyes.Avoid breathing vapor.Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.Keep away from heat an d open flame.Use with adequate ventilation.Keep container closed.Wash thoroughly after handling.FIRST AID: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of waterfor at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.In case of:

Fire-Use foam, dry chemical, or C O ~ . Spill or Leak-Flush area with water spray.

MCA Chemical Safety Data Sheet SD-37 available.

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signed for the product as shipped for industrial use.It should be used in addition to or in combinationwith any specific wording required by law. Sinceindividual statutes, regulations, or ordinances mayrequire that particular information be included in alabel, that certain information be displayed in a particular manner, or that a specific label be affixed to acontainer, the use of this label text will not necessarily insure compliance with such laws. Such lawsinclude the Federal Hazardous Substances LabelingAct; Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and RodenticideAct; and similar state and municipal legislation.7.2 HANDLING

7.2.1 Drums7.2.1.1 Drums should be unloaded c a ~ ' ; f u l l y to prevent damage. Do not drop or bump them.7.2.1.2 Each shipment should be examined

carefully for leaking drums. I f any are found, theyshould be handled with particular care by turningthe leaking part up and should be removed to asafe place where the leakage can be stopped or thecontents transferred to a sound container.7.2.1.3 Before emptying, substantially supportthe drums and block them to prevent movement.When filling open containers from a drum, electricalbonding should be provided to prevent static sparks.(See National Fire Protection Association StandardNo. 77-Static Electricity.)7.2.1.4 To remove the body plug, the bungshould be placed up and a bung or plug wrench used.

'Ehe operator should stand to one side during theoperation. After the plug starts, give it not more~ h a n one full turn. I f internal pressure exists, allowIt to vent to atmospheric pressure; then only shouldthe plug be loosened further or removed. Suitableprotective equipment should be worn.

7.2.1.5 For removing the styrene monomerby gravity, a faucet should be inserted in the endbung of the drum and the drum then placed on arack and securely blocked against movement beforewithdrawing the contents. Faucets should have shorts ~ a n k s threaded with Briggs standard straight ironpipe threads. The bung opening and the faucetshould have the same type and number of threadsper inch. A resilient gasket of suitable material (suchas a metal clad gasket) which is not soluble in themonomer should be used. Another method of removing styrene monomer from drums is by means of arotary pump with a flexible metal hose. Protect theworkmen from vapor and liquid.

7.2.1.6 Containers which have held styrenemonomer must be thoroughly cleaned by steaming,drained and dried before reuse. Small amounts of themonomer, on standing in a container, may polymerizeand may be oxidized to aldehydes and peroxides.10

7.2.1.7 Avoid striking fittings with tools orother hard objects.7.2.2 Tank Trucks

7.2.2.1 Before unloading the truck, the motorshould be stopped and not started again during theentire unloading operation.7.2.2.2 Truck brakes should be set, and thewheels should be blocked.7.2.2.3 I f tank trucks are unloaded through anopen dome, the unloading equipment must be electrically bonded before unloading operations arestarted.7.2.2.4 All regulations of the DOT wheneverapplicable to the handling and unloading of thismaterial as set forth in Motor Carrier Tariff 7, andall amendments thereto, must be followed.7.2.2.5 The shipper should be consulted for

details on proper unloading procedure.7.2.2.6 The use of rubber-type flexible hosein unloading styrene is not recommended. However,fluorelastomer hoses (e.g. "Fluorel" and "Viton")have proved satistory.7.2.3 Tank Cars

7.2.3.1 Shipper'S instruction for unloadingshould always be followed, and all caution markingson both sides of tank and dome should be read andobserved.7.2.3.2 Inspection is particularly important inthe case of tank cars after they have been moved,since leaks may develop in transit.7.2.3.3 In the event of a tank car or fittingfailure or leak that cannot be stopped by followingprevious instructions from shipper, immediatelytelephone or wire him for further instructions.7.2.3.4 See that the train or engine crew accurately spots the car at the unloading line. Theunloading track should be level. The brakes shouldbe set, wheels blocked by standard rail clamps, bluewarning signs placed, and other safe practices followed, as outlined in DOT Regulations Section 561.Railroad track, tank car, unloading rack, accessorystructure, etc. must be electrically bonded andgrounded.7.2.3.5 I t is considered good practice that derails be placed at one end or both ends of the un

loading track approximately one car-length from thecar being unloaded, unless the car is protected by aclosed and locked switch or gate.7.2.3.6 The use of tank cars with permanentdome connections for discharge by pumping is preferred. I f the car does not have an eduction pipe,one can be inserted through the dome.7.2.3.7 Unloading tank cars through the bottom connection is not recommended. I f it is neces-


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Styrene Monomer Manufacturing Chemists Association ManualSheet50-37

sary to use this method, however, follow the procedure set forth in MCA Manual Sheet TC-4. Firstopen the dome cover, observing usual precautionsto make sure there is no pressure inside the car.Then remove the cap or plug from the bottom of theoutlet chamber leg under the car, being careful toloosen it slowly and to permit all liquid to drain before all threads are disengaged. The operator shouldwear goggles and oil-resistant synthetic rubber gloves,and avoid inhalation of vapor during this operation.Catch all leakage in a bucket. In case the bottom outlet valve leaks too badly to permit the safe removalof the cap, try to tighten it by turning the valve rodhandle in both directions. I f the valve still cannot bemade tight, unload the contents through the dome ofthe car, and report the condition of the valve to theshipper. Do not completely remove the cap at thebottom of the outlet leg until the control of leakageis assured. After the cap is removed, connect the unloading line. Return to the dome, and open thebottom outlet valve by turning the valve rod handle.

7.2.3.8 The use of rubber-type flexible hose inunloading styrene monomer is not recommended.However, fluorelastomer hoses (e.g. "FIuorel" and"Viton") have proved satisfactory.7.2.3.9 Caution: Pumping against closed valvequickly generates heat and may lead to runawaypolymerization.

7.3 DISPOSAL AND RETURNPRECAUTIONS7 .3.1 Before returning shipping containers tosuppliers, take precautions regarding complete drainage of contents and proper closure of all openings.7.3.2 Containers which have held styrene monomer must be thoroughly cleaned by steaming, drainedand dried before reuse. Small amounts of the monomer, on standing in a container, may polymerize andmay be oxidized to aldehydes and peroxides.7.3.3 As soon as a tank car or tank truck is completely unloaded, all valves must be made tight, theunloading connection must be removed and all otherclosures made tight, except that heater coil inlet and

outlet pipes (if any) must be left open for drainage.Under no conditions should heater coils be used whenin styrene service.7.4 STORAGE

7.4.1 Under normal conditions, styrene monomermay be stored in black iron, galvanized iron, or steelcontainers. However, copper or copper-containingalloys are attacked either by styrene monomer or bycrganic aldehydes and peroxides which may bepresent in the monomer.7.4.2 Conditions of Storage

7.4.2.1 Storage should be located away fromany area subject to fire hazards. Storage tanks located in the open or underground minimize thedanger of fire, vapor and health problems.7.4.2.2 Vents and flame arrestors can becomeplugged with formation of polymers. These must beperiodically inspected and freed of the polymer.7.4.2.3 All openings in the system shouldterminate outdoors away from air intakes and beprotected by flash arrestors or pressure vacuum vents(See NFPA #30).7.4.2.4 Electrical installations should conformto the National Electrical Code. Article 500 of thisCede applies to areas which are hazardous from afire and explosion standpoint.7.4.2.5 "torage tanks should be electricallybanded and grounded to prevent dangerous accumulations of static electricity (See NFPA pamphlet No.77 "Static Electricity.")

- 7.4.2.6 Natural ventilation is all that is neededfor outdoor storage installations.7.5 SPILLS AND LEAKS

All spills and leaks should be immediately flushedaway with large quantities of water. I f water is notavailable, styrene monomer may be absorbed by dryearth, or its equivalent, and then taken off in acontainer to a disposal area. Only properly protected personnel should remain ~ i n the area.

8. TANK AND EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND REPAIRS8.1 PHEPARATION OF TANKS AND

EQUIPMENT8.1.1 The hazardous nature of tank inspection,cleaning, and repairs requires that the foreman andcrew be sclected, trained, and drilled carefully. Theyshould b\: fully familiar with thc hazards and thesafeguards necessary for the safe performance .of thework. Written approval should be secured fromplant managemcnt before the work is started.11

8.1.2 Wherever possible, vessels should becleaned from the outside, using clean-out doors.8.1.3 Pipelines into or out of the tank or otherapparatus should be disconnected, preferably byremoving a complete section and providing a blankflange on the open end to protect against human errorand unsuspected leaks. Valves, cocks, and blankflanges in the pipeline should not be relied upon


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solely to prevent leakage into the container beingcleaned.8.1.4 . Danger signs should be placed suitably toindicate when workmen are in the tank or other

apparatus.8.1.5 Be sure the tank can be left by the original entrance.8.1.6 Electrical switches should be locked in the"off" position and tagged with a warning that theyare not to be opened. Where possible, the fusesshould be pulled. Drive belts should be removed andall other precautions taken to insure against theaccidental starting of agitating equipment or othermoving parts inside the tank or adjacent to theentrance.

8.2 ENTERING THE TANK8.2.1 Before entering a tank, it should be emp

tied, and gas-freed by steaming and cooling or byother means.8.2.2 Before entering a tank and during thecourse of the work, tests should be made by a quali

fied person to determine that no further washing isnecessary, that no oxygen deficiency exists, and thatno harmful gas or vapor is present.8.2.3 Special ventilation and a continuous fresh

air supply are recommended during the entire timemen are cleaning, inspecting or repairing the tank.8.2.4 Proper personal protective equipment suchas safety belts, rescue harness, lifeline, protective

clothing and mask as required should be worn byanyone entering a tank for inspection, cleaning, orrepairs.8.2.5 A man should be stationed outside thetank in such a position as to keep workmen withinthe tank under constant observation. He should serve

as the lifeline tender and be ready at all times tosummon the rescue squad or other required aid. Heshould never abandon the lifeline while operators arein the tank. There should also be a man within callwho can assist the lifeline tender in an emergency.8.2.6 A self-contained breathing apparatus or anair supplied respirator should be located outside thetank entrance for the use of the rescue squad. Extra

rescue harness and lifeline should also be available.8.2.7 During the entire period of preparation andcleaning or repair, consideration should be given tothe possibility of toxic amounts of styrene monomervapors being released in the work area.8.2.8 Portable electric lights and power toolsshould conform with the National Electrical Code,Article 500.

9 . WASTE DISPOSAL9.1 I t should be ascertained that all Federal, Stateand local regulations regarding health and pollutionare observed. The supplier should be contacted foradvice.9.2 All quantities of styrene monomer, or wastematerial contaminated with styrene monomer, shouldbe disposed of by removal to a disposal area andsafely burned.

9.3 Water contaminated by styrene monomer maybe made safe for disposal by removal to safe location where the mixture may be blown with air. Theoutlet air stream should be burned in cases of grosscontamination.9.4 When a waste disposal problem arises as theresult of a major spill or equipment rupture, onlyproperly protected personnel should remain in thearea.

10. MEDICAL MANAGEMENT10.1 HAZARDS

10.1.1 Hazardous PropertiesThe toxicity of styrene monomer, when considered as an industrial chemical, is low. It is a moderate irritant to the eyes and respiratory tract in concentrations above 2 mg/1. (400 ppm). Vapor concentrations three times as great are extremely irritating to the eyes and nose. Concentrations of 46 mg/I.(10,000 ppm) are acutely dangerous, causing lungirritation and central nervous system depression.12

Some of the inhibitors used to retard polymerization of the stored or transported styrene monomerare toxic and irritating to the skin, but precautionsgiven below for controlling health hazards of styrenemonomer, are, in general, applicable to any hazardsincidental to the inhibitors.The disagreeable odor of styrene monomer atrelatively low vapor concentrations, and the eye a?dnose irritation at higher concentrations, make the I i l-halation of seriously toxic quantities unlikely unless


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(b ) Call a physician immediately, informinghim of the exact nature of the case and where thepatient may be found when he arrives.(c ) To prevent collapse, the patient shouldlie down without a pillow and be kept comfortablywarm, not hot.(d ) Oxygen usually furnishes relief fromcoughing from severe exposure. I f one trained inadministering it is present, its administration shouldbe kept up at least fifteen to thirty minutes.

11.1.2.2 In cases of skin contact, the affectedparts should be washed thoroughly with soap andwater for about 30 minutes, or until the irritationsubsides.11.1.2.3 In cases of contact with the eyes, theeyes should be irrigated with large quantities of running water for a period of fifteen minutes. The eye

lids should be held apart during the irrigation to insure contact of water with all the surfaces of the eyesand lids.11.1.2.4 I f the monomer has been swallowed,the patient should be'made to vomit by inducing himto stick his finger down his throat. I f that fails, heshould be given several cupfuls of lukewarm salt orsoapy water. This should be repeated at least threetimes and followed with milk and raw eggs.

11.1.3 I f The Patient Is Unconscious:11.1.3.1 Call a physician immediately, informing him of the exact nature of the case and where thepatient may be found on arrival. Until he arrives,

do the following:(a ) Lay the patient down, preferably on theleft side, with the head low. Remove any false teeth,

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chewing gum, tobacco, or other foreign objects whichmay be in the mouth.(b ) I f the patient is not breathing, removehim to fresh air and start artificial respiration at once,

preferably by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation method.(c) In cases of unconsciousness, shallowbreathing or cyanosis (blueness of skin, lips, ears,fingernail beds), the administration of oxygen aloneor of oxygen with carbon dioxide should be started.Only trained attendants should be permitted to administer oxygen. Attempts to give oxygen by onenot familiar with the apparatus may cause loss ofvaluable time or actually harm the patient.

In order to prevent the development of severelung congestion (pulmonary edema), 100 percentoxygen should be administered as soon as possible after severe exposure. Oxygen administration is mosteffective if expiration is made against a positive pressure of 6 cm. (about 2% inches) of water. This maybe accomplished by fitting a rubber tube to the outletvalve of the face mask and inserting it in a containerof water. The depth of the end of the tube may bevaried to a maximum of 6 cm., depending upon thepatient's tolerance. Oxygen inhalation must be continued as long as is necessary to maintain the normalcolor of the skin and mucous membranes, but thepositive exhalation pressure should be used only forhalf-hour periods out of every hour.

Stimulants will rarely be necessary where adequate oxygenation is maintained. Any such treatmentshould be given only by the attending physician.(d) I f the styrene monomer has been swal

J 'wed, when the patient regains consciousness, induce vomiting as indicated in 11.1.2.4.11.1.3.2 Never give an unconscious personanything by mouth or attempt to induce vomiting.

Documents

MCA 1971 SD37 Styrene