MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET Product: HELIUM Chemical Name Helium Chemical Family: Inert Rare Gas Identification: Symbol : He UN 1046 Synonyms: Helium -4, refrigerant gas R-704, laser Star helium, Medipure Helium, Ultra Lift Helium, Helium -Diving Grade. Uses: Industrial use, medical applications, diving gas (underwater breathing) EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Ingredient Composition Information INGREDIENTS PERCENTAGE OHSA PEL-TWA ACGIH TLV-TWA Helium 99.5-100% Not Established Not Established Hazards Identification Warning! High pressure liquid and gas Can cause rapid suffocation Can cause severe frostbite Can increase respiration and heart rate Can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required by rescue worker POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS INFORMATION Routes of Exposure: Inhalation Asphyxiate. High concentrations can cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, excitation, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack of oxygen can kill. Eye Contact Skin Contact Skin Absorption No known effect Ingestion Death may result from errors in judgement, confusion, or loss of consciousness which prevents self-rescue. At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in seconds without warning Chronic Effects Carcinogenicity
First Aid Measures Inhalation Eye Contact Persons suffering from overexposure should be immediately removed to fresh air. If victim is not breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, qualified personnel may give Oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention. Adverse effects not expected from thid product, but gently flush eyes with lukewarm water. Obtain medical attention immediately. Skin Contact Ingestion Adverse effects not expected from thid product. Fire Fighting Measures Flash Point Auto-ignition Non-flammable FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR BY VOLUME: Lower Upper Extinguishing Media Heluim is nonflammable and does not support combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire Special Fire Fighting Instructions Evacuate personnel from danger area. If possible, without risk move helium tanke from fire area or cool with water. Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required for rescue workers Hazardous Combustion Products As the gas is lighter than air, ensure that it is not trapped in confined spaces, otherwise this could lead to the formation of an oxygen- deficient atmosphere. Ventilate all confined spaces using forced draught if necessary. Sensitivity to Static Discharge Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact.. Accidental Release Measures Steps to Be Taken if Material is Released or Spilled: Personal Precautions Do not enter any area where Helium has been spilled unless tests have shown that it is safe to do so. Environmental precautions Helium does not pose a hazard to the environment. Small spills Shut off the source of escaping Helium. Ventilate the area. Large spills Shut off the source of the spill if this can be done without risk.
Handling and Storage Precautions To Be Taken In Storage: Cylinders should be stored upright with their valve protection cap in place and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide or drop. Do not allow storage area temperatures to exceed 52 C. Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to prevent full containers from being stored for long periods of time. Store in a well-ventilated area and should be away from heavily traveled areas and emergency exits. Avoid areas where salt or other corrosive materials are present. Precautions To Be Taken In Handling: Cylinders Wear leather safety gloves and safety shoes when handling cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap. Never apply flame or localized heat directly to any part of the cylinder. High temperature may cause damage to a cylinder and/or premature failure of the pressure relief device, which will result in venting of the cylinder contents. If user experience any difficulty operating the cylinder valve, discontinue use and contact supplier. Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Exposure Control / Personal Protection Ventilation Natural or mechanical to prevent oxygen-deficient atmospheres under 19.5% oxygen Respiratory Protection required under normal use. An air-supplied respirator must be used in confined spaces General Use Emergency Use required Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure airline with mask are to be used in oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Air purifying respirators will not function. Protective Gloves Gloves are recommended when handling cylinders Eye Protection Full face shield is recommended for liquid transfer operations. Safety glasses are recommended when handling cylinders Other Protective Equipment Metatarsal safety shoes when handling containers. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers without cuffs and protective overall. Exposure CAS Number 7440-59-7 Exposure Limit Simple asphyxiate
Physical and Chemical Properties Molecular Weight 4,003 Melting Point -272 C Density of the gas at 21.1 C and 1atm 0.166 kg/m 3 Critical temperature -268 C Crictical Pressure 230 kpa Boiling Point -268.93 C PH Appearance, Odour and State Colorless and odorless gas., inert gas. Stability and Reactivity Stability Stable, inert gas Conditions to Avoid: Never use cylinders as rollers or supports, or for any other purpose than the storage of Helium. Never expose the cylinder to excessive heat, as this may cause sufficient build-up of pressure to rupture the cylinders. Incompatibility (Materials to avoid): As Helium is inert it may be contained in systems constructed of any of the common metals which have been designed to safely withstand the pressures involved. Reactivity: A) Hazardous Decomposition Products B) Hazardous Polymerization C) Hazardous Reaction Conditions D) General Sulfur hexafluoride is a simple asphyxiate. Toxicological Information Irritancy of Material Sensitization to Material Reproductive Effects Mutagenicity Teratogenicity Synergistic Materials Ecological Information No adverse ecological effects are expected. Helium is not listed as a marine pollutant.
Disposal Consideration Waste Disposal Method: Do not attempt to dispose of residual or unused quantities. For emergency disposal, discharge slowly to the atmosphere in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Contact supplier for any special requirements. Transport Information Gas: DOT/IMO Shipping Name Hazard Class Shipping Label(s) Placard (When required) Helium, compressed 2.2 (Non-flammable Gas) Non-flammable gas Non-flammable gas. Special Shipping Information Containers should be transported in a secure position, in a wellventilated truck. The transportation of compressed gas cylinders in automobiles or in closed-body vehicles can present serious safety hazards and should be discouraged. Ensure vehicle driver is aware of the potential hazards of the load and knows what to do in the event of an accident or an emergency. Ensure cylinder valve is closed and not leaking. - Ensure valve outlet cap nut or plug (where provided) is correctly fitted. - Ensure valve protection device (where provided) is correctly fitted. Other Information Special Precautions Use piping and equipment adequately designed to withstand pressures to be encountered. Use a check valve or other protective apparatus in any line or piping from the cylinder to prevent reverse flow even when empty.be sure to read and understand all labels and instructions provide with all containers. Mixtures When two or more gases liquefied gases are mixed, their hazardous properties may combine to create additional, unexpected hazards. Obtain and evaluate the safety information for each component before you produce the mixture. Consult an Industrial Hygienist or other trained person when you make your safety evaluation of the end product. Remember, gases and liquids have properties that can cause serious injury or death.