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IS 6269 (1971): Code of safety for ethylene oxide [CHD 8:
Occupational Safety, Health and Chemical Hazards]
Indian Standard
CODE OF SAFETY FOR
ETHYLENE OXIDE
(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)
UDC 614.878 : 547.422.2
BIS 2007
B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S T A N D A R D S
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
Pri ce Group 5
IS : 6269 - 1971
Edi t i on 1.1
(2006-12)
(Reaffirmed 2009)

AMENDMENT NO. 1 DECEMBER 2006
TO
IS 6269 : 1971 CODE OF SAFETY FOR
ETHYLENE OXIDE
(Page 5, clause 4.1, line 3) Substitute '1 ppm' for '50 ppm' and insert
the following at the end:
'Ethylene oxide is suspected human carcinogen'.
(Page 6, clause 4.1.3) Insert the following at the end:
'Ethylene oxide may cause cancer and heritable genetic damage.'
(Page 6, clause 4.4.2) Insert the following new clause after 4.4.2:
'4.5 Incompatibles Ethylene oxide is very reactive with metal oxides, metals
such as sodium, potassium and barium, acids, alcohols, alkalis, ammonia, ferric
salts and water.'
( CHD 8 )
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India

IS : 6269 - 1971
Indian Standard
CODE OF SAFETY FOR
ETHYLENE OXIDE
Chemical Hazar ds Sectional Committee, CDC 18
Chairman
BRIG G. R. CHAINANI
Members
SHRI S . C . KALE ( Alternate to
Brig G. R. Chai nani )
SHRI R. S. AGARWAL
SHRI A. K. SINGH ( Alternate )
SHRI K. R. BULUSU
SHRI D. R. CHATTERJI
Representing
Directorate General , Factory Advice Service
& Labour Inst i t ut es (Ministry of Labour,
Employ- ment & Rehabilitation), Bombay
Ministry of Defence (DGI)
Cent ral Public Heal t h Engi neeri ng Research Inst i -
t ut e (CSIR), Nagpur
Hi ndust an Steel Lt d, Ranchi
SHRI T. R. ANANTHARAMAN( Alternate )
CHEMIST and METALLURGIST-II,
RESEARCH, DESIGNS & STANDARDS
ORGANIZATION, LUCKNOW
DR D. CHOUDHURY
SHRI D. K. SIRKAR ( Alternate )
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SHRI J . M. GUHA
SHRI M. KURIEN ( Alternate )
DR JAGDISH SHANKAR
SHRI JOGINDER SINGH
SHRI T. S. NAYAR
Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
Indi an Chemical Manufacturers Association,
Calcutta
National Safety Council, Bombay
Ministry of Pet roleum & Chemicals
Bhabha Atomic Research Cent re, Bombay
Directorate General of Technical Development
(Ministry of Indust ri al Development & I nt er nal
Trade), New Delhi
Indi an I nst i t ut e of Pet roleum (CSIR), Dehra Dun
SHRIMATI LALITHA B . SINGH ( Alternate )
SHRI P. S. RAMACHANDRAN Directorate General of Heal t h Services (Ministry of
Heal t h & Family Planni ng), New Delhi
DR S. S. GOTHOSKAR ( Alternate )
DR S . B . RAY
SHRI R. M. DIKSHIT ( Alternate )
SHRI S. C. ROY
Ministry of Defence (DGI)
Depart ment of Explosives (Ministry of Indust ri al
Development & I nt er nal Trade), Nagpur
SHRI M. P. MUKHERJI ( Alternate )
SHRI SANTOKH SINGH National Chemical Indust ri es, New Delhi
( Continued on page 2 )
B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S T A N D A R D S
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002

IS : 6269 - 1971
( Continued from page 1 )
Members Representing
SHRI D. S. SASTRY Hi ndust an Organic Chemicals Lt d, Rasayani
(Maharasht ra)
SHRI H. K. VENKATARAMAIH ( Alternate )
SHRI D. DAS GUPTA, Director General, I S I ( Ex-officio Member )
Director (Chem)
Secretary
DR A. K. BHATTACHARYA
Deput y Director (Chem), I S I
Indust ri al Chemical Hazar ds Subcommittee, CDC 18 : 4
Convener
SHRI S. C. KALE
Members
SHRI V. J . BAKRE
Directorate General, Factory Advice Service
& Labour Inst i t ut es (Ministry of Labour,
Employ- ment & Rehabilitation), Bombay
Cent ral Revenues Control Laboratory, New Delhi
SHRI V. S. RAMANATHAN ( Alternate )
SHRI K. R. BULUSU
CHEMIST and METALLURGIST-II,
RESEARCH, DESIGNS & STANDARDS
ORGANIZATION, LUCKNOW
DR D. CHOUDHURY
DR R. M. DESAI
SHRI S. GAJENDRA SINGH
SHRI S . DASGUPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI P. M. JHAVERI
SHRI JOGINDER SINGH
SHRI S. S. RAMASWAMY
DR R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI S. C. ROY
Cent ral Public Heal t h Engi neeri ng Research Inst i -
t ut e (CSIR), Nagpur
Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
Union Carbi de Indi a Lt d, Cal cut t a
Indi an Chemical Manufacturers Association,
Calcutta
Directorate General, Ordnance Factories (Ministry
of Defence), Calcut t a
Association of Man-Made Fi bres, Bombay
Directorate General of Technical Development
(Ministry of Industrical Development &
Int ernal Trade), New Delhi
D. C. M. Chemical Works, New Delhi
Depart ment of Explosives (Ministry of Indust ri al
Development & Int ernal Trade), Nagpur
SHRI M. P. MUKHERJI ( Alternate )
SHRI K. K. SUBRAMANIAM
SHRI P . CHAWLA ( Alternate )
SHRI S. A. TRIVEDI
SHRI J. N. PAREKH ( Alternate )
SHRI H. K. VENKATARAMAIH
Nat i onal Organic Chemical Indust ri es Lt d, Bombay
Navin Fluorine Indust ri es, Bhest an
Hi ndust an Organic Chemicals Lt d, Rasayani
(Maharasht ra)
SHRI S. S. SHRIVASTAVA ( Alternate )
( Continued on page 17 )
2
IS : 6269 - 1971
Indian Standard

CODE OF SAFETY FOR
ETHYLENE OXIDE
0 . F O R E W O R D
0.1 Thi s Indi an St andar d was adopted by t he Indi an St andar ds
Inst i t ut i on on 17 August 1971, after t he draft finalized by t he
Chemical Hazar ds Sectional Committee had been approved by t he
Chemical Division Council.
0.2 A complete knowledge and underst andi ng of t he hazards of et hylene
oxide is essential for i t s safe handl i ng in i ndust ry. Thi s st andar d
at t empt s to guide t he users in t he recognition of t hese hazar ds and in t he
recommended handl i ng procedures. The information given should be
utilized to t he fullest ext ent and should be supplement ed with additional
information on design aspects of pl ant s and equi pment .
0.3 In t he preparat i on of t hi s st andar d, considerable assi st ance has
been derived from Safety Dat a Sheet SD-38 Ethylene Oxide issued by
Manufacturing Chemi st s Association, Washington, USA.
0.4 Thi s edition 1.1 incorporates Amendment No. 1 (December 2006).
Side bar indicates modification of t he t ext as t he resul t of
incorporation of t he amendment .
1. SCOPE
1.1 This st andar d describes properties of et hylene oxide, t he nat ur e of
hazar ds associated wi t h it and essential information on storage,
handl i ng, packing, labelling, disposal of wast e, cleaning and repai r of
t anks and equi pment , selection and t rai ni ng, personal protective
equi pment and first-aid.
1.1.1 Thi s code does not deal wi t h specifications for design of buildings,
chemical engineering pl ant s, storage vessels, equi pment for wast e
disposal and operations control.
2. TERMINOLOGY
2. 1 For t he purpose of t hi s st andard, t he definitions given in
IS : 4155-1966* and IS : 4167-1966 shall apply.
*Glossary of t er ms relat i ng to chemical and radi at i on hazar ds and
hazardous chemicals.
Glossary of t er ms rel at i ng to ai r pollution.
3

IS : 6269 - 1971
3. PROPERTIES OF ETHYLENE OXIDE
3. 1 Some i mport ant properties ar e:
Property
Boiling point (760 mm)
Coefficient of expansion:
20C
55C
73.9C
Colour
Explosive limits, percent
by volume in ai r:
Upper limit
Lower limit
Fl ash point, (Open cup)
Heat of combustion,
kcal/g mol
Heat of decomposition,
kcal/g mol
Hygroscopicity
Ignition t emperat ure; in
ai r, 1 at m
Ignition t emper at ur e:
(auto ignition) 1 at m
Melting point
Odour
Reactivity, chemical
Liquid
10.73 C
0.001 61 per C
0.001 70 per C
0.002 05 per C
Colourless
Non-explosive


18C


Slight


111.3C
Characteristic et her-
like odour, but
i rri t at i ng i n high
concentration
Dangerously reac-
tive; some reactions
uncontrolled
Gas




Colourless
Explosive
100
3

308.7
20.0

429C
(The presence of
magnesi a lagging
depresses t hi s
t emper at ur e to
270C)
571C

Characteristic ether-
like odour, but
i rri t at i ng i n hi gh
concentration
Dangerously reac-
tive; some reac-
tions uncontrolled
4
Property
Relative density, 20/20C
Solubility in wat er
Vapour density (air = 1),
at 40C
Volatility
Vapour pressure
Liquid
0.871 1
Complete

Very volatile

Gas


1.49

( see below )
Vapour Pres s ure of Et hyl ene Oxi de
Temperature
C
57.0
30.4
10.5
0.0
10.73
20.0
30.0
69.8
109.8
Vapour Pressure
mm Hg abs
19.5
110.6
312.7
493.1
760.0
1 095.0
1 560.0
5 141.0
12 720.0
4. HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ETHYLENE OXIDE
4. 1 Heal t h Hazards Et hyl ene oxide vaporizes rapidly at
atmospheric t emper at ur es and pressures. It s vapour is moderately toxic
by i nhalat i on. The threshold limit value (TLV)* of ethylene oxide in ai r
is 1 ppm (90 mg/m
3
) for 7 to 8 hours work-day and 40 hours work-week.
Et hyl ene oxide is suspected human carcinogen.
4.1.1 Low ethylene oxide concentration may be detected easily by
smell. However, continued exposure to et hylene oxide will numb t he
sense of smell, and consequently hi gher concentrations may be
reached before t he distinctive odour becomes appar ent . Thi s may lead
t o severe nausea and vomitting.
4.1.2 Acute Toxicity
4.1.2.1 Systemic effects When excessive amount s of et hylene oxide
ar e i nhaled, t hey have a general anaest het i c effect as well as causing
coughing due to i rri t at i on of t he respiratory syst em. The victim may
become nauseat ed and vomit.
*As accepted by American Conference of Government al Indust ri al Hygienists,
Ohio, USA.
5
IS : 6269 - 1971

IS : 6269 - 1971
4.1.2.2 Local effects The vapour will cause eye and nasal i rri t at i on
when present in excessive amount s. The liquid or solutions on t he
exposed ski n do not cause ski n irritation immediately, but when
spilled in t he shoes or on t he clothing, delayed ski n bur ns may occur if
t he clothing and shoes ar e not promptly removed. The liquid or
solutions may cause severe eye bur ns. Vapour has been known t o
produce ski n i rri t at i on and bur ns from i t s absorption in ar eas of heat
and moi st ure about t he body.
4.1.3 Chronic Toxicity No cases of chronic poisoning due to ethylene
oxide have been reported. Et hylene oxide may cause cancer and
heri t able genetic damage.
4.2 Fi re Hazards Et hyl ene oxide is an extremely flammable liquid
and, as such, introduces a potential fire hazard when it is stored,
handl ed or used. Et hyl ene oxide fires will continue to bur n unt i l t he
liquid is diluted wi t h approximately 22 volumes of wat er to one volume
of oxide. Wat er is to be used for most fires. Most small fires may be
extinguished with carbon dioxide or dry chemical agent s, if properly
applied. For large fires, wat er applied as a fire spray and carbon
dioxide should be used. A dependable fire al ar m system and adequat e
fire fighting equi pment should be provided in t he handl i ng ar eas.
4.3 Expl osi on Hazards Liquid ethylene oxide itself is qui t e st able
to detonating agent s, but t he vapour will explode when exposed to an
electric spark, static electricity, excess heat , an open flame,
decomposing acetylides, or detonating agent s. Vapour and ai r
mi xt ures ar e more explosive t han t he vapour alone and shall be
handl ed accordingly. In a confined space, t he explosion pressure
developed may be in t he range of 16 to 50 (plus) t i mes t he initial
pressure depending on t he initial pressure and t he volume-to-surface
rat i o of t he container. As t he volume-to-surface rat i o of t he container is
increased, pressure mi ght be developed in excess of 50 t i mes t he initial
pressure. Explosions from i nt ernal sources may be prevented by
proper dilution wi t h an i nert gas such as ni t rogen. Even i n t he
presence of a blanket gas, ethylene oxide vapours can explode in t he
absence of ai r or oxygen at 571C. Ignition from outside sources should
be guarded agai nst by adequat e insulation and wat er spray syst ems.
4.4 Pol ymeri zat i on Hazards
4.4.1 Et hyl ene oxide may r ear r ange chemically and/or polymerize
violently when in contact wi t h highly active catalytic surfaces such as
anhydrous iron, t i n and al umi ni um chlorides; pur e iron and
al umi ni um oxides; and alkali met al hydroxides.
4.4.2 Et hyl ene oxide may also react wi t h ot her mat eri al s and t hus
creat e enough heat to accelerate polymerization of unreact ed oxide.
6
IS : 6269 - 1971
4.5 Incompat i bl es Et hyl ene oxide is very reactive wi t h met al
oxides, met al s such as sodium, potassium and bari um, acids, alcohols,
alkalis, ammoni a, ferric sal t s and wat er.
5. STORAGE
5.1 Vol ati l i ty Et hyl ene oxide is very volatile and should be stored
under pressure wi t h adequat e cooling.
5.2 Temperat ure Requi rement s Et hyl ene oxide in storage t anks
should be mai nt ai ned at a t emper at ur e not exceeding 30C.
5.2.1 Wherever possible refrigerated st orage, held preferably at
t emper at ur es below t he boiling point of ethylene oxide (10.7C), is
recommended, since not only does t hi s further reduce t he risk of
uncontrollable polymerization developing in t he liquid phase but it
also reduces t he r at e of build-up of polymer which not only adversely
affects t he quality of products made from t he ethylene oxide but also
chokes valves and lines. However, t he t emper at ur e should not be much
lower since hydrat es may form and block emergency drai n or dump
valves. Refrigerated storage should obviously be lagged.
5.3 Pi pe Work, Val ves and Pumps
5.3.1 Pipework should consist of all-steel welded construction wi t h
flanged or welded joints. However, wherever possible flanged joints
should be minimized and t her e should be provision for nitrogen
purging of et hylene oxide containing lines. Whenever t her e is any risk
of exposure to heat , pipe lines should be lagged. Because lines should
never be left containing static et hylene oxide liquid, which mi ght
polymerize and choke t he line, pipe r uns should be self drai ni ng or, if
t hi s is impossible, any low portions should be fitted wi t h drai n valves
Spirally wound stainless steel gasket s wi t h polytetrafluoroethylene
lining ar e recommended for flanged joints which should be fitted wi t h
eart hi ng st ri ps to provide an eart hi ng system for static electric charges.
5.3.2 Valves should be of all steel construction, ball valves being used
for shut-off operation and globe valves for control purposes.
5.3.3 Iron and steel centrifugal pumps ar e satisfactory, but it is
recommended t hat t hey should be ei t her of t he glandless t ype or fitted
wi t h a rot at i ng seal. Provision should be made such t hat t he pumps do
not r un dry or overheat .
5.3.4 Copper or other acetylide-forming met al s, such as silver,
magnesi um and t hei r alloys should not be used as mat eri al s of
construction for equi pment handl i ng ethylene oxide. Mercury-filled
i nst r ument s should be provided wi t h mercury t r aps and an i nert gas
purge which is free of acetylene and carbon dioxide. All-welded
construction is preferred to riveted construction. Storage t anks should
7
IS : 6269 - 1971
be equipped wi t h stainless steel cooling coils and should be well
i nsulat ed, preferably wi t h mi neral wool covered wi t h galvanized iron
sheet s in order to minimize fire hazar ds. All liquid inlet lines should
ent er or lie extended to t he bottom of t he vessel to prevent t he
generation of static electricity. All equi pment should be properly
grounded and an efficient wat er spray system should be installed.
Adequate diking and drai nage should be provided i n t he t ank ar ea t o
confine and dispose of t he liquid in case of t ank r upt ur e.
5.4 Isol at i on Local building codes should be followed strictly.
Et hyl ene oxide storage t anks should be isolated from continuous ignition
sources such as boiler houses. If possible, storage t anks should be located
outside t he buildings. It i s preferable t o store t he cylinders i n t he open,
but provision should be made to shield t hem from t he direct rays of t he
sun and to prevent accumulation of di rt , wat er, or ice on valves or safety
devices. The use of an open-sided storage shed is suggested.
5.5 Compat i bi l i t y wi t h Ot her Mat eri al s Storage t anks i n
ethylene oxide service should be used only for ethylene oxide unl ess
thoroughly cleaned and purged. Et hyl ene oxide react s exothermically
wi t h such compounds as alcohols, ami nes, ammoni a, and organic and
mi neral acids. Before a t ank is placed in ethylene oxide service, it
should be cleaned thoroughly, flushed wi t h wat er and dried. Before
ethylene oxide is placed in t he t ank, t he vessel should be purged wi t h
an i nert gas unt i l free of ai r. The oxygen content of t he vessel should
not be great er t han 0.2 percent by volume.
5.6 El ect ri cal Equi pment All electrical equi pment , motors, lights
and flash lights used in an ar ea in which ethylene oxide is stored or
handl ed should conform to t he Indi an St andar d specification, if any,
and should be vapour-tight.
5.7 Expl os i on Vent i ng Requi rement s An adequat e system for
normal and emergency venting should be installed. All vent lines
should extend to a safe ar ea. The point of outlet should be equipped
wi t h an approved flame arrest or. Relief valves should be installed in
pai rs to facilitate periodic t est i ng and repai ri ng, The vent line should
be equipped wi t h a connection for emergency purging wi t h st eam,
nitrogen or carbon dioxide for t he ext i ngui shment of any fire occurring
on t he outlet side of t he flash arrest or.
5.8 Vent i l at i on All storage ar eas should be provided wi t h
continuous ventilation. Pi t s, depressions and basement s should be
avoided.
5.9 Groundi ng Storage t anks for ethylene oxide should be
protected from electrical st orms and induced static electricity by t he
grounding of all equi pment .
8
IS : 6269 - 1971
5.10 Igni t i on Prot ect i on Storage t anks and ot her equi pment
should be mai nt ai ned under an i nert at mosphere in a non-flammable
range during all t ransfers, as well as duri ng st at i onary conditions, t o
prevent possible ignition i n t he vapour phase wi t hi n t he vessel.
Vessels should be provided wi t h bottom inlets under t he liquid, or
t angent ed nozzles to prevent static spar ks.
6. HANDLING
6.1 Spi l l s and Leaks
6.1.1 Frequent inspections of equi pment and vessels containing
ethylene oxide should be made to detect or prevent l eaks.
6.1.2 If leaks or spills occur, only properly protected personnel should
remai n i n t he ar ea.
6.1.3 All spills should be flushed away promptly wi t h a large quant i t y of
wat er. All openings in sewer system should be t rapped for segregation
and ext i ngui shment . All sources of ignition should be removed.
6.1.4 If possible, increased ventilation should be provided. Inhal at i on of
vapours should be avoided.
6.1.5 All articles of clothing, including shoes, wet with ethylene oxide or
exposed to oxide vapours should be removed immediately and t he body
washed to remove any of t he ethylene oxide which has penet rat ed t he
clothing. Clothing should be washed before re-use.
6.1.6 A leaking container should be removed to an isolated, well-
ventilated ar ea and t he contents transferred t o other suitable
cont ai ners. Unloading rules set forth in 6.3 should be observed.
6.1.7 In t he event of t ank car leakage, dilute t he leakage wi t h a large
quant i t y of wat er, and make necessary repai rs, if possible. The supplier
should be telephoned or wired immediately for specific i nst ruct i ons.
6.2 Us e i n Chemi cal React i ons
6.2.1 If it is assumed t hat t he use will consist of feeding a
predet ermi ned amount of liquid or gaseous ethylene oxide into a
reaction vessel for a bat ch process, t hen t he recommendations given
apply in t hi s respect. If t he process differs from t hi s, however, t hese
recommendations may be adapt ed provided t he reasons for t he various
precautions ar e kept i n mi nd.
6.2.2 Because ethylene oxide forms a great many explosive mi xt ures
wi t h ot her mat eri al s and also because i t s reactions ar e generally
exothermic, special precautions ar e necessary when adding liquid
et hylene oxide to a reaction mi xt ure. A carefully controlled feed r at e and
a ready means of controlling and observing t he reaction t emper at ur e
ar e absolutely essential. The addition of ethylene oxide should be made
9
IS : 6269 - 1971
below t he liquid level in t he reactor to avoid t he possibility of a
discharge of static electricity, and provision should be made for some
vigorous form of agitation of t he reactor contents in order to avoid
localized heat i ng. The reactor and all ancillary pipework which may be
used in t he conveyance of ethylene oxide should be purged wi t h i nert
gas before each operation, and a blanket of i nert gas should be
mai nt ai ned over t he contents of t he reactor t hroughout t he process.
6.2.3 The reactor should be fitted wi t h adequat e equi pment for cooling
t he charge ei t her by jacketing or by means of cooling coils. Close control
of t he t emper at ur e and pressure in t he reactor is i mport ant , and it may
be desirable to install aut omat i c controllers for both variables.
6.2.4 If, shortly after t he addition of t he ethylene oxide has commenced,
ei t her a persistent increase in pressure or no increase in t emper at ur e
has been observed, t he addition should be stopped, as otherwise a
dangerous amount of unreact ed oxide mi ght accumulat e. Similarly, if at
any t i me duri ng t he addition t her e is a drop in t he t emper at ur e or a rise
in pressure in t he reactor, t he addition of ethylene oxide should be
stopped. At t he end of t he addition of t he et hylene oxide a drop in t hese
par amet er s indicates t hat t he reaction i s completed.
An adequat e system of emergency venting to a safe location should be
provided, wi t h facilities for diluting t he vented mat eri al wi t h wat er to
a safe concentration. The reactor should also be fitted wi t h a safety
valve or burst i ng disc of sufficient size to relieve pressure in t he event
of an abnormally violent reaction t aki ng place. It should be noted,
however, t hat safety valves and burst i ng discs ar e not a safeguard
agai nst t he effects of an explosion.
6.2.6 As r ust may, in cert ai n circumstances, cause polymerization of
ethylene oxide, reaction vessels and other equi pment made of mild steel
should be freed from r ust before being put into service. The use of
stainless steel or glass-lined equi pment is an additional safeguard.
6.2.7 Positive st eps should be t aken to ensure t hat t her e is no possibility
of t he reaction mi xt ure finding i t s way back to an ethylene oxide storage
t ank or cylinder. Thi s necessitates t he use of non-ret urn valves in t he
ethylene oxide feed line and preferably also t he physical disconnection
of t he feed line while t he reaction is proceeding.
6.3 Unl oadi ng and Empt yi ng of Cont ai ners
6.3.1 Tank Cars
6.3.1.1 Suppliers instructions should always be followed and all caution
marki ngs on both sides of t ank and dome should be read and observed.
6.3.1.2 In t he event of a t ank car or fitting failure or leak, t he supplier
should be contacted immediately for i nst ruct i ons.
10
IS : 6269 - 1971
6.3.1.3 Tank cars should be electrically grounded to dissipate st at i c or
induced lightning charges.
6.3.1.4 No heat should be applied to t he t ank car. An i nert gas line
should be at t ached to vent connection of t he t ank car to provide a
pressure of 2.5 kg/cm
2
and not over 4.6 kg/cm
2
for transfer of ethylene
oxide from t ank car to receiving t ank. Nitrogen from a cylinder is often
used as t he pressurizing medi um in t he event a suitable i nert gas is
not available wi t hi n t he pl ant .
6.3.1.5 If t he t ank cars ar e provided wi t h excess flow check valves, a
too rapi d opening of t he discharge valves will cause t he check valves to
close. If t hi s should occur, t he outlet valve should be closed unt i l t he
pressure is equalized and t he excess flow valve opens.
6.3.1.6 No ai r should be allowed to ent er t he car. The i nert gas at
2.5 kg/cm
2
pressure should be left in t he car for t he r et ur n of
t he
empt y t ank car.
6.3.2 Insulated Drums
6.3.2.1 Dr ums should be unloaded carefully to prevent damage. Dr ums
containing ethylene oxide should be set upri ght duri ng storage and for
unloading.
6.3.2.2 If any leaking dr ums ar e found, t hey should be removed to a
safe location where it is possible to stop t he leaking or to t ransfer t he
cont ent s. It should always be remembered t hat ethylene oxide vapours
ar e flammable and toxic.
6.3.2.3 If it is not practical to locate t he i nsul at ed dr um outdoors
duri ng unloading, a vent stack or hood equipped wi t h an exhaust er
should be installed over t he dr um.
6.3.2.4 An i nert gas is used to empt y a dr um of i t s cont ent s. Heat i ng
increases t he explosion hazar ds. In addition, heat i ng may cause
polymer formation.
6.3.2.5 If ethylene oxide vapour is required by t he user, it will be
necessary to provide a vaporizer. The size and ar r angement of such
vaporizer will be dependent upon t he requi rement s of t he user. The
vaporizer, however, should be designed to contain a mi ni mum volume
of ethylene oxide and to have a maxi mum surface. If possible, t he
vaporizer should be located outside of buildings to prevent t he
accumulation of ethylene oxide vapours in case of any leakage.
6.3.2.6 When t he dr um has been emptied of i t s cont ent s, an i nert gas
pressure of 2.5 kg/cm
2
at 20C should be left in t he dr um for r et ur n to
t he supplier. No ai r should be allowed t o ent er t he dr um.
6.3.2.7 If t he dr um is emptied only partially of i t s contents at any one
11
IS : 6269 - 1971
usage, total gas pressure of 2.5 kg/cm
2
at 20C should be left in t he
dr um for st orage.
6.3.3 Cylinders
6.3.3.1 Precaut i ons generally applied to use of small cylinders of
flammable liquids should be used.
6.3.3.2 A wat er-bat h heat ed to a maxi mum of 50C may be used to
empt y a small uni nsul at ed cylinder by means of t he vapour pressure of
t he ethylene oxide.
6.3.3.3 Check valves shall be installed in feed lines from t he cylinder
to prevent t he react ant s from ent eri ng t he cylinder.
6.3.3.4 When t he cylinder is empt y, t he valves should be closed. Air
should not be allowed to ent er t he container.
6.4 Fi l l i ng of Tank Trucks and Cyl i nders The t ank t rucks and
cylinders ar e thoroughly cleaned inside, dried and purged wi t h
nitrogen till t he oxygen content is less t han 0.2 percent before filling
t hem wi t h ethylene oxide. The filled containers ar e t hen pressurized
wi t h nitrogen t o render t he vapour phase mi xt ure non-explosive.
Nitrogen is agai n used for liquid wi t hdrawal by pressure and t he empty
containers ar e filled with nitrogen to a pressure of about 2 kg/cm
2
.
6.4.1 Storage buildings or ar eas for cylinders should be fire resi st ant ,
well ventilated, dry and should be located away from sources of ignition
or excessive heat . Cylinders should be protected from direct r ays of t he
sun. Full and empt y cylinders should be segregated.
7. LABELLING
. 1 The following label, in addition t o, or in combination wi t h, any
label or warni ng required by st at ut es, regulat i ons, or ordinances, is
recommended for ethylene oxide cont ai ners:
12
ETHYLENE OXIDE
DANGER ! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE, VAPOUR
HARMFUL, MAY CAUSE BURNS
Keep away from heat , spar ks, and open flame.
Keep container closed.
Avoid breat hi ng vapour.
Avoid contact wi t h skin, eyes, and clothing.
In case of contact, immediately remove all contaminated
clothing including shoes, and flush ski n or eyes wi t h plenty of
wat er for at least 15 mi nut es; for eyes, get medical at t ent i on.
Wash clothing before re-use. Discard contaminated shoes.

8. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
8.1 Empl oyee Educat i on and Trai ni ng
8.1.1 Workers who handl e ethylene oxide, or may be exposed to it in any
form, should be instructed carefully in accepted met hods of handl i ng and
be familiar wi t h t he protective equi pment requi red for safe handl i ng.
Inst ruct i on should st ress t he hazard of fire or explosions, contact of t he
mat eri al wi t h t he ski n and eyes and i nhalat i on of t he vapours.
8.1.2 All workers should be familiar wi t h t he location of safety
showers, al ar m boxes, emergency ventilation system, eye-wash bottles,
fire ext i ngui shers and hose lines.
8.1.3 Each employee should be rei nst ruct ed periodically in t he hazar ds
involved and proper emergency measures to be t aken.
8.2 Pers onal Prot ect i ve Equi pment
8.2.1 Eye ( Protection Chemical Safety Goggles ) Cup-type or rubber-
framed vapour proof goggles, equipped wi t h approved impact resi st ant
glass or plastic lenses, should be worn whenever t her e is danger of t he
mat eri al (in liquid or vapour form) coming in contact wi t h t he eyes.
Goggles should be carefully fitted by adjusting t he nose piece and head
band to ensure maxi mum protection and comfort.
8.2.2 Respiratory Protection Respiratory protective equi pment shall
be carefully mai nt ai ned, inspected, cleaned and sterilized at regul ar
i nt erval s, and always before use by anot her person. Personnel weari ng
such equi pment shall be carefully i nst ruct ed as to i t s operation and
limitations.
8.2.2.1 Air-supplied masks, equipped wi t h full face pieces, shall be
worn for protection under t he following conditions:
a) In emergencies, when t he vapour concentration is not definitely
known;
b) When t he harmful vapour concentration is over 2 percent by
volume;
c) When t he oxygen content of t he ai r may be less t han 18 percent
by volume;
d) When t he exposure period is to be over 30 mi nut es durat i on; and
e) In t ank and equi pment cleaning and repai r work, when (a), (b),
(c) and (d) apply. A safe ent ry permi t from authorized gas safety
inspector or safety officer shall be obtained before commening
t he repai r work.
8.2.3 Head Protection Safety or har d hat s will provide protection
agai nst accidental liquid l eaks, falling tools and ot her objects and it is
beneficial to form t he habi t of weari ng it in all pl ant ar eas.
13
IS : 6269 - 1971

IS : 6269 - 1971
8.2.4 Foot Protection PVC or rubber safety shoes with built-in steel toe
caps ar e recommended. Rubbers may be worn over l eat her safety shoes.
NOTE Et hyl ene oxide may penet r at e P V C and rubber.
8.2.5 Body, Skin and Hand Protection Sui t s made of a suitable
protective mat eri al and properly designed should be used to provide
complete body protection, when necessary.
8.2.5.1 Aprons made of suitable protective mat eri al should be worn to
protect t he hands from ethylene oxide.
8.2.5.2 Sleeves made of suitable protective mat eri al should be worn
when t he need for complete ar m protection is indicated.
8.2.5.3 Life har ness and life line should be worn by men working in
t anks or other confined spaces to facilitate rescue.
8.2.5.4 Whenever necessary, facilities for personal cleanliness should
be provided and t i me allowed for thorough washi ng before lunch and
at t he end of t he working day.
9. FIRST-AID
9. 1 General First-aid should be st art ed at once in cases of contact
wi t h excessive amount s of ethylene oxide. Workers presenting
symptoms or signs of ethylene oxide poisoning should be removed at
once from t he contaminated ar ea. A physician should be called at once,
notifying hi m of nat ur e of case and location of t he pat i ent .
9.2 Inhal at i on In case breat hi ng has stopped, effective artificial
respiration should be st art ed immediately. If oxygen inhalation
appar at us is available, oxygen should be admi ni st ered, but only if one
familiar wi t h t he operation of such appar at us is present to admi ni st er
i t . A physician should be called at once. In order to prevent t he
development of severe lung congestion (pulmonary edema), 100 percent
oxygen should be admi ni st ered as soon as possible after a severe
exposure. Oxygen admi ni st rat i on is most effective if expiration is made
agai nst a positive pressure of 4 cm of wat er. Thi s may be accomplished
readily by use of a rubber t ube connected to t he outlet valve of a snugly
fitting face mask and inserted to a dept h of not more t han 4 cm below
t he surface of wat er in a suitable container. (Special masks ar e
obtainable wi t h adjustable gauges which regul at e t he positive pressure
from 1 to 4 cm). The pressure resisting exhalation should be adjusted to
t he patients tolerance by varying t he dept h of t he end of t he t ube below
t he wat er surface. Oxygen i nhalat i on shall be continued as long as
necessary to mai nt ai n t he normal colour of t he ski n and mucous
membr anes. In cases of severe exposure, t he pat i ent should br eat h 100
percent oxygen under positive exhalation pressure for half-an-hour
14
IS : 6269 - 1971
period every hour, for at least t hr ee hour s. If t her e ar e no signs of lung
congestion at t he end of t hi s period, and if breat hi ng is easy and t he
colour is good, oxygen inhalation may be discontinued. Throughout t hi s
t i me, t he pat i ent should be kept comfortably war m, but not hot .
9.2.1 Milder exposures to ethylene oxide vapours at t i mes produce
nausea and vomiting. In cases present i ng such symptoms, t hey should
be placed in bed and given war m wat er in sufficient amount s to aid in
washi ng out t hei r st omachs. A physician should be called.
9.3 Ingest i on Due to t he nat ur e of ethylene oxide, it is very unlikely
t hat any of it could be t aken i nt ernally, but if a person has swallowed
liquid et hylene oxide or i t s solution, he should be made to vomit, if
conscious, by havi ng hi m dri nk a glassful or more of l ukewarm wat er in
which a teaspoonful of salt to t he glassful has been dissolved; or a
similar amount of war m soapy wat er may be used. If necessary, t he
pat i ent should be encouraged to stick hi s finger down hi s t hroat to
induce vomiting. When possible, vomiting should be induced at least
t hr ee t i mes. Following t hi s, a tablespoonful of Epsom salt dissolved in a
glass of wat er should be given. A physician should be called at once.
9.4 Cont act wi t h Ski n All clothing contaminated wi t h liquid
ethylene oxide should be removed at once. Clothing, including shoes,
should not be worn agai n unt i l free from ethylene oxide. Shoes may
seldom be decontaminated particularly l eat her shoes which should be
discarded completely. All affected ar eas of ski n should be thoroughly
washed wi t h soap and wat er. Never give anyt hi ng orally t o an
unconscious person.
9.4.1 It has been noted t hat if shoes, which have been soaked in
et hylene oxide, ar e worn delayed ski n bur ns may occur. Even weak
solutions which cont ami nat e clothing may produce t he same effect
particularly i n such ar eas as t he genital region. These burns form
blobs or wat er blisters out of proportion to t he amount of ski n damage
and ar e usually healed in a week or t en days if properly t reat ed.
9.5 Cont act wi t h Eyes Et hyl ene oxide, as liquid or vapour, is
capable of producing eye damage. Should it reach t he eyes, t he eyes
should be irrigated immediately and copiously with wat er for 15
mi nut es. The eyelids should be held apar t duri ng t he irrigation t o
ensur e contact of t he wat er with all t he t i ssues of t he surface of t he
eyes and lids. Should eye i rri t at i on persist, t he eyes should be
irrigated for a further period of 15 mi nut es and a physician, preferably
an eye specialist, should be called in at t endance.
10. TANK AND EQUIPMENT CLEANING AND REPAIRS
10. 1 Cleaning or maki ng repai rs inside of equi pment in which
ethylene oxide is contained is particularly hazardous because of i t s
toxicity and flammability.
15
IS : 6269 - 1971
10. 2 Safety respiratory appar at us, protective clothing, spark-proof
tools, and explosion-proof lights should be provided for repai r or
cleaning crews.
10. 3 Wri t t en approval of supervisor should be procured by t he repai r
or cleaning crews.
10. 4 The liquid ethylene oxide should be pumped out or t ransferred.
Any pressure on t he equi pment should be vented to a safe ar ea or
t hrough a scrubber. The equi pment should be filled wi t h wat er,
drai ned, and thoroughly washed before it is ent ered for any inspection
or repai rs.
10. 5 All connections to vessels should be blanked off and t he ai r in t he
t ank tested wi t h a combustible gas indicator or a suitable detector t ube
approved for ethylene oxide or by any other analytical t echni que. Gas
t est s should be repeat ed from t i me to t i me if continued work wi t hi n
t he equi pment is necessary. A wat cher supplied wi t h t he specified
safety equi pment should be stationed outside t he equi pment ent rance
t o keep t he men inside under const ant observation. Additional men
should be available for rescue work.
10. 6 Special ventilation i s recommended duri ng t he ent i re t i me t he
men ar e cleaning, repai ri ng, or inspecting t he equi pment .
10. 7 Before t he equi pment is ret urned to ethylene oxide service, an
i nert gas should be used to purge out all t he ai r. If t he gas used for
purging forms a flammable gas-air mi xt ure, t he equi pment should be
filled wi t h wat er and t hen blown wi t h t he gas, venting to a safe
location unt i l dry. Oxygen content of t he vessel shall be not great er
t han 0.2 percent by volume.
11. WASTE DISPOSAL
11. 1 Wast e mi xt ures containing ethylene oxide should not be allowed
to ent er drai ns or sewers where t her e is danger of t he vapours
becoming ignited, All openings in sewer syst ems should be t rapped for
segregation and ext i ngui shment .
11. 2 When it becomes necessary to dispose of ethylene oxide as such, it
is preferable to do so as a vapour, vent i ng to a safe location.
11. 3 All polymeric wast es ar e wat er soluble and, as such, present no
major problem. Disposal of t hese mat eri al s, however, depends to a
great ext ent upon local conditions. All regulations regardi ng heal t h
and pollution should be followed.
16
Convener
DR B. N. CHAKRAVARTY
Members
SHRI V. N. GODBOLE
SHRI H. T. KAPADIA
Representing
Hi ndust an Steel Ltd, Ranchi
Albright, Morarji and Pandi t Lt d, Bombay
Dharamsi Morarji Chemical Co Ltd, Thana
(Maharasht ra)
SHRI S. K. BHATTACHARYA ( Alternate )
SHRI A. S. MEHTA Gwalior Rayon Silk Mfg (Wvg) Co Lt d, Nagda
SHRI P. A. PHADKE( Alternate )
DR K. V. NAYAR
DR J. XAVIER ( Alternate )
SHRI Y. R. PAKKALA
SHRI S. S. RAMASWAMY
DR R. K. GUPTA ( Alternate )
SHRI P. C. SARIN
SHRI T. R. SRINIVASAN
SHRI K. K. SUBRAMANIAM
SHRI P . CHAWLA ( Alternate )
DR S. I . TARAPOREWALA
Fertilizers & Chemicals Travancore Ltd, Udyoga-
mandal (Kerala)
Fertilizer Corporation of Indi a Lt d, Bombay
D. C. M. Chemical Works, New Delhi
Reckitt & Colman of Indi a Lt d, Cal cut t a
Herdillia Chemicals Ltd, Thana (Maharasht ra)
National Organic Chemical Indust ri es Ltd, Bombay
The Nat i onal Rayon Corporation Lt d, Bombay
SHRI L. M. DESHMUKH ( Alternate )
17
( Continued from page 2 )
Panel for Drafting Safety Codes for Hazardous Chemicals, CDC 18 : 4 : 1
IS : 6269 - 1971

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