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HELIUM ICSC: 0603
May 2003
  PDF for printing Explanation of fields
CAS No: 7440-59-7
RTECS No: MH6520000
UN No: 1963		     He
Atomic mass: 4.003

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE		 ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION         FIRE FIGHTING   
FIRE Not combustible. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.   In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
EXPLOSION     In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
 
EXPOSURE      
Inhalation High voice. Dizziness. Dullness. Headache. Suffocation. Ventilation. Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE. Safety goggles or face shield. First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion      

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. (Extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.) UN Hazard Class: 2.2


EMERGENCY RESPONSE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20S1963 Fireproof if in building. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS, ODOURLESS, REFRIGERATED, LIQUEFIED GAS.

Physical dangers
The gas is lighter than air.

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: Simple asphyxiant; (ACGIH 2003).
MAK not established.

 Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Inhalation risk
On loss of containment this gas can cause suffocation by lowering the oxygen content of the air in confined areas.

Effects of short-term exposure
The liquid may cause frostbite. Suffocation.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -268.9°C
Melting point: -272.2°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 0.86
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.14		  

NOTES
UN number 1046 is for helium, compressed.
High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Check oxygen content before entering area.

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety		 WHO ILO UNEP EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2003
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.

Top of page (Ctrl-Home) Updated by AS. Approved by EC. Last update: 22.08.2003

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