Product ID:ARGON, REFRIGERATED LIQUID
MSDS Date:08/01/1997
FSC:6830
NIIN:00-290-4291
Status Code:A
MSDS Number: CKYHY

Emergency Phone: 800-523-9374 / 610-481-7711

Info Phone: 800-752-1597/215-481-4911

Cage: 00742

Telephone: 800-345-3148/ 800-752-1597

Cage: 00742

ARGON

CAS: 7440-37-1

RTECS: CF2300000

OSHA PEL NONE ESTABLISHED

ACGIH TLV: SIMPLE ASPHYXIANT

Routes of Entry: Inhalation:YES Skin:YES Ingestion:NO
Reports of Carcinogenicity:NTP:NO IARC:NO OSHA:NO
Health Hazards Acute and Chronic: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 BURNS OF SKIN. OTHER EFFECTS OF
OVEREXPOSURE: NONE. CHRONIC EFFECTS: NONE ESTABLISHED.
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: LIQUID ARGON IS A COLORLESS, ODORLESS,
EXTREMELY COLD LIQUID AND GAS UNDER PRESSURE. IT C AN 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 CAU SE (SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE)
Explanation of Carcinogenicity:ARGON IS NOT LISTED BY NTP, OSHA OR
IARC.
Effects of Overexposure:HEALTH HAZARDS ACUTE AND CHRONIC (CONT): 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 VO LUME OF LIQUID ARGON WILL EXPAND TO
PRODUCE 841 EQUIVALENT VOLUMES OF GAS.
Medical Cond Aggravated by Exposure:NONE.

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 PR OMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION. EYE CONTACT: FOR EXPOSURE
TO LIQUID, IMMEDIATELY WARM FROSTBITE AREA WITH WARM WATER (NOT TO
EXCEED 105 F). CALL A PHYSICIAN. SKIN CONTACT: REMOVE ANY CLOTHING
THAT MAY RESTRIC T 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 BATH - WHICH HAS A TEMPERATURE NOT TO
EXCEED 105 F (40 C). NE VER USE DRY HEAT. (TOXICOLOGICAL INFO)

Autoignition Temp:Autoignition Temp Text:N/FLAM
Lower Limits:NOT APPLIC
Upper Limits:NOT APPLIC
Extinguishing Media:ARGON IS NONFLAMMABLE AND DOES NOT SUPPORT
COMBUSTION. USE EXTINGUISHING MEDIA APPROPRIATE FOR THE SURROUNDING
FIRE. HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: NONE KNOWN.
Fire Fighting Procedures: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 (NIOSH APPROVE D - ) MAY BE REQUIRED FOR RECUE WORKERS.
EVACUATE THIS AREA.
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazard:LIQUID ARGON WHEN SPILLED WILL VAPORIZE
RAPIDLY FORMING AN OXYGEN-DEFICIENT VAPOR CLOUD. EVACUATE VAPOR
CLOUD AREA. VISIBILITY MAY BE OBSCURED IN VAPOR CLOUD. CONTAINER
PRESSURE CAN BUILD UP DUE TO HE AT & MAY RUPTURE IF PRESSURE RELEIF
DEVICES FAIL TO FUNCTION. CONTACT WITH LIQUID OR GASEOUS ARGON MAY
CAUSE FROSTBITE.

Spill Release Procedures:EVACUATE ALL PERSONNEL FROM THE AFFECTED AREA.
SHUT OFF SOURCE OF ARGON, IF POSSIBLE WITHOUT RISK. VENTILATE ARE
OR REMOVE CONTAINERS TO A WELL VENTILATED LOCATION. TO INCREASE
RATE OF VAPORIZATION SP RAY LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER ONTO THE SPILL
FROM AN UPWIND LOCATION. DO NOT SPRAY WATER DIRECTLY AT LEAK. IF
LEAKING FROM CONTAINER OR ITS VALVE, CONTACT YOUR SUPPLIER.

Handling and Storage Precautions: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 (ECOLOGICAL
INFO)
Other Precautions: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 ASSOCIA TION PAMPHLET P-12 SAFE HANDLING OF
CRYOGENIC LIQUIDS, AVAILABLE FROM THE COMPRESSED GAS ASSOCIATION
INC (703) 412-0900.

Respiratory Protection:GENERAL USE: NONE REQUIRED. EMERGENCY USE:
(NIOSH APPROVED - ) SELF-CONTAINE BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) OR
POSITIVE PRESSURE AIRLINE WITH MASK ARE TO BE USED IN
OXYGEN-DEFICIENT ATMOSPHERE. RESPI RATORS WILL NOT FUNCTION.
Ventilation:NATURAL OR MECHANICAL TO PREVENT OXYGEN DEFICIENT
ATMOSPHERES UNDER 19.5 % OXYGEN.
Protective Gloves:LOOSE FITTING THERMAL INSULATED OR LEATHER GLOVES.
Eye Protection:FULL FACE SHIELD AND SAFETY GLASSES (ANSI APPROVED - )
ARE RECOMMENDED.
Other Protective Equipment:SAFETY SHOES ARE RECOMMENDED WHEN HANDLING
LIQUID CONTAINERS. LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS AND TROUSERS WITHOUT CUFFS.
Supplemental Safety and Health
CHEMICAL NAME: ARGON. FORMULA: AR. SYNONYMS: CRYOGENIC LIQUID ARGON,
LIQUID ARGON, LAR. LIQUID ARGON IS SOLD AS PURE PRODUCT > 99%.
PHYS/CHEM PROPS (CONT): MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 39.95. GAS DENSIT Y(AT
70 F (21.1 C) AND 1 ATM): 0.103 LB/FT3 (1.650 KG/M3). EXPANSION
RATIO ()FOR LIQUID TO GAS) 70 F (21.1 C): 1 TO 841.

HCC:G3
Boiling Pt:=-185.5C, -302.2F
B.P. Text:-302.2F/-185.9C @ 1 AT
Melt/Freeze Pt:=-189.2C, -308.9F
M.P/F.P Text:-308.9F/-189.4C
Vapor Density:.103 LB/F3
Spec Gravity:1.38 (AIR = 1)
Solubility in Water:0.056 (VOL/VOL @ 32F/0C)
Appearance and Odor:COLORLESS, ODORLESS CRYOGENIC LIQUID

Stability Indicator/Materials to Avoid:YES
NONE
Stability Condition to Avoid:NONE
Hazardous Decomposition Products:NONE
Conditions to Avoid Polymerization:WILL NOT OCCUR

Waste Disposal Methods:DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISPOSE OF RESIDUAL OR UNUSED
QUANTITIES. CONTACT YOUR SUPPLIER. FOR EMERGENCY DISPOSAL,
DISCHARGE SLOWLY INTO THE ATMOSPHERE IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA OR
OUTDOORS.

Toxicological Information:ARGON IS A SIMPLE ASPHYXIANT. SIGNS
AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE (CONT): IN CASE OF MASSIVE EXPOSURE,
REMOVE CLOTHING WHILE SHOWERING WITH WARM WATER. CALL A PHYSICIAN
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. FRO ZEN 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 ARE A WITH DRY STERILE DRESSING WITH A LARGE
BULKY PROTECTIVE COVERING, PENDING MEDICAL ATTENTION.

Disclaimer (provided with this information by the compiling agencies):
This information is formulated for use by elements of the Department
of Defense. The United States of America in no manner whatsoever,
expressly or implied, warrants this information to be accurate and
disclaims all liability for its use. Any person utilizing this
document should seek competent professional advice to verify and
assume responsibility for the suitability of this information to their
particular situation.

Ecological: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 ). HANDLING & STORAGE PRECAUTIONS(CONT): WITH
PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE. HANDLING: NEVER ALLOW ANY UNPROTECTED PART
OF THE BODY TO TOUCH UNINSULATED PIPES OR VESSELS WHICH CONTAIN
CRYOGENIC FLUID S. THE EXTREMELY COLD METAL WILL CAUSE THE FLESH TO
STICK FAST & TEAR WHEN ONE ATTEMPTS TO WITHDRAW FROM IT. USE A
SUITABLE HAND TRUCH FOR CONTAINER MOVEMENT. CONTAINERS SHALL BE
HANDLED AND STORED I N AN UPRIGHT POSITION. (STATE REGS)

Transport Information: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 OWNERS CONSENT IS A VIOLATION OF
FEDERAL LAW (49 CFR PART 173.301(B)).

SARA Title III Information: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 EXTR EMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES (40 CFR
PART 370). EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: NONE. THRESHOLD PLANNING
QUANTITY (TPQ): NONE. SECTION 311/312: REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) 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, DELAYED HEALTH: NO, PRESSURE: YES, REACTIVITY: NO,
FIRE: NO. (STATE REGS)
Federal Regulatory Information:EPA - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:
CERCLA: COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND
LIABILITY ACT OF 1980 (40 CFR PARTS 117 AND 302): REPORTABLE
QUANTITY (RQ): NONE. 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
NOT LISTED ON THE TSCA INVENTORY. OSH A - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
HEALTH ADMINISTRATION: 29 CFR PART 1910.119: PROCESS SAFETY
MANAGEMENT O F HIGHLY HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS: ARGON IS NOT LISTED IN
APPENDIX A AS A HIGHLY HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL.
State Regulatory Information:N/P. SARA III (CONT): SECTION 313:
REQUIRES SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL REPORTS OF RELEASE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS
THAT APPEAR IN 40 CFR PART 372: ARGON DOES NOT REQUIRE REPORTING
UNDER SECTION 313. ECOLOGICAL INFO (CONT): 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 C ONNECTIONS
DISCONTINUE USE AND CONTACT SUPPLIER. USE THE PROPER CONNECTION. DO
NOT USE ADAPTERS. US E PIPING AND EQUIPMENT ADEQUATELY DESIGNED TO
WITHSTAND PRESSURES TO BE ENCOUNTERED. USE A CHECK VALVE OR OTHER
PROTECTIVE (OTHER INFO)