MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

SECTION I – MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION AND USE

Controlled Product Yes o NO x

Material Name

Helium in Nitrogen

Product Identification No

HN-105

Manufacturer’s Name

Bascom-Turner Instruments, Inc.

Supplier’s Name

Bascom-Turner Instruments, Inc.

Street Address

111 Downey Street

Street Address

111 Downey Street

City, State, Zip Code

Norwood, MA 02062

City, State, Zip Code

Norwood, MA 02062

Emergency Tel. No.

781-769-9660

Emergency Tel. No.

781-769-9660

Chemical Name

Helium and Nitrogen

Chemical Family

Inorganic gas

Chemical Formula

He + N₂

Molecular Weight

Helium: 4.0 Nitrogen: 28

Trade Name & Synonyms

Helium-4

Material Use

Calibration gas

SECTION II – HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS OF MATERIAL

Hazardous Ingredients

Approximate Concentration %

C.A.S. N.A. or

U.N. Numbers

“Exposure limits”

LD₅₀/LC₅₀

Specify Species and Route

Helium

Nitrogen

31%

69%

7440-59-7

7727-37-9

ACGIH – TLV: simple asphyxiant

ACGIH – TLV: simple

asphyxiant

N/A

SECTION III – PHYSICAL DATA FOR MATERIAL

Physical State

Gas x Liquid o Solid o

Odor & Appearance

Odorless

Odor Threshold (ppm)

N/A

Specific Gravity

N.D.

Vapor Pressure (mm)

Helium: 1719 mmHg @ -269 ^oC

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

Helium: 0.138

Nitrogen: 0.906

Evaporation Rate

N/A

Boiling Point (^oC)

Helium: -269 ^oC

Nitrogen: -195.8 ^oC

Freezing Point (^oC)

Helium: -272 ^oC @ 26 atm. Nitrogen: -210 ^oC

Solubility in Water (20^oC)

Helium: 0.94% @ 0 ^oC

Nitrogen: 0.023 vol/vol

% Volatile (by volume)

100%

N/A

Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: N.D.

SECTION IV – FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD OF MATERIAL

Flammability

Yes o No x

If yes, under

which conditions: Negligible fire hazard. Containers may rupture or explode if exposed to heat.

Means of Extinction

N/A

Special Procedures

Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk. Cool containers with water spray until well after the fire is out. Stay away from the ends of tanks. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety device or any discoloration of tanks due to fire.

Flashpoint (^oC) and Method

N/A

Upper Explosion Limit (% by volume)

N/A

Lower Explosion Limit (% by volume)

N/A

Auto Ignition Temp. (^oC)

N/A

Hazardous Combustion Products

N/A

Explosion Data

Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact: N/A

Rate of Burning

N/A

Explosion Power

N/A

Sensitivity to Static Discharge: N/A

SECTION V – REACTIVITY DATA

Chemical Stability

Yes x No o

If no, under

which conditions?

Incompatibility to other substances

Yes X No o

If so,

Which ones? Titanium will burn in nitrogen the main component of this product.

Reactivity and under what conditions

Cylinders exposed to high temperatures or direct flame can rupture.

Hazardous Decomposition Products

N/A

Material

Name/Identifier: Helium in Nitrogen

SECTION VI – TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PRODUCT

Route of Entry o

Skin Contact o

Skin Absorption o

Eye Contact o

Inhalation Acute x

Inhalation Chronic o

Ingestion o

Effects of Acute Exposure to Product

Inhalation can result in nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tingling sensation, suffocation, convulsions, and coma.

Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product

No information on significant adverse effects.

LD₅₀ of Product (specify species & route)

N.D.

Irritancy of Product

N.D.

Exposure Limits of Product

N.D.

LC₅₀ of Product (specify species)

N.D.

Sensitization of Product

N.D.

Synergistic Materials

N.D.

o Carcinogenicity

o Reproductive Effects

o Teratogenicity

o Mutagenicity

SECTION VII– PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Personal Protective Equipment

Gloves (specify): N/A

Respiratory (specify): N/A

Eye (specify):

Safety glasses

Footwear (specify): N/A

Clothing (specify): N/A

Other (specify)

Engineering Controls (e.g., ventilation, enclosed process, specify)

No special ventilation systems or engineering controls are needed under normal circumstances of use.

Leak & Spill Procedure: Due to the small size and content of the cylinders (e.g. 105 liters of gas), an accidental release of this product presents significantly less risk of an oxygen deficient environment and other safety hazards than a similar release from a larger cylinder.

Waste Disposal: Once the cylinders are relieved of pressure (empty) they are not considered hazardous material or waste. It is acceptable to place empty cylinders in a landfill if local laws permit.

Handling Procedures & Equipment: Cylinders should be firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked-over.

Storage Requirements: Cylinders must be protected from the environment, and preferably kept at room temperature. Cylinders should be stored in dry well ventilated areas, away from sources of heat, ignition, and direct sunlight. Protect cylinders against physical damage.

Special Shipping Information: This material is hazardous as defined by 49 CFR 172.101 by the U. Department of Transportation. Shipping name: Rare Gases and Nitrogen Mixtures, Compressed. Hazard class: 2.2 (Non-Flammable Gas). UN identification number: UN 1981. DOT Label required: Non-Flammable Gas.

SECTION VIII– FIRST AID MEASURES

Skin

N/A

Eye

N/A

Inhalation: No unusual health effects are anticipated after exposure to this product, due to the small cylinder size. If any adverse symptom develops after over-exposure to this product, remove victim(s) to fresh air as quickly as possible. Only trained personnel should administer supplemental oxygen and/or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation if necessary.

Ingestion

N/A

General Advice: Victim(s) who experience any adverse effect after over-exposure to this product must be taken for medical attention. Take a copy of the label and MSDS to physician or other health professional with victim(s).

SECTION IX – PREPARATION DATE OF M.S.D.S.

Additional Information

Sources Used

Matheson Tri-Gas MSDS of Helium and BOC Gases MSDS of Helium in Nitrogen Mixtures

Prepared by:

Dennis N. Crouse

Phone No.

781-769-9660

Date

11/5/01

N/A – Not Applicable N.D. – Not Determined C – Ceiling Level