Helium Safety

By the Editors of RenTrain Helium Safety Sheet 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Product Name: Helium, compressed Chemical Name: Helium Formula He 2. COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS (Helium is sold/rented as a pure product) CAS Number: 7440-59-7 Exposure Limits: OSHA: Not established ACGIH: Simple asphyxiant NIOSH: Not established 3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION EMERGENCY OVERVIEW Helium is a nontoxic, odorless, colorless, nonflammable gas stored in cylinders at high pressure. It can cause rapid suffocation when concentrations are sufficient to reduce oxygen levels below 19.5 percent. It is lighter than air and may collect in high points or along ceilings. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) may be required by rescue workers. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS Call your local rental center with any questions you may have about handling this product. DO NOT attempt to service or make repairs to your rented helium tank.!!! POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: INHALATION: Simple asphyxiant. Helium is nontoxic, but may cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in air. Lack of sufficient oxygen can cause serious injury or death. EYE CONTACT: No adverse effect. SKIN CONTACT: No adverse effect. EXPOSURE INFORMATION: ROUTE OF ENTRY: Inhalation TARGET ORGANS: None EFFECT: Asphyxiation (suffocation) SYMPTOMS: Exposure to an oxygen deficient atmosphere (less than 19.5%) may cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, diminished mental alertness, loss of consciousness and death. Exposure to atmospheres containing 8-10% or less oxygen will bring about unconsciousness without warning and so quickly that the individuals cannot help or protect themselves. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: None CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL: Helium is not listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA Subpart Z. WARNING The practice of intentionally inhaling helium for a voice altering effect is extremely dangerous and may result in serious injury or death! 4. FIRST AID INHALATION: Persons suffering from lack of oxygen should be moved to fresh air. If victim is not breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention. EYE/SKIN CONTACT: Not applicable 5. FIRE AND EXPLOSION FLASH POINT: Not applicable AUTOIGNITION: Nonflammable FLAMMABLE LIMITS: Nonflammable EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Helium is nonflammable and does not support combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate for the surrounding fire. HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: None SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Helium is a simple asphyxiant. If possible, remove helium cylinders from fire area or cool with water. Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required for rescue workers. UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Upon exposure to intense heat or flame cylinder will vent rapidly and or rupture violently. Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when exposed to elevated temperatures. Pressure in a container can build up due to heat and it may rupture if pressure relief devices should fail to function. 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Increase ventilation to release area and monitor oxygen level. Use appropriate protective equipment (SCBA). If leak is from container or it's valve, call your rental center immediately. If leak is in user's system close cylinder valve and vent pressure before attempting repairs. 7. STORAGE AND HANDLING STORAGE: Cylinders should be stored upright in a well-ventilated, secure area, protected from the weather. Storage area temperatures should not exceed 125 °F (52 °C) and area should be free of combustible materials. Storage should be away from heavily traveled areas and emergency exits. Avoid areas where salt or other corrosive materials are present. Valve protection caps and valve outlet seals should remain on cylinders not connected for use. Separate full from empty cylinders. Avoid excessive inventory and storage time. Use a first-in first-out system. Keep good inventory records. HANDLING: Do not drag, roll, or slide cylinder. Use a suitable handtruck designed for cylinder movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap. Secure cylinders at all times while in use. Use a pressure reducing regulator or separate control valve to safely discharge gas from cylinder. Use a check valve to prevent reverse flow into cylinder. Do not overheat cylinder to increase pressure or discharge rate. If user experiences any difficulty operating cylinder valve, discontinue use and contact supplier. Never insert an object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pry bar, etc.) into valve cap openings. Doing so may damage valve causing a leak to occur. Use an adjustable strap-wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. Helium is compatible with all common materials of construction. Pressure requirements should be considered when selecting materials and designing systems. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Always store and handle compressed gases in accordance with Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (ph. 703-412-0900) pamphlet CGA P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers. Local regulations may require specific equipment for storage or use. CAUTION: Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled except by qualified producers of compressed gases. Shipment of a cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with the owner's written consent is a violation of federal law. 8. PERSONAL PROTECTION/EXPOSURE CONTROL ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Provide good ventilation and/or local exhaust to prevent accumulation of high concentrations of gas. Oxygen levels in work area should be monitored to ensure they do not fall below 19.5%. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: GENERAL USE: None required. EMERGENCY: Use SCBA or positive pressure air line with mask and escape pack in areas where oxygen concentration is less than 19.5%. Air purifying respirators will not provide protection. OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes are recommended when handling cylinders.