PRODUCT NAME: CARBON MONOXIDE

CHEMICAL NAME: Carbon Monoxide

COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Carbonic Oxide, Exhaust Gas, Flue Gas

TDG Classification: 2.3 (2.1)

WHMIS Classification: A, D1A, D2B, B1

Prepared by: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)273-7700

PREPARATION DATE: 03/23/95

REVIEW DATES: 03/23/95

LATEST Revision Date: 03/23/95

PREVIOUS REVISION DATE: None

Inhaled Carbon Monoxide binds to the blood hemoglobin, greatly reducing the red blood cell’s ability to transport oxygen to body tissues. Effects may include headaches, dizziness, convulsions, loss of consciousness and death. Extremely flammable gas.

Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No

None reported.

None reported.

None reported.

Inhaled carbon monoxide binds with blood hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin. Carboxyhemoglobin can not take part in normal oxygen transport, greatly reducing the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Depending on levels and duration of exposure, symptoms may include headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, weakness, confusion, nausea, and even convulsions, eventual unconsciousness and death.

Some experimental evidence indicating teratogenic and reproductive effects.

None required.

None required.

None required.

None required.

Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area and be treated with supplemental oxygen. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area and be given artificial respiration and oxygen at the same time. The administering of the oxygen at an elevated pressure (up to 2 to 2.5 atmospheres) has shown to be beneficial as has treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. The physician should be informed that the patient has inhaled toxic quantities of carbon monoxide. PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOXIDE. RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS AND BE COGNIZANT OF EXTREME FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD.

Having almost the same density as air, it will not diffuse by rising as with some lighter flammable gases such as hydrogen or natural gas (methane). Flammable in air over a very wide range. It reacts violently with oxygen difluoride and barium peroxide.

Water, dry chemical, carbon dioxide.

If possible, stop flow of gas; use water spray to cool surrounding containers.

Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user's 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.

Class 1, Group C

Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the carbon monoxide system. Electrical equipment should be non sparking or explosion proof.

Carbon Monoxide can be handled in all commonly used metals up to approximately 500 psig (3450 kPa). Above that pressure it forms toxic and corrosive carbonyl compounds with some metals. Carbon steels, aluminum alloys, copper and copper alloys, low carbon stainless steels and nickel-based alloys such as Hastelloy A, B & C are recommended for higher pressure applications.

Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are stored to exceed 130^oF (54^oC). Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to prevent full cylinders being stored for excessive periods of time. Post "NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAMES" signs in the storage area or use area. There should be no sources of ignition in the storage area or use area.

Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with valve 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 system.

Hood with forced ventilation. Use local exhaust to prevent accumulation above the exposure limit. Use general mechanical ventilation in accordance with electrical codes.

Refer to individual state or provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than those listed here.

Safety goggles or glasses.

Any material protective gloves.

Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available for emergency use.

Safety shoes.

Stable

Oxidizers

Carbon dioxide

Will not occur.

Inhalation of 150 ppm carbon monoxide for 24 hours by pregnant rats produced cardiovascular and behavioral defects in offspring. Toxic effects to fertility were observed in female rats exposed to 1 mg/m³ for 24 hours. Similar effects observed in other mammalian species.

Genetic changes observed in mammalian cell assay systems at exposures of 1500 to 2500 ppm for 10 minutes.

Degenerative changes to the brain in rats chronically exposed to 30 mg/m³.

No data given.

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.

Additional Shipping Paper Description Requirement: "Poison-Inhalation Hazard, Zone D"

Acute Health Hazard

Chronic Health Hazard

Fire Hazard

Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard

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.

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's 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).