CHEMICAL HAZARD BULLETIN NO.

185

ARGON GAS 1000178653 244 cu ft CR

Health 0 CAS: 7440-37-1

CLEAR, COLORLESS, ODORLESS COMPRESSED GAS.
Fire 0 NON-FLAMMABLE, NON-TOXIC, AND STABLE. UN: 1006
Reactivity 0 SIMPLE ASPHYXIANT. GUIDE: 121
EAC: 2T

LIQUID/ The product is not less than 99.95% gaseous argon gas. There are no specific exposure
VAPOR: limits for argon. Argon gas is considered a simple asphyxiant that can replace oxygen in
breathing air.
Note: Oxygen levels should always be maintained above 19.5%.
EFFECTS OF OVER-EXPOSURE:

health
INHALATION: The acute effect of this product is the inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Symptoms include respiratory difficulty, ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath,
wheezing, headache, dizziness, indigestion, nausea. At high concentrations,
unconsciousness or death may occur. The skin of a victim of over-exposure may have a
blue color. No known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure.

hazards
EYE/ SKIN: May cause eye irritation. Due to rapid evaporation, the liquid may cause eye and skin
frostbite with redness. This may also result in blurred vision and hard and white skin.
INGESTION: Unlikely route of exposure. Frostbites damage lips, mouth, and mucous membranes.
WEAR RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Non-flammable product. Fire fighters must wear SCBA and protective clothing. Fires produces carbon and
nitrogen oxides, and also toxic gases, vapors, fumes, and smoke. Closed containers may rupture in fire
conditions. Cool containers exposed to flames with water spray until well after the fire is out. fire and
REACTIVITY: Normally stable. Incompatible with: Heat. Cylinders may explode in heat of fires.
reactivity
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: DRY POWDER, WATER SPRAY/FOG, FOAM, OR CO2

USAGE: Lab equipment, welding operations. Avoid breathing gases and avoid eye and skin
contact. NO SMOKING. Provide adequate and local exhaust ventilation.

handling,
STORAGE/ Store in a ventilated, cool, dry area, away from incompatible materials and conditions.
TRANSPORT: Keep tightly closed. For transportation, label containers with DOT-IMO Class 2.2
hazardous warning label (diamond): NON-FLAMMABLE COMPRESSED GASES.

storage &
SPILLS/ Evacuate unauthorized personnel. Shut off ignition sources. Stop leak if possible without
LEAKS: risk. Use plenty of water to reduce vapors. Toxic to aquatic organisms.

disposal
DISPOSAL: For proper disposal methods and locations for the chemical or chemical contaminated
material, contact the Environmental Engineering Division at 874-6426 or 874-6428.
SAFETY Provide ventilation to control overexposure and eye and skin contact. Safety goggles
EQUIPMENT: (1000129810) and PVC gloves (1000129628) must be worn when handling this material.
Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or SCBA (1000127427)
should be worn if conditions warrant. Maintain an eyewash fountain and emergency
shower (1000128433) where the material is being stored/used.
USE CONFINED SPACE ENTRY PROCEDURES IF APPLICABLE
INHALATION: Wear a scott air pack to rescue asphyxiated person. Pull victim to fresh air and give
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately. Keep person warm and quiet.

first aid
EYE / SKIN Frozen tissues should be immersed in warm water. DO NOT USE HOT WATER, DO NOT
CONTACT: RUB SKIN. Blistered or deeply frozen skin should be examined by a doctor.
INGESTION: DO NOT induce vomiting. Aspiration of material into the lungs can cause chemical
pneumonitis, which can be fatal. Wash out mouth thoroughly. Drink one-two glasses of
water to dilute. Keep person warm and quiet.
GET MEDICAL AID IMMEDIATELY (CALL 110)

For further information call Industrial Hygiene: 872-2619 (DH), 678-4868 (RT), 572-1447 (ABQ) or 427-0155 (JID)
Hazard Ratings: 0=Insignificant, 1=Slight, 2=Moderate, 3=High, 4=Extreme
First Print: 10/31/2004