Is the odour of methane reliable as a warning property?
POOR – odourless; odorant may be added by supplier. How can I work with methane safely? Methane is an EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE GAS. It is available commercially as a COMPRESSED GAS or REFRIGERATED LIQUEFIED GAS. This material is an ASPHYXIANT and can displace oxygen necessary for breathing. Methane is a CONFINED SPACE HAZARD. Ensure that any confined space is competently assessed for oxygen deficiency and flammable atmospheres prior to worker entry. Contact with the liquid or with gas escaping from the cylinder can result in frostbite. Before handling, it is very important that engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use. Maintenance and emergency personnel should be advised of potential hazards. For large-scale operations using refrigerated liquid or compressed gaseous methane, escape-type respiratory protect
