Shale oils

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Exposure by Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. If necessary, seek medical attention.

Exposure by Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Keep victim warm and quiet. Seek medical attention.

Exposure by Skin: Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention if necessary.

Exposure by Eye: Flush the eyes with copious amounts of water. Seek medical attention.

Exposure to hydrogen sulphide:

Casualties suffering ill effects as a result of exposure to hydrogen sulphide should be immediately removed to fresh air and medical assistance obtained without delay. Unconscious casualties must be plaсed in the recovery position. Monitor breathihg and pulse rate and if breathing has failed, or is deemed inadequate, respiration must be assisted, preferably by the mouth to mouth method. Administer external cardiac massage if necessary. Seek medical attention immediately. It is advisable that all who are engaged in operations in which contact with H2S may reasonably be anticipated, should be trained in the techniques of emergency resuscitation and in the care of an unconscious patient.Inhalation of hydrogen sulphide may cause central respiratory depression leading to coma and death. It is irritant to the respiratory tract causing chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. The onset of pulmonary oedema may be delayed for 24 to 48 hours. The odour of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas is offensive and similar to rotten eggs. H2S gas deadens the sense of smell, even at low concentrations. DO NOT depend on odour to detect presence of gas.

Fire-fighting measures

Suitable Extinguishing media:       Foam, carbon dioxide and powder extinguishers, sand.

Extinguishing media not to be used: Water.

Protective equipment for firefighters: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn.

At the pyrolysis of shale oil, the following fractions are formed: carbon , short chain alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons

Accidental release measures

Evacuate all non essential personnel from the immediate area. Wear impervious protective clothing and/or gloves, face visor or goggles and approved respiratory equipment.

Protect drains from spillage and prevent entry of product. Do not wash into drain, since this may result in blockage when product cools. If blockage occurs, notify the appropriate authorities immediately. If spillage occurs in a confined space, ensure adequate ventilation and check that a safe, breathable atmosphere is present before entry.

Recover spilled product from the surface with sand or other suitable inert absorbent material. Spilled product must be destroyed by either combustion or removal to the refuse site in accordance with the appropriate legislation.

Handling and storage

Handling:

The substance should be handled only using the recommended equipment and in accordance with approved procedures. Appropriate individual protective and technical control means must be warn as defined as part of a risk assessment procedure.

Storage:

Conditions of Storage: Store in a hermetic tightly closed reservoirs.

Packaging Materials: Hermetic metallic reservoir or cisterns.

- Shale oil production premises and laboratories shall be equipped with a combined extract and input ventilation.

- Eating or drinking is forbidden in the premises where shale oil is used.

Special provisions in the case of potential generation of hydrogen sulphide:

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), an extremely toxic and highly flammable gas, and other flammable light hydrocarbon gases may collect in vapour spaces where the substance is stored. Total sulphur content typically exceeds 0.5% and may range up to 0.9% or as limited by the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI, latest amendment.

Casualties suffering ill effects as a result of exposure to hydrogen sulphide should be immediately removed to fresh air and medical assistance obtained without delay. Unconscious casualties must be plaсed in the recovery position. Monitor breathihg and pulse rate and if breathihg has failed, or is deemed inadequate, respiration must be assisted, preferably by the mouth to mouth method. Administer external cardiac massage if necessary. Seek medical attention immediately. It is advisable that all who are engaged in operations in which contact with H2S may reasonably be anticipated, should be trained in the techniques of emergency resuscitation and in the care of an unconscious patient.Inhalation of hydrogen sulphide may cause central respiratory depression leading to coma and death. It is irritant to the respiratory tract causing chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. The onset of pulmonary oedema may be delayed for 24 to 48 hours. The odour of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas is offensive and similar to rotten eggs. H2S gas deadens the sense of smell, even at low concentrations. DO NOT depend on odour to detect presence of gas.

Confined spaces contaminated with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) must always be considered as constituting potentially life threatening environment. Entry into such spaces must never be undertaken except under extreme emergency when no alternative is possible and then only by trained operators wearing air-supplied breathing apparatus of an approved type. Always have sufficient people standing by outside the tank with appropriate breathing apparatus and equipment to effect a quick rescue. It is advisable that all who are engaged in operations in which contact with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) may be reasonably anticipated, should be trained in the techniques of emergency resuscitation and in the care of an unconscious patient.

Overheating in storage may cause partial vapourisation and decomposition with the production of toxic hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S).

May be toxic by inhalation when hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is present in the vapour.  Hydrogen sulphide gas may in addition produce eye irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness and death. It can also paralyse the olfactory system (150-200 ppm) making it inadvisable to rely on detecting its odour as a warning of its presence.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

1288

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Shale Oil

Chemical name:

Distillates (shale oil), middle fraction

Language:

English

Special provisions / remarks

Special provisions:

Product is being carried under the scope of MARPOL Annex 1.

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

1288

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

1288

Shipping information

Chemical name:

Distillates (shale oil), middle fraction

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

The substance is carried under the scope of MARPOL Annex 1.
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), an extremely toxic and highly flammable gas, and other flammable light hydrocarbon gases may collect in vapour spaces where the substance is stored. Total sulphur content typically exceeds 0.5% and may range up to 0.9% or as limited by the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI, latest amendment.

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

1288

Shipping information

Chemical name:

Distillates (shale oil), middle fraction

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Maximum permissible concentration in working area air:

-   phenols –  4 mg/m3  

-   aromatic ( of benzene equivalent) – 1.5 mg/m3

-   shale oil gasoline – 100  mg/m3

Exposure controls

Engineering Measures: Engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation are recommended to reduce exposure to the substance.

Respiratory protection: In necessity use filtering device.

Hand protection: Oil-resistant rubber gloves.

Eyes protection: Protective goggles.

Skin protection: Protective clothing and boots.

Environmental exposure controls: Avoid release to the environment.

Confined spaces contaminated with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) must always be considered as constituting potentially life threatening environment. Entry into such spaces must never be undertaken except under extreme emergency when no alternative is possible and then only by trained operators wearing air-supplied breathing apparatus of an approved type. Always have sufficient people standing by outside the tank with appropriate breathing apparatus and equipment to effect a quick rescue. It is advisable that all who are engaged in operations in which contact with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) may be reasonably

anticipated, should be trained in the techniques of emergency resuscitation and in the care of an unconscious patient.

Stability and reactivity

- Open fire may not be used in premises for production, use and storage of shale oils.

- Use only explosion-proof electrical equipment.

- Use non-sparkling tools only when working with shale oils.

Materials to Avoid: None known.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Overheating in storage may cause partial vapourisation and decomposition with the production of toxic hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S).

Hazardous Component:

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), an extremely toxic and highly flammable gas, and other flammable light hydrocarbon gases may collect in vapour spaces where shale oil is stored. Total sulphur content typically exceeds 0.5% and may range up to 0.9 % or as limited by the provisions of MARPOL Annex VI, latest amendment.

May be toxic by inhalation when hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is present in the vapour.  Hydrogen sulphide gas may in addition produce eye irritation, nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness and death. It can also paralyse the olfactory system (150-200 ppm) making it inadvisable to rely on detecting its odour as a warning of its presence.

Disposal considerations

No specific measures are required prior to disposal.