2003
Date:January
P-4602-F
Product:
Helium
Praxair Material SafetvData Sheet
Productand CompanyIdentification
1. Chemical
(MSDS No. P-4602-F) rade Name: Helium, MedipurerM Helium
Product Name: Helium, compressed
gas
Synonyms:Helium-4,refrigerant R704
Chemical Name: Helium
emical Family: Rare gas
Formula: He
Inc.
mpanyName: Praxair,
rergencies: 1-800-645-4633*
Road
39 Old Ridgebury
CHEMTRECT l-800-424-9300*
Danburv. 06810-5113
CT
,utine: 1-800-PRAXAIR
* Call emergencynumbers24 hours a day only
for spills, leaks,fire, exposure,or qccidentsinvolving this
product. For routine information, contactyour supplier, Prqxair sales representqtive,or cqll
1-800-PRAXAIR ( I -800-772-9247)
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
This sectioncoversmaterialsof manufactureonly. Seesections 8, 11, and L6 for information on
3,
especially in welding and cutting.
by-productsgenerated use
during useo
Seesection16 for important information about mixtures.
cAs CONCEN-
ACGIHTLV-TWA(20021
NUMBER
INGREDIENT ITRATION OSHAPEL
asphyxiant
Helium establishedSimple
Nonecurrently
7440-59-7l>99%*
*Thesymbol means"greater
> than."
3. Hazards Identification
OVERVIEW
EMERGENCY
gas.
CAUTION! High-pressure
Gan cause rapid suffocation.
May cause dizzinessand drowsiness.
breathingapparatusmay be requiredby rescueworkers.
Self-contained
Odor: None
(ACGIH, 2002).ACGIH recommends TLV- a
THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUE: Simpleasphyxiant
TWA of 5 mg/m' for welding fumesnot otherwiseclassified(NOC) that may be generated during
welding with this product.Seesection16 for moreinformationon welding hazards."TLV-TWAs should
be usedasa guidein the controlof healthhazuds and not asfine lines betweensafeand dangerous
concentrations.
Page1 of8
1979,
1983,
1985,
1992-1993, 2003,
PraxairTechnology,
lnc.
1995,
Copyright@
All rightsreserved.
Revised
Date:
January
2003
P-4602-F
Helium
Product:
EFFECTS OF A SINGLE (ACUTE) OVEREXPOSURE:
may cause
INHALATION-Asphyxiant. Effectsare dueto lack of oxygen.Moderateconcentrations
Lack
salivation,vomiting, and unconsciousness.
excitation,excess
dizziness,
headache,
drowsiness,
ofoxygen cankill.
SKIN CONTACT-No harm expected.
SWALLOWING-This productis a gasat normaltemperature pressure.
and
EYE CONTACT-No harm expected.
EFFECTS OF REPEATED (CHRONIC) OVEREXPOSURE: No harm expected.
Lack of oxygencan kill.
OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSIIRE: Helium is an asphyxiant.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSIIRE: The toxicology andthe
that overexposure uniikely to aggravate
existing
physicaland chemicalproperties helium suggest is
of
medicalconditions.
SIGNIFICANT LABORATORY DATA WITH POSSIBLE RELEVANCE TO HUMAN HEALTH
HAZARD EVALUATION: None known.
Helium is not listedbv NTP. OSHA. or IARC.
CARCINOGENICITY:
4. First Aid Measures
give artificial respiration.
If
INHALATION: Immediatelyremoveto freshair. If not breathing,
may give oxygen.Call a physician.
breathingis difficult, qualifiedpersonnel
SKIN CONTACT: Washwith soapand water;seekmedicalattentionif discomfortpersists.
SWALLOWING: This productis a gasat normaltemperature pressure.
and
EYE CONTACT: Flush eyesthoroughlywith water.Hold the eyelidsopenand away from the eyeballs
that all surfaces flushedthoroughly.Get medicalattentionif discomfortpersists.
are
to ensure
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: Thereis no specific antidote. Thisproduct is inert. Treatmento/
shouldbe directedat the control of symptoms the clinical conditionof thepatient.
and
overexposlre
5. Fire Fighting Measures
(testmethod): Not applicable
FLASH POTNT
Notapplicable
TEMPERATURE:
AUTOIGNITION
LOWER:Notapplicable Not applicable
FLAMMABLELIMITSlN AlR. % bv volume:
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Helium cannotcatchfire. Usemediaappropriate surrounding
for fire.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: CAUTION! High-pressure gas.Evacuate all
personnelfrom dangerarea.Immediatelydelugecylinderswith waterfrom maximumdistance until cool;
breathingapparatus
may be required
thenmovethem awayfrom fire areaif without risk. Self-contained
mustcomplywith OSHA 29 CFR 1910.156.
by rescue
workers. On-sitefire brigades
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Helium cannotcatchfire. Heat of fire canbuild
pressure cylinder and causeit to rupture.No part of cylindershouldbe subjected a temperature
to
in
relief device.(Exceptions
higherthan l25oF (52"C). Helium cylindersareequipped with a pressure may
exist whereauthorized DOT.)
by
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: None known.
Page2 of 8
Date.
January
2003
P-4602-F
Helium
Product:
6. AccidentalRelease
Measures
STEPS TO BE TAKEN IF MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: CAUTION! High-pressure
lack of oxygencankill. Evacuate personnel from dangerarea.Use self-
gas.Helium is an asphyxiant; all
you cando so without risk. Ventilateareaor
Shutoff flow if
breathingapparatus whereneeded.
contained
area.Testfor sufficientoxygen,especiallyin confinedspaces, before
move cylinderto a well-ventilated
allowing reentry.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Preventwastefrom contaminating surrounding the environment.
container, liner in an environmentally
Keep personnel away.Discardany product,residue,disposable or
with federal,state,and local regulations. necessary, your
If call
manner,in full compliance
acceptable
local supplierfor assistance.
7. Handling and Storage
ventilation.Firmly
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN STORAGE: Storeandusewith adequate
Screwvalve protectioncap
cylindersuprightto keepthem from falling or beingknockedover.
secure
temperature not exceed1,25'F(52"C). Storefull and empty
firmly in placeby hand.Storeonly rvhere will
cylindersseparately. a first-in, first-out inventorysystemtopreventstoringfull cylindersfor long
Use
periods.
Use a suitable
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING: Protectcylindersfrom damage.
handtruck to move cylinders;do not drag,roll, slide,or drop.Never attemptto lift a cylinder by its cap;
pry
the capis intendedsolelyto protectthe valve.Never insertan object(e.g.,wrench,screwdriver, bar)
strapwrenchto
doing so may damage valve and cause leak.Use an adjustable
a
the
into cap openings;
removeover-tightor rustedcaps.Openvalve slowly. If valve is hardto open,discontinue and contact
use
your supplier.Never apply flame or localizedheatdirectlyto any part of the cylinder.High temperatures
relief deviceto fail prematurely,ventingthe
may damage cylinder and could cause pressure
the
the
cylindercontents. otherprecautions usinghelium,seesection16.
in
For
For additionalinformationon storage handling,refer to Compressed Association(CGA)
Gas
and
availablefrom the CGA. Referto
pamphletP-L,SafeHandling of Compressed Gases Containers,
in
section16 for the address phonenumberalonewith a list of otheravailablepublications.
and
Protection
8. ExposureControlslPersonal
VENTILATION/ENGINEERING CONTROLS :
system, necessary, preventoxygendeficiency,and in
if to
LOCAL EXHAUST-Use a local exhaust
TLVs in the worker's breathingzone.
gasesbelow applicable
welding,to keephazardous fumesand
ventilationmay be acceptable it canmaintainan
if
MECHANICAL (general)-General exhaust
below applicableTLVs in the worker's
fumesand gases
supply of air andkeephazardous
adequate
breathingzone.
SPECIAI-None
OTHER-None
respirators, appropriate,
as where
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Use air-purifuingor air-supplied
local or generalexhaust below
Adequate ventilationmust keepworker exposure
ventilationis inadequate.
TLVs for fumes,gases, otherby-products welding with helium. Seesections 10,and 3,
applicable and of
Respiratoryprotectionmust
16 for details.An air-suppliedrespirator mustbe usedin confinedspaces.
conformto OSHA rulesasspecif,red 29 CFR 1910.134.
in
SKIN PROTECTION: Wear work gloveswhenhandlingcylinders;welding glovesfor welding.
Page3 of 8
Date:
January
2003
Product:
Helium P-4602-F
EYE PROTECTION: Wear safetyglasses whenhandlingcylinders.For welding, weargoggleswith
filter lensselected per ANSI 249.1. Provideprotectivescreens goggles,if necessary, protect
as and to
in
others. Select accordance OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133.
with
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQIIPMENT: Metatarsal shoes container
for handling;selectin accordance
wearhand,head,andbody protection prevent
with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 1910.133. needed,
and As to
(SeeANSI 249.1.)At a minimum,this includes welder'sglovesand
injury from radiationandsparks.
protectivegoggles, and may includearm protectors, hats,shoulderprotection,aswell as
aprons,
clothing.Regardless protectiveequipment, nevertouch live electricalparts.
substantial of
9. Physicaland ChemicalProperties
4.00
MOLECULARWEIGHT:
GRAVITY = 1) at 70"F (21.1"C) 0.1 8
3
(Air
SPECIFIC and 1 atm:
GASDENSITY 70"F(21.1'C) 1 atm; (0.
o.o1 lb/ft3 165kg/m3)
at and 03
at32"F(0"C)
SOLUBILITY WATER,
lN vol/vol and 1 atm: 0.0094
PERCENTVOLATILES VOLUME:
BY 100
-452.07"F(-268.93'C)
POINTat 1 atm:
BOILING
None
POINT/MELTING
FREEZING POINTat 1 atm:
gas at normaltemperature
ODOR,AND STATE: Colorless,
APPEARANCE, odorless,
tasteless
and pressure.
10. Stability and Reactivity
X staute
STABILITY: Ll unstable
(materials to avoid): None known. Helium is chemically inert.
INCOMPATIBILITY
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Noneknown
X witt Notoccur
May occur
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: f
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: None known.
11. Toxicological
Information
(See
The welding process
may generate fumesand gases.
Helium is a simple asphyxiant. hazardous
section16.)
12. Ecological Information
No adverse ecologicaleffectsexpected. Helium doesnot containany ClassI or ClassII ozone-depleting
Helium is not listed as a marineoollutantbv DOT.
chemicals.
13. DisposalConsiderations
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Do not attemptto dispose residualor unusedquantities.
of Retum
cylinderto supplier.
Page4 of 8
P-4602-F Date:
January
2003
Product:
Helium
14. Transport Information
Helium, compressed
DOT/IMO SHIPPING NAME:
HAZARD CLASS: 2.2 PRODUCT RQ: None
SHIPPINGLABEL(s): NONFLAMMABLE GAS
PLACARD (when required): NONFLAMMABLE GAS
position,in a
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Cylindersshouldbe transported a secure in
compartment a vehiclecan
of
in nonventilated
vehicle.Cylinderstransported an enclosed,
well-ventilated
presentserioussafetyhazards.
Shipmentof compressed cylindersthat havebeenfilled without the owner's consent a violation of
gas is
federal [49 CFR 173.301(b)].
law
15. RegulatoryInformation
may applyto this product.Not all suchrequirements are
regulatoryrequirements
The following selected
identified.Usersof this productaresolely responsible compliance federal,state,
for with all applicable
and local regulations.
U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
EPA (ETLRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY)
COMPENSATION,AND
CERCLA: COMPREHENSIVEENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE,
(40 CFR Partsll7 and302):
LIABILITY ACT OF 1980
Reportable Quantity (RQ): None
SARA: SUPEMUND AMENDMENT AND REAUTHORIZATION ACT :
planningbasedon ThresholdPlanningQuantity
SECTIONS 302/3042Requireemergency
(RQ) of ExtremelyHazardous
Reportable
(TPQ) andrelease reportingbasedon Quantities
(40 CFR Part355):
(EHS)
Substances
ThresholdPlanning Quantity (TPQ): None
EHS RQ (40 CFR355): None
SECTIONS 3lll3l2: Requiresubmission MSDSs andreportingof chemicalinventories
of
with identificationof EPAhazardcategories. hazardcategories this productareas
for
The
follows:
PRESSIIRE: Yes
IMMEDIATE: No
REACTIVITY: NO
DELAYED: No
FIRE: No
submission annualreportsof release toxic chemicals that
SECTION 313: Requires of of
appear 40 CFR Pafi372.
in
Helium doesnot require reportingunderSection313.
40 CFR 68: RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FORCFIEMICAL ACCIDENTAL
development implementation risk management
of
RELEASE PREVENTION: Requires and
in
substances
programsat facilitiesthat manufacture, store,or otherwisehandleregulated
use,
quantities specified thresholds.
that exceed
Helium is not listed as a regulatedsubstance.
CONTROLACT: Helium is listedonthe TSCA inventory.
TSCA: TOXIC SUBSTANCES
Page5 of 8
Helium P-4602-F Date:January
2003
Product:
OSHA: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
29 CFR 1910.119: PROCESS SAFETY MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY HAZARDOUS
facilitiesto developa process programbasedon
CHEMICALS: Requires safetymanagement
(TQ) of highly hazardous
TluesholdQuantities chemicals.
Helium is not listed in AppendixA as a highly hazardous chemical.
STATE REGULATIONS:
CALIFORNIA: Helium is not listed by Califomia underthe SAFE DRINKING WATER AND
TOXIC ENFORCEMENTACT OF 1986(Proposition 65).
PENNSYLVANIA: This productis subjectto the PENNSYLVANIA WORKERAND
-7
COMMLTNITYRIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT (35 P.S.Sections 301 320\.
7
16. Other Information
suppliedwith all containers this product.
Be sureto readandunderstand labelsand instructions of
all
OTHER HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS OF HAI\DLING' STORAGE, AND USE: High-pressure
gas. Use piping and equipment designed withstandpressures be encountered. can
to Gas
to
adequately
cuuserapid suffocation dueto oxygendeficiency.Storeandusewith adequate ventilationat all times.
Closevalve after eachuse;keepclosedevenwhen empty.Never work on a pressurized system.If thereis
soundmannerin
a lealgclosethe cylindervalve. Blow the systemdown in a safeand environmentally
with all federal,state,and local laws;then repairthe leak.Neverplace a compressed gas
compliance
part of an electricul circuit.
cylinder where it may become
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Usein weldinganclcutting. Readand understand manufacturer's
the
on the product.SeeAmericanStandard
precautionary 249.1, Sqfetyin Welding,
instructions the
and label
publishedby the AmericanWelding Society,www.aws.org-order from
Cutting,andAllied Processes,
and
Way East,Englewood, 80112-5776 OSHA
CO
GlobalEngineering Documents, Inverness
15
DC20402, for more
2206(29CFR 1910),US Government Printing Office, Washington,
Publication
information.
materials.Preventfires. Referto NFPA 5IB, Standardfor Fire
Arcs and spurkscsn ignite combustible
Prevention in Welding,Cutting, and Other Hotwork. Do not strike an arc on the cylinder. The defect
produced an arc burn could leadto cylinderrupture.
by
Breathing. Suitabilityof this productfor usein underwater breathingmustbe
Usein Underwuter
breathinggas
experienced the useof underwater
in
determined or undersupervision someone
by of
mixtures.This personmustbe familiar withhow the productis used;the frequency, duration,and effects
ofuse; the hazards sideeffectsofuse, andthe precautions take to avoid or controlthem.
to
and
MIXTURBS: Whenyou mix two or more gases liquefiedgases, you can createadditional,
or
beforeyou produce
Obtainand evaluate safetyinformationfor eachcomponent
hazards. the
unexpected
the mixture.Consultan industrialhygienistor othertrainedpersonwhen you evaluate endproduct.
the
gasesand liquids haveproperties seriousinjury or death.
that can cause
Remember,
HAZARD RATING SYSTEMS:
NFPA RATINGS: HMIS RATINGS:
:0 :0
HEALTH HEALTH
-O :O
FLAMMABILITY FLAMMABILITY
PHYSICALHAZARD -O
:O
INSTABILITY
: SA (CGA recommends to designate
SPECIAL SimpleAsphyxiant.)
this
Page6 of 8
Date:
January
2003
Helium
Product: P-4602-F
STANDARD VALVE CONNECTIONS FOR U.S. AND CANADA:
psig CGA-580
0-3000
THREADED:
psig CGA-680
3001-5500
5001-7500psig CGA-6'77
(Medical
Use)
PIN-INDEXEDYOKE: CGA-930
ULTRA-HIGH-INTEGRITY CONNECTION: CGA-718
Use the properCGA connections. NOT USE ADAPTERS. Additional limited-standard
DO
connections apply.SeeCGA pamphlet V-1 listedbelow.
may
Ask your supplieraboutfree Praxairsafetyliteratureasreferredto in this MSDS and on the label for this
product.Furtherinformationaboutthis productcanbe found in the following pamphlets publishedby the
(CGA), 4221WalneyRoad,5th Floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923,
I Compressed Association,
Gas Inc.
(703)788-2700.
I Telephone
AV-l SafeHandling and Storageof Compressed Gases
G-9.1 CommoditySpecificationforHelium
Gases Containers
in
P-1 SafeHandling of Compressed
TheInert Gases-Argon, Nitrogen, and Helium
P-9
Oxygen-DeficientAtmospheres
P-14 AccidentPreventioninOxygen-Rich,
SB-2 Oxygen-DeficientAtmospheres
Useof Ory-Fuel Gcs Weldingand Cutting Apparattrs
SB-8
Compressed Cylinder ValveInlet and Outlet Connections
V-l Gas
Fourth Edition
Gases,
Handbookof Compressed
Praxairasksusersof this productto studythis MSDS andbecomeawareof producthazards and safety
To promotesafeuseof this product,a usershould(1) notiff employees,agents,and
information.
of the informationin this MSDS andof any otherknown producthazards and safety
contractors
information,(2) furnishthis informationto eachpurchaser the product,and (3) ask eachpurchaserto
of
notify its employees customers the producthazwdsand safetyinformation.
and of
Page7 of 8
January
2003
Date:
P-4602-F
Product:
Helium
herein thoseof qualified Inc. We
experts withinPraxair,
The opinions
expressed are
herein current of the dateof this Material
as
the information is
contained
believe
that
SafetyDataSheet. Sincethe useof this information the conditions use of the
of
and
productare not within the controlof Praxair,lnc., it is the user's obligationto
determine conditions safeuseof the product.
of
the
distributors suppliers
and
MSDSs furnished saleor delivery Praxair the independent
by or
Praxair on
are
your
MSDSs theseproducts, contact
for
who package sellour products. obtain current Praxair
To
and
salesrepresentative localdistributor supplier. you havequestions Praxair
regarding
or lf
or
Praxair
MSDS, wouldlikethe namesof the Praxair
or
wouldliketheformnumber dateof the latest
MSDSs, and
(Phone: 1-800-PRAXAIR;
suppliers yourarea,phone writethe Praxair Center
Call
or
in
Tonawanda, 14151-0044).
NY
Praxair, PO Box44,
Inc.,
Address:Praxair CallCenter,
of
design, Medipure trademarks registered
or trademarks
are
Airstream and
Praxair,theFlowing
Inc. in the United Statesand othercountries.
PraxairTechnology,
Praxair,Inc.
:::'ffiFRAXAIR- 39 Old RidgeburyRoac
Danbury,CT 06810-5113
Page8 of 8
Printed USA
in
|