Partigas

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards. All cylinders are portable gas containers, and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. Helium does not support life. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by diluting the concentration of oxygen in air below the levels necessary to support life. Adverse Health Effects. Helium is non-toxic and inert. Inhalation in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and death. Death may result from errors in judgement, confusion or loss of consciousness which prevents self- rescue. At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in seconds without warning. Chemical Hazards. Helium is extremely inert and forms no known chemical compounds. Biological Hazards. Helium is extremely light and disperses very rapidly into the atmosphere. No known hazard. Vapour Inhalation. As Helium acts as a simple asphyxiant death may result from errors in judgement, confusion, or loss of consciousness which prevents self-rescue. At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in seconds without warning.