Nitrogen, Compressed

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Main Hazards All cylinders are portable gas containers, and must be regarded as pressure vessels at all times. Nitrogen 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 Inhalation of nitrogen in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and death. Chemical Hazards Nitrogen is relatively inert to most materials under ordinary conditions. It becomes more reactive at elevated temperatures, and combines with hydrogen, oxygen and some metals. Biological Hazards No known effect. Vapour Inhalation As nitrogen 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.