BIODIESEL USAGE - SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Biodiesel contains no hazardous materials and is generally regarded as safe to use. Like any fuel, certain fire safety precautions must be taken. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) further below contains all the details on concerns in these areas.

A number of studies have found that biodiesel biodegrades much more rapidly than conventional diesel. Users in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, marine environments, and national parks have taken advantage of this property.

USING BIODIESEL UNDER THE ENERGY POLICY ACT
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) was passed by Congress to reduce the nation's dependence on imported petroleum by requiring certain fleets to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), which are capable of operating on non-petroleum fuels.
Compliance with EPAct is met by credits awarded for acquisition of AFVs. The Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 (ECRA) amended EPAct to allow credit for B20 use. DOE’s Biodiesel Fuel Use Credit Interim Final Rule became effective in January 2001, allowing covered fleets to meet EPAct requirements through the purchase of biodiesel fuel.
One biodiesel fuel use credit, which is counted as one AFV acquisition, is allocated to fleets for each purchase of 450 gallons of neat biodiesel fuel, for use in diesel vehicles more than 8,500 lbs. GVWR. The biodiesel must be neat (B100) or in blends that contain by volume at least 20% biodiesel (B20). Fleets are allowed to use these credits to fulfill up to 50% of their EPAct requirements. (Biodiesel fuel providers can meet up to 100% of their requirements through the use of biodiesel fuel use credits.).

These credits can be claimed only in the year in which the fuel is purchased for use, and they cannot be traded among fleets. For further information, visit the EPAct web page at
http://www.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/deployment/fcvt_epact.shtml
For specific information about biodiesel use in federal fleets, contact:
Shabnam Fardanesh
202 586-7011
shabnam.fardanesh@ee.doe.gov
For specific information about biodiesel use in state and fuel provider fleets, contact:
Linda Bluestein
202 586-6116
Linda.Bluestein@ee.doe.gov


SAMPLE BIODIESEL MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Chemical Product

General Product Name: Biodiesel
Synonyms: Methyl Soyate, Rapeseed Methyl Ester (RME),
Methyl Tallowate
Product Description: Methyl esters from lipid sources
CAS Number: Methyl Soyate: 67784-80-9; RME: 73891-99-3;
Methyl Tallowate: 61788-71-2

Composition/Information On Ingredients
This product contains no hazardous materials.

Hazards Identification
Potential Health Effects:
INHALATION:
Negligible unless heated to produce vapors. Vapors or finely misted materials may
irritate the mucous membranes and cause irritation, dizziness, and nausea. Remove to
fresh air.
EYE CONTACT:
May cause irritation. Irrigate eye with water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Seek medical
attention if symptoms persist.
SKIN CONTACT:
Prolonged or repeated contact is not likely to cause significant skin irritation. Material is
sometimes encountered at elevated temperatures. Thermal burns are possible.
INGESTION:
No hazards anticipated from ingestion incidental to industrial exposure.

First Aid Measures
EYES:
Irrigate eyes with a heavy stream of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
SKIN:
Wash exposed areas of the body with soap and water.
INHALATION:
Remove from area of exposure, seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
INGESTION:
Give one or two glasses of water to drink. If gastro-intestinal symptoms develop, consult
medical personnel. (Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.)

Fire Fighting Measures
Flash Point (Method Used): 130.0° C min (ASTM 93)
Flammability Limits: None known
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Dry chemical, foam, halon, CO2, water spray (fog). Water stream may splash the burning
liquid and spread fire.



SOURCE: http://www.eere.energy.gov