ARGON
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
*** SECTION 1. CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION ***
CHEMNIFO RECORD NUMBER : 104
CCOHS CHEMICAL NAME : Argon
SYNONYMS:
* Argon, compressed
* Argon
CAS REGISTRY NUMBER : 7440-37-1
PIN 9UN/NA NUMBER(S) : 1006
RTECS NUMBER(S) : CF2300000
CHEMICAL FAMILY : Inert gas
MOLECULAR FORMULA : Ar
*** SECTION 2. DESCRIPTION ***
APPEARANCE AND ODOUR:
Colourless, odourless gas.
WARNING PROPERTIES:
None
COMPOSITION/PURITY:
May contain small amounts of nitrogen,oxygen and other at
mospheric gases.
USES AND OCCURRENCES:
Inert gas shielding for etc welding and brazing; filling light
bulbs; refining of metals such as steel and titanium; lasers;
creating inert atmosphere (blanketing) when nitrogen cannot be
used; component of air (0.94%).
***SECTION 3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION ***
** POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS **
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM (ACUTE) EXPOSURE:
INHALATION:
Non-toxic at normal temperature and pressure. Can displace
oxygen which may lead to oxygen deficiency. Oxygen content of the
atmosphere must not be allowed to fall below 18%. Effects of
oxygen deficiency are: 12-16%: breathing and pulse rate in
creased, muscular coordination slightly disturbed; 10-14%: emo
tional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration; 6-10%
nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness; below 6%
convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse and death.
SKIN CONTACT:
No known effects.
EYE CONTACT:
No known effects.
INGESTION:
Not applicable to gases.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM(CHRONIC) EXPOSURE:
Long-term exposure to argon has no known health effects. Chronic
oxygen deficiency (below 18% oxygen in air) may affect the heart
and nervous system.
CARCINOGENICITY:
Not carcinogenic
TERATOGENICITY AND EMBRYOTOXICITY:
No specific reproductive effects.
MUTAGENICITY:
Not mutagenic
*** SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURE ***
INHALATION:
Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before at
tempting rescue; e.g., wear appropriate protective equipment, use
the "buddy" system. Remove source of contamination or move victim
to fresh air. If breathing has stopped, trained personnel should
begin artificial respiration or, if the heart has stopped, car
diopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. Oxygen on a physi
cian's advice, Obtain medical attention immediately.
SKIN CONTACT:
Not applicable EYE CONTACT
Not applicable
INGESTION:
Not applicable
FIRST AID COMMENTS:
Provide general supportive measures(comfort,warmth, rest). Some
recommendations in the above sections may be considered medical
acts in some jurisdictions. These recommendations should be
reviewed with a physician and appropriate delegation obtained,
as required. All first aid procedures should be periodically
reviewed by a physician fs\familiar with the material and its
conditions of use in the workplace.
*** SECTION 5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURE
FLASH POINT:
Does not burn
COMBUSTION AND THERMAL DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
None
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Any material does not burn, but containers may explode when
heated. Move container from fire area if it can be done without
risk. Use water to cool fire-exposed containers. Withdraw imme
diately in case of rising sounds from venting safety device or
any discolouration of tanks or cylinder due to fire.
***SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES ***
PRECAUTIONS:
Restrict access to area until completion of clean-up. Ensure
clean-up is conducted by trained personnel only. Wear adequate
personal protective equipment. Ventilate area.
CLEAN-IP:
Stop leak if it can be done without risk. Allow gas to dissipate
in a well-ventilated area.
*** SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE ***
HANDLING:
Move cylinders by hand-truck or cart designed for that purpose.
Do not lift cylinders by their caps. Do not handle them with oily
hands. Secure cylinders in place in an upright position at all
times. Do not drop cylinders or permit them to bang against each
other. Leave valve cap on cylinder until cylinder is secured and
ready for use. Close all valves when not in actual use.
Use smallest possible amounts in designated areas with adequate
ventilation. Have emergency equipment (for fires, spills, leaks,
etc.)readily available.
STORAGE:
Comply with all applicable regulations for the storage and
handling of compressed gases.
Store in a cool, dry,well-ventilated area, out of direct sun
light and away from heat and ignition sources. Do not allow any
part of the cylinder to be exposed to temperatures above 51 deg C
(125 deg F).
Store cylinders upright on a level, fireproof floor, secured in
position and protected from damage. Keep cylinder valve cover on.
Store full cylinders separately from empty cylinders. Consider
oxygen deficiency detection and alarm equipment.
*** SECTION 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION ***
NOTE:
Exposure to this material can be controlled in many ways. The
measures appropriate for a particular work site depend on how
this material is used and on the extent of exposure. This general
information can be used to help develop specific control meas
ures. Ensure that control systems are properly designed and
maintained. Comply with occupational, environmental, fire, and
other applicable regulations.
SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS:
Although it is possible to measure low levels of argon and other
inert gases in the atmosphere, it is not usually relevant to
occupational health and safety.
Monitoring of the oxygen concentration in the workplace air may
be necessary.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Provide adequate local exhaust and dilution (general) ventila
tion to maintain oxygen concentration above 18%. Supply suffi
cient replacement air to make up for air removed by exhaust
system.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:
Respiratory protective equipment is not ordinarily required. In
areas of oxygen deficiency or where equipment failure may cause
an immediate high concentration of this material, approved respi
ratory equipment should be readily available. If respiratory
protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protec
tion program including selection, fit testing, training, main
tenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA standard294.4-
MI1982,"Selection, Care,and Use of Respirators" available from
the Canadian standards Association,Rex dale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:
IN AREAS OF OXYGEN DEFICIENCY: Any self-contained breathing
apparatus with full face piece and operated in a pressure- demand
or other positive-pressure mode, or any supplied-air respirator
with a full face piece and operated in pressure-demand or other
positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-
contained breathing apparatus operated in pressure-demand or
other positive-pressure mode.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
No specific requirement. It is good practice to wear chemical
safety goggles when handling chemicals.
SKIN PROTECTION:
No specific requirements.
** EXPOSURE GUIDELINES **
*THRESHOLD LIMIT VALUES(TLVs)/
AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS (ACGIH)/
1992-93*
TIME-WEIGHTED ACERAGE(TLV-TWA) : Simple asphyxiant
tlv comments:
SIMPLE ASPHYXIANT: Primary health concern is displacement of
oxygen in air. Ensure that oxygen content remains above 18% by
volume. NOTE: In many Canadian jurisdictions, exposure limits are
similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Since the manner in which exposure
limits are established,interpreted, and implemented can very,
obtain detailed information from the appropriate government
agency in each jurisdiction.
*PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS (PELs) /
FINAL RULE LIMITS/OCCUPATIONALSAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION(OSGA)*
TIME WEIGHTED AVERAGE(PEL-TWA) : Not established
NOTE: The OSHA PEL Fibal Limits are currently
non-enforceable due to a court decision. The OSHA
PEL Transitional Limits are now in force.
PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS(PELs)
TRANSITIONAL LIMITS/OCCUPATIONAL
SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION(OSHA)
TIME WEIGHTED AVERAGE (PEL-TWA) : Not established
*** SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ***
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
CONVERSION FACTOR : 39.948
1ppm = 1.63 mg/m3; 1 mg/m3= 0.61 ppm at 25 deg C
MELTING POINT : -189.4 DEG c (-308.9 DEG
F
BOILING POINT : -185.9 DEG c (-302.6 DEG
F
SOLUBILITY IN WATER:
Slightly soluble (3% v/v at 20 deg C
SOLUBILITY IN OTHER LIQUIDS:
Soluble in organic liquids.
VAPOUR DENSITY : 1.38(AIR=1)
CRITICAL TEMPERATURE :-122.4 DEG c (-188.4 DEG
F)
*** SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY ***
STABILITY:
Stable
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Does not occur]
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
None
INCOMPATIBILITY - MATERIALS TO AVOID:
None
CORROSIVITY TO METALS:
Not corrosive
***SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION ***
No numerical toxicity data is available.
*** SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION ***
NOTE: This section is under development.
*** SECTION 14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION ***
**TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS.(TDG) SHIPPING INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION AND SHIPPING NAME: Argon, compressed
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER(PIN): 1006
CLASSIFICATION:2.2.-non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive gas
SPECIAL PROVISIONS:
IMO CLASSIFICATION: 2.2.
ICAO CLASSIFICATION: 2
PACKING GROUP: X
*** SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION ***
** WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS) **
PROPOSED WHMIS CLASSIFICATION:
A- Compressed gas
WHMIS HEALTH EFFECTS:
Does not meet criteria
WHMIS INGREDIENT DISCLOSURE LIST:
Does not meet criteria
DETAILED WHMIS CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO CRITERIA:
COMPRESSED GAS: Classified as :Compressed Gas"; TDG 2.2
FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL: Does not meet criteria
OXIDIZING MATERIAL: Does not meet criteria
DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL: Does not meet criteria
CORROSIVE MATERIAL: Does not meet criteria
POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL (TOXICITY): Does not meet
criteria. See detailed evaluation below.
ACUTE LETHALITY: Does not meet criteria
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS: Does not meet criteria
CARCINOGENICITY: does NOT MEET CRITERIA; NOT IN REFERENCE LISTS
REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS: Insufficient data
RESPIRATORY SENSITIZATION: Does not meet criteria; not reported
as human respiratory sensitizer.
SKIN SENSITIZATION: Does not meet criteria
SKIN IRRITATION: Does not meet criteria
EYE IRRITATION: Does not meet criteria
OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION EVALUATION:
Meets criteria for hazardous material, as defined by 29 CFR
1910.1200.
*** SECTION 16. OTHER INFORMATION ***
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY:
(1) Matheson gas data book. 6th ed. Matheson, 1980.p.34-40
Information in chemicals reviewed in the CHEMINFO database is
drawn from a number of publicly available sources.A list of
general references used to compile CHEMINFO records is available
in the database Help.
REVIEW/PREPARATION DATE : 1986-11-21
REVISION INDICATORS:
PEL-TWA; 1993-03
WHMIS (proposed class); 1993-03
OSHA evaluation; 1993-03
Trans PEL-TWA; 1993-04
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