MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
BOC Gases, BOC Gases
Division of Division of
The BOC Group, Inc. BOC Canada Limited
575 Mountain Avenue 5975 Falbourne Street, Unit 2
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3W6
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (908) 464-8100 TELEPHONE NUMBER: (905) 501-1700
24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (905) 501-0802
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NO: 20101
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
CHEMICAL NAME: Hydrogen
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Normal Hydrogen
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.1
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, B1
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/7/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or OC50
Route/Species
Hydrogen >99.5 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: H2
CAS: 1333-74-0
RTECS #: MW8900000
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Simple Asphyxiant - This product does not contain oxygen and may cause asphyxia if released in a
confined area. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Flammable.
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 1 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
No No No Yes No
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
No No No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No No
Synergistic Effects
None reported
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
None known.
SKIN EFFECTS:
None known.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
None known. Ingestion is unlikely as product is gas at room temperature.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Product is a non-toxic simple asphyxiant. High concentrations may exclude an adequate supply of oxygen to the
lungs. Effects of oxygen deficiency resulting from simple asphyxiants may include: rapid breathing, diminished
mental alertness, impaired muscular coordination, faulty judgement, depression of all sensations, emotional
instability, and fatigue. As asphyxiation progresses, nausea, vomiting, prostration, and loss of consciousness
may result, eventually leading to convulsions, coma, and death.
Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental
animals.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 0 Health: 0 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 4 Flammability: 4 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 0 Reactivity: 0 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
None required.
SKIN:
None required.
INGESTION:
None required.
INHALATION:
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 2 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE
PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS. Victims
should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and inhale fresh air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is
most important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area, and if breathing has stopped,
administer artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and
supportive.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Flammable
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
Temperature: 1058 oF (570 oC)
Not Available Not Applicable
LEL(%): 4 UEL(%): 74.5
Hazardous combustion products: None
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: Not Available
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Extremely flammable gas. Hydrogen is very light and may collect in the upper portions of storage areas.
Hydrogen burns with an almost invisible flame.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Water, Dry chemical, Carbon dioxide.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
If possible, stop the flow of gas mixture. Use water spray to cool surrounding containers. A water fog may be
used to create ventilation. Ventilation fans must be explosion proof.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user鈥檚 equipment,
be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.
7. Handling and Storage
Electrical Classification:
Class 1, Group B.
Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the hydrogen system. Electrical equipment
should be non sparking and explosion proof.
This gas mixture is noncorrosive. However, hydrogen can interact with some metals (hardened steels) to cause
embrittlement.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with
valve protection outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for
cylinder movement. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<3000 psig)
piping or systems. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the
cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder.
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 3 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of non-combustible construction
away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are
stored to exceed 130oF (54oC). Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being
knocked over. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full cylinders being stored for excessive
periods of time.
For additional recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlets P-1, P-14, P-9, and Safety
Bulletin SB-2.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic liquid form in an enclosed space such
as a car trunk, van or station wagon. A leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Hydrogen >99.5 Simple Asphyxiant Simple Asphyxiant Not Available
FORMULA: H2
CAS: 1333-74-0
RTECS #: MW8900000
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Local exhaust to prevent accumulation of high concentrations so as to reduce the oxygen level in the air to less
than 19.5% and to keep gas mixture below lower explosive limit (4 %).
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Safety goggles or glasses as appropriate for the job.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Protective gloves of material appropriate for the job.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be
available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes or other footwear as appropriate for the job.
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 4 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Supercritical
Vapor density at 0 oC (Air = 1) : 0.069
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -423.2 F
o
: -252.8 C
o
Freezing point : -434.8 F
o
: -259.2 C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Slight
Odor threshold : Not Applicable
Odor and appearance : Colorless, odorless gas
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Oxidizers. Fluorine and hydrogen react at 418 oF (-250 oC) when impurities are present. Chlorine/hydrogen
mixtures explode if exposed to light. Lithium metal will burn in hydrogen atmosphere.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Does not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
Oxygen deficiency during pregnancy has produced developmental abnormalities in humans and experimental
animals.
No data given in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) or Sax, Dangerous Properties
of Industrial Materials, 7th ed.
12. Ecological Information
No data given.
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 5 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGEN
13. Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP
IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Hydrogen, compressed Hydrogen, compressed
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2.1 2.1
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1049 UN 1049
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
FLAMMABLE GAS FLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Hydrogen is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with a
threshold quantity (TQ) of 10,000 pounds.
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
16. Other Information
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of
a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a violation
of transportation regulations.
DISCLAIMER OF EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no
responsibility regarding the suitability of this information for the user鈥檚 intended purposes or for the
consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for
their particular purpose(s).
MSDS: G-4
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 6 of 6
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