Butane Source Blog
Informative butane articles and related industry information.

All About MSDS

Published: 25 November 2013

If you have ever taken more than a passing glance at a disposable cigarette lighter and wondered what powers its mesmerizing little blue flame, the answer is clear: Liquid butane, a refined raw gas whose history dates back to the early 20th century. Whether in a liquid or gaseous state, refined butane is a key component in a variety of commercial and residential products that would not operate as efficiently without it, including outdoor gas powered barbecue grills.

Butane and the Role of MSDS

Though widely used, butane is still a volatile, flammable gas that must be treated with care and respect, lest a disaster results from it being mishandled — thus the importance of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in regards to how it is manufactured, stored, transported, and used. At Butane Source, our knowledgeable and experienced industry specialists can answer all of your questions related to a particular MSDS.

All About MSDS – Top Questions

When it comes to uses for butane, an MSDS plays a key role in disseminating information that can make a big difference in safety. As a result, we often field numerous MSDS and butane related questions, among them:

  • What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)? An MSDS is a key component of a comprehensive health and safety program, whether in your own house, place of business, or your favorite restaurant down the street. It contains extensive information about potential hazards — environmental, fire,  health, and reactivity — and how chemical or chemical based products can be handled safely. Depending on the product, such as Stok butane, an MSDS may also include data on usage, storage, handling, and emergency procedures for the product in question.

  • Who uses an MSDS? Anyone who utilizes a chemical or chemical based product should use an MSDS and is likely required to do so by law. Whether your company buys and uses Whip-It 5x Butane or another brand, a Material Safety Data Sheet is a good thing to have at hand.

  • Do all MSDS’ look the same? Each one has unique formats for different applications but all convey basic but similar information. For butane, an MSDS may contain sections for: Product Information, Hazard Identification, Composition and Ingredients Information, First Aid Measures, Fire-Fighting Measures, Accidental Release Measures, Handling and Storage Information, Information on Personal Protection and Exposure Controls, Physical and Chemical Properties, Stability and Reactivity, Topological Information, Ecological Information, Disposal Specifics, Transportation Data, Regulatory Information based on country, state, or province of origin, and other information deemed useful.

  • Where can I learn more about an MSDS for butane refills or other related topics? Butane Source can answer all butane and most MSDS related questions you may have, but local or country specific information is available online, at the library, and through other sources. Information in Canada can be had through the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System; in Europe, through the European Chemicals Agency; in Germany, through the German Federal Water Management Act; information in the Netherlands is available through Dutch Safety Data Sheets; in the United Kingdom, through the  Chemicals, Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Regulations of 2002; in the US through the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and internationally through the United Nations and any number of country specific safety data sheets.

  • Where can I get help understanding my MSDS? An MSDS is difficult to understand because much of the information in each is highly scientific and technical in nature. Many countries have worked diligently to ensure information in an MSDS is written simply, precisely, and in an easy to read manner. If you need help understanding an MSDS, call us today for more information.

  • Under what circumstances would I use an MSDS? Many products are potentially hazardous, which is why you should understand those dangers and how to work safely with the item in question before actually using it. Even if you have expert level knowledge of Vector butane, why risk handling it without knowing the potential for health, fire, reactivity and environmental dangers?

  • Can an MSDS expire? Yes. Though there are many competing national and international standards, an MSDS — whether it is for a company famous for its torch lighter or other butane powered products — often expires within three years from the date the product was manufactured. If the MSDS has become damaged and is not legible, contact the product manufacturer for the latest information.

Refined butane is an immensely useful product. Extremely volatile and flammable, it is used in everything from lighters and torches to camping stoves and many other commercial and consumer grade products. A Material Safety Data Sheet plays a vital role in understanding its chemical makeup and how butane can be used. For more details, contact your MSDS specialists at Butane Source.

Looking for specific a specific MSDS for a refined butane? Head over to our MSDS Page.