Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Residual Oil

Identification

Product Name: Residual Oil
Synonyms: Heavy fuel oil, bunker oil
Chemical Family: Petroleum hydrocarbon
Use: Industrial fuel, energy generation
Manufacturer: Major petroleum refining companies
Contact Information: Emergency phone typically provided by the refinery or distribution company
CAS Number: Usually 68553-00-4 for residual fuel oils

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Dark, viscous liquid
Color: Black or dark brown
Odor: Petroleum; strong and pungent
Main Hazards: Flammable with potential to form explosive vapors; skin and eye irritant; suspected carcinogen from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); inhalation causes headaches, dizziness, nausea
GHS Classification: Aspiration Hazard, Category 1; Carcinogen, Category 2; Skin Irritation, Category 2
Hazard Pictograms: Flame, Health hazard, Exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways; may cause cancer; causes skin irritation; harmful if inhaled

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Residues (Complex hydrocarbons): 75-100%
Sulfur Compounds: 0.5-6%
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: <2%
Asphaltenes: 5-15%
Trace Metals (nickel, vanadium): <0.5%
Additives: Small concentrations possible (antioxidants, pour point depressants, dispersants)

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move person to fresh air promptly, seek medical advice if symptoms persist, oxygen may be given if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing immediately, wash affected area with soap and water thoroughly, do not use solvents; seek medical attention for persistent irritation or burns
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes under running water for at least 15 minutes while keeping eyelids open; seek medical care if irritation continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting due to aspiration risk; rinse mouth, get urgent medical help

Fire-Fighting Measures

Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide; avoid water jets that may spread fire
Specific Hazards: Dense smoke, toxic fumes (CO, SOx, NOx, incomplete combustion hydrocarbons)
Protective Equipment: Full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Cool containers exposed to flame with water spray, avoid runoff into sewers
Explosion Hazard: Vapors heavier than air, can accumulate and ignite a distance from source

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear gloves, goggles, protective clothing, and respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, waterways, or soil
Cleanup Methods: Absorb spillage with sand, earth, or proprietary absorbents; collect in labeled containers for disposal; wash area with water and detergent
Emergency Procedures: Evacuate area, contain spill, provide adequate ventilation

Handling and Storage

Handling Precautions: Keep containers tightly closed, use in well-ventilated areas, avoid skin and eye contact, prevent static discharge during transfer
Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place; use only containers specifically designed for oil products
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, acids, halogens
Specific Requirements: Enclosed piping, spill containment, regular inspection for leaks; label storage sites clearly

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation at points of emission, maintain adequate general ventilation
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ (oil mist), ACGIH TLV: 5 mg/m³ (oil mist)
Personal Protection: Nitrile or neoprene gloves, flame-resistant clothing, chemical splash goggles, face shield for risk of splashing, safety boots
Respiratory Protection: Approved organic vapor respirator in case of low ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat/drink/smoke in work area

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Black, viscous liquid
Odor: Heavy petroleum smell
Boiling Point: Range 340–560°C
Melting Point: Variable, typically below 30°C
Flash Point: 65–150°C, depends on grade and composition
Density: 0.95–1.05 g/cm³
Viscosity: 180–700 cSt at 50°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in many organic solvents
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Above 250°C

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions, but can react violently in contact with strong oxidizers
Reactivity: Risk of fire and explosion if mixed with incompatible materials
Hazardous Decomposition: Produces CO, SOx, NOx, smoke, and unburned hydrocarbons during combustion
Polymerization: Does not occur

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Inhalation or skin exposure causes headache, dizziness, skin burns, possible lung damage from aspiration
Chronic Exposure: Risk of cancer from long-term skin contact; PAHs linked to mutagenic effects
Skin and Eye Effects: Defatting, irritation, redness, dermatitis
Inhalation Effects: Respiratory tract irritation, central nervous system effects, chemical pneumonitis in cases of severe exposure
Ingestion Effects: Nausea, vomiting, chemical pneumonia from aspiration

Ecological Information

Environmental Fate: Long persistence in soil and water, floats on water surface, slow biodegradation
Bioaccumulation: Can accumulate in aquatic organisms
Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful to aquatic organisms, thick oil film blocks oxygen transfer, direct toxicity from PAHs
Spill Consequences: Large-scale contamination of shorelines, destruction of wildlife, damage to fisheries and habitat

Disposal Considerations

Waste Handling: Collect in sealed, labeled containers, do not discharge to environment or sewers
Disposal Methods: Incineration by licensed facility, high-temperature processing, safe landfilling if allowed
Regulatory Requirements: Observe local and national hazardous waste regulations, shipment under controlled waste manifest

Transport Information

UN Number: 3082
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. (residual oil)
Transport Hazard Class: 9
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Labeling: Environmental hazard symbol, shipping papers with emergency response information

Regulatory Information

OSHA (US): Covered under hazardous chemicals regulations
EPA (US): Subject to reporting under CERCLA and SARA Title III for oil spills
EU Classification: Dangerous for the environment, possible carcinogen
Label Requirements: Hazard pictograms, signal word Danger, risk and safety phrases
Other Compliance: Restrictions on use near waterways, critical infrastructure; subject to environmental discharge limits