HELIUM/OXYGEN GAS MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: This gas mixture is a colorless, odorless, oxidizing gas. The main hazard associated with a release of this gas mixture is related to the powerful oxidizing power of the Oxygen component of this gas mixture. In high oxygen content atmospheres, common combustible materials can become highly flammable. Emergency responders must practice extreme caution when approaching releases because of the fire potential. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over-exposure for this product is by inhalation. INHALATION: This gas mixture contains enough oxygen to sustain life. Normally, air contains 21% oxygen. No health effects have been observed in people exposed to 50% oxygen at 1 atmosphere for 24 hours or longer. High concentrations of this gas create an oxygen-rich environment. Individuals breathing an atmosphere containing 51-100% oxygen may experience nausea, dizziness, coughing, and bronchial irritation. PROPYLENE, HELIUM GAS MIXTURE MSDS Revision Date: SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 (Continued) INHALATION (continued): Exposures to high oxygen concentrations, especially at elevated pressures, can cause, hypothermia, increased depth of respiration, bradycardia, pulmonary discomfort, central nervous system effects (e.g., mood changes, dizziness), peripheral vasoconstriction, amblyopia (loss of vision), seizures, or death. Exposure to an oxygen-rich environment is only known to cause adverse

Potential health effects

when the duration of exposure is in excess of 17 hours CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. SKIN ABSORPTION: No component of this gas mixture presents a hazard of skin absorption. OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: Symptoms of overexposure to this gas mixture can include nausea, dizziness, respiratory problems, lowering of body temperature. Contact with rapidly expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. CHRONIC: None known. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system, skin. CHRONIC None known

HMIS® ratings

HEALTH HAZARD = 1 FLAMMABILITY HAZARD = 0 PHYSICAL HAZARD = 0 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal 1 = Slight 2 = Moderate 3 = Serious 4 = Severe