PRODUCT NAME: HELIUM, GAS

CHEMICAL NAME: Helium

COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Helium; Helium, compressed; Helium-4

TDG Classification: 2.2

WHMIS Classification: A

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

PREPARATION DATE: 04/01/95

REVIEW DATES: 04/01/95

LATEST Revision Date: 04/01/95

PREVIOUS REVISION DATE: None

Simple Asphyxiant - This product does not contain oxygen and may cause asphyxia if released in a confined area. Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5%. Contact with product may cause frostbite or freeze burns in exposed tissues. Nonflammable.

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

Contact with evaporating liquid may cause tissue freezing.

Contact with rapidly evaporating liquid can cause cryogenic "burns" or frostbite. Frostbite effects are a change in color of the skin to gray or white, possibly followed by blistering.

Ingestion is unlikely. Contact with product may cause tissue freezing.

Product is a non-toxic simple asphyxiant. 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.

Never introduce ointment or oil into the eyes without medical advice! In case of freezing or cryogenic "burns" caused by rapidly evaporating liquid, DO NOT WASH THE EYES WITH HOT OR EVEN TEPID WATER! Remove victim from the source of contamination. Open eyelids wide to allow liquid to evaporate. If pain is present, refer the victim to an ophthalmologist for treatment and follow up. If the victim cannot tolerate light, protect the eyes with a light bandage.

For dermal contact or frostbite: Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with lukewarm water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER. A physician should see the patient promptly if the cryogenic "burn" has resulted in blistering of the dermal surface or deep tissue freezing.

A physician should see the patient promptly if the cryogenic "burn" has resulted in blistering of the dermal surface or deep tissue freezing.

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.

None. Nonflammable

None required. Use as appropriate for surrounding materials.

Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in container or container valve, contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.

Non-hazardous.

This gas mixture is noncorrosive and may be used with all common structural materials.

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.

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 125 ^oF (52 ^oC). 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.

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

Local exhaust to prevent accumulation of high concentrations so as to reduce the oxygen level in the air to less than 19.5%.

Safety goggles or glasses as appropriate for the job. Faceshield recommended when handling cryogenic liquid material.

Protective gloves of material appropriate for the job. Insulated gloves recommended when handling cryogenic liquid material.

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

Safety shoes or other footwear as appropriate for the job.

Stable

None

Does not occur.

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.

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.

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).