SAFETY DATA SHEET

Helium

Section 1. Identification
GHS product identifier

: Helium

Chemical name

: Helium

Other means of
identification

: helium (dot); Helium-4; He; o-Helium; UN 1046,Helium USP

Product use

: Synthetic/Analytical chemistry.

Synonym
SDS #

: helium (dot); Helium-4; He; o-Helium; UN 1046,Helium USP

: 001025

Supplier's details

: Airgas USA, LLC and its affiliates

259 North Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
1-610-687-5253

24-hour telephone

: 1-866-734-3438

Section 2. Hazards identification

OSHA/HCS status
Classification of the
substance or mixture
GHS label elements
Hazard pictograms

: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

(29 CFR 1910.1200).
: GASES UNDER PRESSURE - Compressed gas

Signal word

: Warning

Hazard statements

: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.

May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.

Precautionary statements
General

Prevention

: Read and follow all Safety Data Sheets (SDSS) before use. Read label before use.
Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, have product container or
label at hand. Close valve after each use and when empty. Use equipment rated for
cylinder pressure. Do not open valve until connected to equipment prepared for use.
Use a back flow preventative device in the piping. Use only equipment of compatible
materials of construction.
: Not applicable.

Response

: Not applicable.

Storage

: Protect from sunlight when ambient temperature exceeds 52C/125F. Store in a wellventilated place.
: Not applicable.

Disposal
Hazards not otherwise
classified

Date of issue/Date of revision

: In addition to any other important health or physical hazards, this product may displace
oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

Version

: 0.01

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Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients

Substance/mixture

: Substance

Chemical name

: Helium

Other means of
identification

: helium (dot); Helium-4; He; o-Helium; UN 1046,Helium USP

CAS number/other identifiers

CAS number

: 7440-59-7

Product code

: 001025

Ingredient name

CAS number

Helium

100

7440-59-7

Any concentration shown as a range is to protect confidentiality or is due to batch variation.

There are no additional ingredients present which, within the current knowledge of the supplier and in the
concentrations applicable, are classified as hazardous to health or the environment and hence require reporting
in this section.
Occupational exposure limits, if available, are listed in Section 8.

Section 4. First aid measures

Description of necessary first aid measures
Eye contact

Inhalation

Skin contact

Ingestion

: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water, occasionally lifting the upper and lower
eyelids. Check for and remove any contact lenses. Continue to rinse for at least 10
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation occurs.
: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If
not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial
respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. It may be dangerous to the person providing
aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Get medical attention if adverse health effects
persist or are severe. If unconscious, place in recovery position and get medical
attention immediately. Maintain an open airway. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar,
tie, belt or waistband.
: Flush contaminated skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and
shoes. Get medical attention if symptoms occur. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean
shoes thoroughly before reuse.
: As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.

Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed

Potential acute health effects
Eye contact

: Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.

Inhalation

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Skin contact

: Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.

Frostbite

: Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.

Ingestion

: As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.

Over-exposure signs/symptoms
Eye contact

: No specific data.

Inhalation

: No specific data.

Skin contact

: No specific data.

Ingestion

: No specific data.

Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary

Notes to physician
Specific treatments

Date of issue/Date of revision

: Treat symptomatically. Contact poison treatment specialist immediately if large

quantities have been ingested or inhaled.
: No specific treatment.

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 4. First aid measures

Protection of first-aiders

: No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training. It may
be dangerous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

See toxicological information (Section 11)

Section 5. Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing
media
Unsuitable extinguishing
media

: Use an extinguishing agent suitable for the surrounding fire.

: None known.

Specific hazards arising

from the chemical

: Contains gas under pressure. In a fire or if heated, a pressure increase will occur and
the container may burst or explode.

Hazardous thermal
decomposition products

: No specific data.

Special protective actions

for fire-fighters

: Promptly isolate the scene by removing all persons from the vicinity of the incident if
there is a fire. No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable
training. Contact supplier immediately for specialist advice. Move containers from fire
area if this can be done without risk. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers
cool.
: Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.

Special protective
equipment for fire-fighters

Section 6. Accidental release measures

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
For non-emergency
personnel

: No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training.
Evacuate surrounding areas. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from
entering. Avoid breathing gas. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate
respirator when ventilation is inadequate. Put on appropriate personal protective
equipment.
For emergency responders : If specialised clothing is required to deal with the spillage, take note of any information
in Section 8 on suitable and unsuitable materials. See also the information in "For nonemergency personnel".
Environmental precautions

: Ensure emergency procedures to deal with accidental gas releases are in place to avoid
contamination of the environment. Inform the relevant authorities if the product has
caused environmental pollution (sewers, waterways, soil or air).

Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

Small spill

: Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk.

Large spill

: Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk. Note: see Section
1 for emergency contact information and Section 13 for waste disposal.

Section 7. Handling and storage

Precautions for safe handling
Protective measures

Date of issue/Date of revision

: Put on appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8). Contains gas under
pressure. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing gas. Empty
containers retain product residue and can be hazardous. Do not puncture or incinerate
container. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure. Close valve after each use and
when empty. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop.
Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement.

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 7. Handling and storage

Advice on general
occupational hygiene

Conditions for safe storage,

including any
incompatibilities

: Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited in areas where this material is
handled, stored and processed. Workers should wash hands and face before eating,
drinking and smoking. Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before
entering eating areas. See also Section 8 for additional information on hygiene
measures.
: Store in accordance with local regulations. Store in a segregated and approved area.
Store away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area, away from
incompatible materials (see Section 10). Keep container tightly closed and sealed until
ready for use. Cylinders should be stored upright, with valve protection cap in place,
and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures
should not exceed 52 C (125 F).

Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection

Control parameters
Occupational exposure limits
Ingredient name

Exposure limits

Helium

Oxygen Depletion [Asphyxiant]

Appropriate engineering
controls

: Good general ventilation should be sufficient to control worker exposure to airborne

contaminants.

Environmental exposure
controls

: Emissions from ventilation or work process equipment should be checked to ensure

they comply with the requirements of environmental protection legislation. In some
cases, fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications to the process equipment
will be necessary to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.

Individual protection measures

Hygiene measures

Eye/face protection

: Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before
eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period.
Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing.
Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety
showers are close to the workstation location.
: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk
assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists,
gases or dusts. If contact is possible, the following protection should be worn, unless
the assessment indicates a higher degree of protection: safety glasses with sideshields.

Skin protection
Hand protection

Body protection

Other skin protection

Respiratory protection

Date of issue/Date of revision

: Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be

worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is
necessary. Considering the parameters specified by the glove manufacturer, check
during use that the gloves are still retaining their protective properties. It should be
noted that the time to breakthrough for any glove material may be different for different
glove manufacturers. In the case of mixtures, consisting of several substances, the
protection time of the gloves cannot be accurately estimated.
: Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before
handling this product.
: Appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection measures should be selected
based on the task being performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a
specialist before handling this product.
: Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved
standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be
based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe
working limits of the selected respirator.

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 9. Physical and chemical properties

Appearance
Physical state

: Gas. [Compressed gas.]

Color

: Colorless.

Molecular weight

: 4 g/mole

Molecular formula

: He

Boiling/condensation point
Melting/freezing point

: -268.9C (-452F)
: -272.2C (-458F)

Critical temperature

: -267.9C (-450.2F)

Odor

: Odorless.
: Not available.

Odor threshold
pH
Flash point

: Not available.
: [Product does not sustain combustion.]

Burning time

: Not applicable.

Burning rate

: Not applicable.

Evaporation rate

: Not available.

Flammability (solid, gas)

: Not available.

Lower and upper explosive

(flammable) limits

: Not available.

Vapor pressure

: Not available.

Vapor density

: 0.14 (Air = 1)

Specific Volume (ft 3/lb)

: 96.1538

Gas Density (lb/ft 3)

: 0.0104

Relative density

: Not applicable.

Solubility

: Not available.

Solubility in water

: Not available.

Partition coefficient: noctanol/water

: 0.28

Auto-ignition temperature

: Not available.

Decomposition temperature

: Not available.

SADT

: Not available.

Viscosity

: Not applicable.

Liquid Density@BP: 7.8 lb/ft3 (125 kg/m3)

Section 10. Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

: No specific test data related to reactivity available for this product or its ingredients.

Chemical stability

: The product is stable.

Possibility of hazardous
reactions

: Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous reactions will not occur.

Conditions to avoid

: No specific data.

Incompatible materials

: No specific data.

Hazardous decomposition
products

: Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should
not be produced.

Hazardous polymerization

: Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous polymerization will not occur.

Date of issue/Date of revision

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 10. Stability and reactivity

Irritation/Corrosion
Not available.
Sensitization
Not available.
Mutagenicity
Not available.
Carcinogenicity
Not available.
Reproductive toxicity
Not available.
Teratogenicity
Not available.
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
Not available.
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Not available.
Aspiration hazard
Not available.
Information on the likely
routes of exposure

: Not available.

Potential acute health effects

Eye contact
: Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.
Inhalation

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Skin contact

: Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.

Ingestion

: As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.

Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics

Eye contact
: No specific data.
Inhalation

: No specific data.

Skin contact

: No specific data.

Ingestion

: No specific data.

Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short and long term exposure
Short term exposure
Potential immediate
: Not available.
effects
Potential delayed effects
Long term exposure
Potential immediate
effects
Potential delayed effects

: Not available.
: Not available.
: Not available.

Potential chronic health effects

Not available.
General

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Carcinogenicity

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Date of issue/Date of revision

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Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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Section 11. Toxicological information

Mutagenicity

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Teratogenicity

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Developmental effects

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Fertility effects

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Numerical measures of toxicity

Acute toxicity estimates
Not available.

Section 12. Ecological information

Toxicity
Not available.
Persistence and degradability
Not available.
Bioaccumulative potential
Product/ingredient name

LogPow

BCF

Potential

Helium

0.28

low

Mobility in soil
Soil/water partition
coefficient (KOC)

: Not available.

Other adverse effects

: No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Section 13. Disposal considerations

Disposal methods

: The generation of waste should be avoided or minimized wherever possible. Disposal

of this product, solutions and any by-products should at all times comply with the
requirements of environmental protection and waste disposal legislation and any
regional local authority requirements. Dispose of surplus and non-recyclable products
via a licensed waste disposal contractor. Waste should not be disposed of untreated to
the sewer unless fully compliant with the requirements of all authorities with jurisdiction.
Empty Airgas-owned pressure vessels should be returned to Airgas. Waste packaging
should be recycled. Incineration or landfill should only be considered when recycling is
not feasible. This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way. Empty
containers or liners may retain some product residues. Do not puncture or incinerate
container.

Section 14. Transport information

DOT

TDG

Mexico

IMDG

IATA

UN number

UN1046

UN1046

UN1046

UN1046

UN1046

UN proper
shipping name

HELIUM,
COMPRESSED

HELIUM,
COMPRESSED

HELIUM,
COMPRESSED

HELIUM,
COMPRESSED

HELIUM,
COMPRESSED

2.2

2.2

2.2

2.2

Transport
2.2
hazard class(es)

Date of issue/Date of revision

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Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 14. Transport information

Packing group

Environment

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

Additional
information

Limited quantity
Yes.

Packaging instruction
Passenger aircraft
Quantity limitation: 75
kg

Product classified as
per the following
sections of the
Transportation of
Dangerous Goods
Regulations: 2.13-2.17
(Class 2).

Passenger and Cargo

AircraftQuantity
limitation: 75 kg
Cargo Aircraft Only
Quantity limitation: 150
kg

Cargo aircraft
Quantity limitation: 150
kg

Explosive Limit and

Limited Quantity Index
0.125
Passenger Carrying
Road or Rail Index
75

Refer to CFR 49 (or authority having jurisdiction) to determine the information required for shipment of the
product.
Special precautions for user : Transport within users premises: always transport in closed containers that are
upright and secure. Ensure that persons transporting the product know what to do in the
event of an accident or spillage.
Transport in bulk according
to Annex II of MARPOL
73/78 and the IBC Code

: Not available.

Section 15. Regulatory information

U.S. Federal regulations

: TSCA 8(a) CDR Exempt/Partial exemption: Not determined

United States inventory (TSCA 8b): This material is listed or exempted.

Clean Air Act Section 112

(b) Hazardous Air
Pollutants (HAPs)
Clean Air Act Section 602
Class I Substances

: Not listed

Clean Air Act Section 602

Class II Substances

: Not listed

DEA List I Chemicals

(Precursor Chemicals)

: Not listed

DEA List II Chemicals

(Essential Chemicals)

: Not listed

: Not listed

SARA 302/304
Composition/information on ingredients
No products were found.
SARA 304 RQ

: Not applicable.

SARA 311/312
Classification

: Sudden release of pressure

Composition/information on ingredients
Name

Fire
Sudden
hazard release of
pressure

Reactive

Immediate
(acute)
health
hazard

Delayed
(chronic)
health
hazard

Helium

100

No.

No.

No.

No.

Date of issue/Date of revision

: 2/12/2016

Yes.

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 15. Regulatory information

State regulations
Massachusetts

: This material is listed.

New York

: This material is not listed.

New Jersey

: This material is listed.

Pennsylvania

: This material is listed.

International regulations
International lists
National inventory
Australia

: This material is listed or exempted.

Canada

: This material is listed or exempted.

China

: This material is listed or exempted.

Europe

: This material is listed or exempted.

Japan

: Not determined.

Malaysia

: Not determined.

New Zealand
Philippines
Republic of Korea

: This material is listed or exempted.

: This material is listed or exempted.
: This material is listed or exempted.

Taiwan

: This material is listed or exempted.

Canada
WHMIS (Canada)

: Class A: Compressed gas.

CEPA Toxic substances: This material is not listed.
Canadian ARET: This material is not listed.
Canadian NPRI: This material is not listed.
Alberta Designated Substances: This material is not listed.
Ontario Designated Substances: This material is not listed.
Quebec Designated Substances: This material is not listed.

Section 16. Other information

Canada Label requirements

: Class A: Compressed gas.

Hazardous Material Information System (U.S.A.)

Health

Flammability

Physical hazards

Caution: HMIS ratings are based on a 0-4 rating scale, with 0 representing minimal hazards or risks, and 4
representing significant hazards or risks Although HMIS ratings are not required on SDSs under 29 CFR 1910.
1200, the preparer may choose to provide them. HMIS ratings are to be used with a fully implemented HMIS
program. HMIS is a registered mark of the National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA). HMIS materials
may be purchased exclusively from J. J. Keller (800) 327-6868.
The customer is responsible for determining the PPE code for this material.
National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.)
Flammability

0
Health

0
SA

Instability/Reactivity
Special

Reprinted with permission from NFPA 704-2001, Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency
Response Copyright 1997, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject
which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.
Date of issue/Date of revision

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Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

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: 0.01

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Section 16. Other information

Copyright 2001, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This warning system is intended to
be interpreted and applied only by properly trained individuals to identify fire, health and reactivity hazards of
chemicals. The user is referred to certain limited number of chemicals with recommended classifications in
NFPA 49 and NFPA 325, which would be used as a guideline only. Whether the chemicals are classified by NFPA
or not, anyone using the 704 systems to classify chemicals does so at their own risk.
Procedure used to derive the classification
Classification

Justification

Press. Gas Comp. Gas, H280

Expert judgment

History
Date of printing

: 2/12/2016

Date of issue/Date of
revision
Date of previous issue

: 2/12/2016

Version

: 0.01

Key to abbreviations

References

: No previous validation
: ATE = Acute Toxicity Estimate
BCF = Bioconcentration Factor
GHS = Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
IATA = International Air Transport Association
IBC = Intermediate Bulk Container
IMDG = International Maritime Dangerous Goods
LogPow = logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient
MARPOL 73/78 = International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships,
1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978. ("Marpol" = marine pollution)
UN = United Nations
: Not available.

Indicates information that has changed from previously issued version.

Notice to reader
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither the above-named
supplier, nor any of its subsidiaries, assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the
information contained herein.
Final determination of suitability of any material is the sole responsibility of the user. All materials may present
unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot
guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.

Date of issue/Date of revision

: 2/12/2016

Date of previous issue

: No previous validation

Version

: 0.01

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