Oxygen, Refrigerated Liquid

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview: Liquid Oxygen is a pale blue, odorless cryogenic liquid. The chief physical hazard associated from contact with this liquid is the extreme cold. The liquefied gas can cause freezing of tissue, or cryogenic burns, similar to frostbite to eyes or skin upon contact. The main hazard associated with releases of the gas is its oxidizing power which can greatly accelerate the burning rate for both common and exotic combustible materials. The cryogenic liquid will rapidly boil to the gas at standard temperatures and pressures. Emergency personnel must practice extreme caution when approaching oxygen releases because of the potential for intense fire.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, skin and eye contact Effects of acute exposure Eye contact: Contact of the liquid with the eyes can cause pain, redness, severe cryogenic burns, and prolonged exposure could cause blindness. Skin contact: Contact of the liquid with the skin can lead to severe cryogenic burns or dermatitis (red, cracked, irritated skin), depending upon concentration and duration of exposure. Contact with the undiluted liquid will cause frostbite, ulceration of the skin (which may be delayed in appearance for several hours), blistering, and pain. Contact with the rapidly expanding gas poses a frostbite hazard. Symptoms of frostbite include change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside. Inhalation: Inhalation of the extremely cold vapors of this product will cause cryogenic burns to the respiratory system. Breathing gaseous oxygen at atmospheric pressure and high oxygen concentrations (80% or more) for prolonged periods (more than a few hours) may cause nasal stuffiness or respiratory system irritation. May cause cough, sore throat, chest pain, breathing difficulty, peripheral vasoconstriction, or seizures. Ingestion: Not a likely route of exposure, but severe frostbite of the lips and mouth may result from contact with the liquid. Effects of chronic exposure: None known. Exposure Limits: No Irritant: No Sensitization: No Teratogen: No Reproductive Hazard: No Mutagen: No Synergistic Effects: None known OSHA Regulatory Status This material is classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations.