Commercial Food Equipment Service Association P_0000048269 D_0000053597
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME: Argon, refrigerated liquid
CHEMICAL NAME: Argon
FORMULA: Ar
SYNONYMS: Cryogenic Liquid Argon, Liquid Argon, LAR
MANUFACTURER: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195-1501
PRODUCT INFORMATION: 1-800-752-1597
MSDS NUMBER: 1013 REVISION: 1
REVISION DATE: June 1994 REVIEW DATE: August 1997**
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Liquid argon is sold as pure product > 99%.
CAS NUMBER: 7440-37-1
EXPOSURE LIMITS:
OSHA: None established ACGIH: Simple asphyxiant
SECTION 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Liquid argon is a colorless, odorless, extremely cold liquid and gas under pressure. It can
cause rapid suffocation when concentrations are sufficient to reduce oxygen levels below
19.5%. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required. Contact with liquid or
cold vapors can cause severe frostbite. Cold vapors in the air will appear as a white fog due
to condensation of moisture. While this may indicate the presence of the gas it should not
be used to determine its concentration in the atmosphere. Oxygen concentrations must be
monitored in the release area. All cryogenic liquids produce large volumes of gas when
they vaporize. One volume of liquid argon will expand to produce 841 equivalent volumes of
gas.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(800) 523-9374 Continental U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
(610) 481-7711 other locations
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS INFORMATION:
INHALATION: Simple asphyxiant
EYE CONTACT: Tissue freezing and severe cryogenic burns if contacted into eyes
SKIN CONTACT: Tissue freezing and severe cryogenic burn of skin
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Commercial Food Equipment Service Association P_0000048269 D_0000053597
OTHER EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: None
CHRONIC EFFECTS: None established
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: None
CARCINOGENICITY: Argon is not listed by NTP, OSHA or IARC.
SECTION 4. FIRST AID
INHALATION: Persons suffering from lack of oxygen should be removed to fresh air. If victim is not
breathing, administer artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Obtain prompt medical
attention.
EYE CONTACT: For exposure to liquid, immediately warm frostbite area with warm water (not to exceed
105掳F). Call a physician.
SKIN CONTACT: Remove any clothing that may restrict circulation to frozen area. Do not rub frozen parts
as tissue damage may result. As soon as practical, place the affected area in a warm water bath- which
has a temperature not to exceed 105 掳F (40掳C). Never use dry heat. In case of massive exposure, remove
clothing while showering with warm water. Call a physician as soon as possible.
Frozen tissue is painless and appears waxy with a possible yellow color. It will become swollen, painful,
and prone to infection when thawed. If the frozen part of the body has been thawed, cover the area with dry
sterile dressing with a large bulky protective covering, pending medical attention.
SECTION 5. FIRE AND EXPLOSION
FLASH POINT: AUTOIGNITION: FLAMMABLE LIMIT
Not applicable Nonflammable LOWER: Not applicable
UPPER: Not applicable
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Argon is nonflammable and does not support combustion. Use extinguishing
media appropriate for the surrounding fire.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: None known.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Argon is a simple asphyxiant. If possible, remove argon
containers from fire area or cool with water. Do not direct water spray at the container vent. Self-contained
breathing apparatus may be required for rescue workers. Evacuate this area.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Liquid argon when spilled will vaporize rapidly forming an
oxygen-deficient vapor cloud. Evacuate this vapor cloud area. Visibility may be obscured in the vapor
cloud. Pressure in a container can build up due to heat and it may rupture if pressure relief devices should
fail to function. Contact with cold liquid or gaseous argon may cause frostbite.
SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Evacuate all personnel from the affected area. Shut off source of argon, if possible without risk. Ventilate
area or remove containers to a well ventilated location. To increase rate of vaporization spray large amounts
of water onto the spill from an upwind position. Do NOT spray water directly at leak. If leaking from
container or its valve, contact your supplier.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE: Store and use with adequate ventilation. Do not store in a confined space. Cryogenic
containers are equipped with pressure relief devices to control internal pressure. Under normal conditions
these containers will periodically vent product. Do not remove plug or tamper with pressure relief device.
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HANDLING: Never allow any unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes or vessels which
contain cryogenic fluids. The extremely cold metal will cause the flesh to stick fast and tear when one
attempts to withdraw from it.
Use a suitable hand truck for container movement. Containers shall be handled and stored in an upright
position. Do not drop, tip, or roll containers on their sides. Do not remove or interchange connections. If
user experiences any difficulty operating container valve or with container connections discontinue use and
contact supplier. Use the proper connection. DO NOT USE ADAPTERS.
Use piping and equipment adequately designed to withstand pressures to be encountered. Use a check
valve or other protective apparatus in any line or piping from the cylinder to prevent reverse flow. To prevent
cryogenic liquids or cold gas from being trapped in piping between valves the piping shall be equipped with
pressure relief devices. Only transfer lines designed for cryogenic liquids shall be used. Some metals such
as carbon steel may become brittle at low temperatures, will easily fracture and should not be used with
cryogenic liquids. It is recommended that all vents be piped to the exterior of the building.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Some metals, such as carbon steel, may become brittle and fracture at low
temperatures.
For additional information concerning storage and handling refer to Compressed Gas Association pamphlet
P-12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids, available from the Compressed Gas Association, Inc., 1725
Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-4102, Telephone (703) 412-0900.
SECTION 8. PERSONAL PROTECTION/EXPOSURE CONTROLS
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Ventilation: Natural or mechanical to prevent oxygen deficient atmospheres under 19.5% oxygen.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
General Use: None required.
Emergency Use: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or positive pressure airline with mask are
to be used in oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Respirators will not function.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Loose fitting thermal insulated or leather gloves.
EYE PROTECTION: Full face shield and safety glasses are recommended.
OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes are recommended when handling liquid containers.
Long sleeve shirts and trousers without cuffs.
SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE, ODOR AND STATE: Colorless, odorless cryogenic liquid
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 39.95
BOILING POINT (1 atm): -302.2 掳F (-185.9 掳C)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (Air =1): 1.38
FREEZING POINT/MELTING POINT: -308.9 掳F (-189.4 掳C)
VAPOR PRESSURE (AT 20掳C): Not applicable
GAS DENSITY (at 70 掳 F (21.1 掳 C)) and 1 atm): 0.103 lb/ft 3 (1.650 kg/m3)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (Vol/Vol at 32掳 F (0掳C)): 0.056
EXPANSION RATIO (for liquid to gas) 70掳 F (21.1掳C): 1 to 841
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Commercial Food Equipment Service Association P_0000048269 D_0000053597
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: None
INCOMPATIBILITY (Materials to Avoid): None
REACTIVITY:
A) HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: None
B) HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Argon is a simple asphyxiant.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No adverse ecological effects are expected. Argon does not contain any Class I or Class II ozone depleting
chemicals (40 CFR Part 82). Argon is not listed as a marine pollutant by DOT (49 CFR Part 171).
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Do not attempt to dispose of residual or unused quantities. Contact your
supplier.
For emergency disposal, discharge slowly to the atmosphere in a well ventilated area or outdoors.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORTATION
DOT/IMO SHIPPING NAME: Argon, refrigerated liquid
HAZARD CLASS: 2.2 (Nonflammable Gas)
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: UN1951
PRODUCT RQ: Not applicable
SHIPPING LABEL(s): Nonflammable gas
PLACARD (When required): Nonflammable gas
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Transport secured upright position in a well ventilated truck. Never
transport in passenger compartment or enclosed vehicle.
Shipment of compressed gas containers which have not been filled with the owner's consent is a violation of
Federal law (49 CFR Part 173.301(b)).
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
EPA - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (40 CFR
Parts 117 and 302): 40 CFR Parts 117 and 302 Reportable Quantity
Reportable Quantity (RQ): None
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Commercial Food Equipment Service Association P_0000048269 D_0000053597
SARA: Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act
SECTION 302/304: Requires emergency planning on threshold planning quantities (TPQ) and
release reporting based on reportable quantities (RQ) of EPA's extremely hazardous substances
(40 CFR Part 355).
Extremely Hazardous Substances: None
Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ): None
SECTIONS 311/312: Require submission of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and chemical
inventory reporting with identification of EPA defined hazard classes (40 CFR Part 370). The hazard
classes for this product are:
IMMEDIATE HEALTH: Yes PRESSURE: Yes
DELAYED HEALTH: No REACTIVITY: No
FIRE: No
SECTION 313: Requires submission of annual reports of release of toxic chemicals that appear in
40 CFR 372.
Argon does not require reporting under Section 313.
40 CFR PART 68: Risk Management Programs for Chemical Accidental Release Prevention.
Argon is not listed as a regulated substance.
TSCA: Toxic Substance Control Act: Argon is listed on the TSCA inventory.
OSHA - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
29 CFR Part 1910.119: Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. Requires
facilities to develop a process safety management program based on Threshold Quantities (TQ) of highly
hazardous chemicals.
Argon is not listed in Appendix A as a highly hazardous chemical.
SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION:
NFPA RATINGS: HMIS RATINGS:
HEALTH: =3 HEALTH: =3
FLAMMABILITY: = 0 FLAMMABILITY: =0
REACTIVITY: =0 REACTIVITY: =0
SPECIAL: = SA (CGA recommends this to designate simple asphyxiant)
**Documents with Review Dates August 1997 and Revision Dates June 1994 are identical in content and
either can be used.
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