OXYGEN/Argon GAS MIXTURE

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

Product definition

This is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas mixture. Health Hazards: The main health hazard associated with releases of this gas mixture is asphyxiation by displacement of oxygen, when the oxygen in the mixture is at a low level (below 19.5%). Flammability Hazards: This gas mixture is not flammable. A cylinder rupture hazard exists when this gas mixture, which is under pressure, is subject to heat or flames. Reactivity Hazards: This gas mixture is not reactive. Environmental Hazards: This gas mixture is not expected to cause significant hazard to the environment beyond hazard of frostbite in event of rapid release from the cylinder. Emergency Response Considerations: Persons responding to releases of this gas mixture must protect themselves appropriate to the situation to which they are responding. SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant route of over- exposure for this product is by inhalation. INHALATION: When this gas mixture contains less than 19.5% oxygen, high concentrations of this gas mixture can cause an oxygen-deficient environment, especially if released in a poorly-ventilated area (e.g., an enclosed or confined space). Individuals breathing such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness, unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the senses. Under some circumstances of overexposure, death may occur. The effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows: CONCENTRATION OF OXYGEN OBSERVED EFFECT 12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increase, muscular coordination slightly disturbed. 10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration. 6-10% Oxygen: Nausea, vomiting, collapse, or loss of consciousness. Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death. WARNING: Exposure to atmospheres containing 8-10% or less oxygen will bring about unconsciousness without warning and so quickly that individuals cannot help or protect themselves. Lack of sufficient oxygen may cause serious injury or death. (Continued) 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.

Potential health effects

OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE Over-exposure to this gas mixture may cause the following health effects: ACUTE: The most significant hazard associated with this gas mixture is inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, indigestion, and nausea. At high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may occur. CHRONIC: Chronic exposure to oxygen-deficient atmospheres (below 18% oxygen in air) may affect the heart and nervous system. TARGET ORGANS ACUTE Respiratory system. CHRONIC Heart, central nervous system

HMIS® ratings

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