0-10PPM HYDROGEN CYANIDE IN NITROGEN

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Not classified as Hazardous according to criteria of Australian National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC), Australia. Classified as Dangerous Goods, according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.

Hazard statements

Not applicable

Precautionary statements

Not applicable

Potential chronic health

Chronic exposure to this level of hydrogen cyanide containing mixture is not considered to result in any specific effects. Inhalation Mixture is not expected to be hazardous as supplied. When handled as this data sheet indicates and in accordance with all regulations, the amount of hydrogen cyanide present in the gas mixture is not expected to present

Health hazards

and the nitrogen is a simple asphxyiant. Whilst being non-toxic as supplied, the release of large amounts of mixture either through accident or poor work practice, could displace atmospheric oxygen to hazardous levels, or lead to a build up of hydrogen cyanide in confined and/or poorly ventilated spaces to hazardous levels. Due caution must be exercised and all exposure standards for components rigorously observed, and atmospheric oxygen levels maintained above 18%. Ingestion Not applicable to gases; unlikely route of exposure. Skin May cause frostbite injuries in contact with skin or physical injury arising from sudden or uncontrolled gas release. Eye May cause frostbite injuries in contact with eyes or physical injury arising from sudden or uncontrolled gas release.

Further information

Effects of exposure to high concentrations of an asphyxiant containing mixture sufficient to displace the oxygen in respired air, may include the following: -Loss of balance, -Tightness in the frontal area of the forehead, -Tingling of the tongue, fingertips and toes, -Weakened speech leading to the inability to utter sounds, -Rapid reduction in the ability to perform movements, -Reduced consciousness of the surroundings, -Loss of tactile sensations, -Heightened mental activity. It should be recognized that it is possible that none of the above symptoms may occur in gas asphyxia, so that there are no definite warning signs or symptoms. Early symptoms of exposure to hydrogen cyanide are; irritation to eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, initial rapid respiration followed by a sense of vomiting, a cherry red complexion, loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing and possible death.