International Chemical Safety Cards

ARGON ICSC: 0154

ARGON
(liquefied, cooled)
Ar
Atomic mass: 39.95
CAS # 7440-37-1
RTECS # CF2300000
ICSC # 0154
UN # 1951

TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE
ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS
PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Heating will cause rise in pressure with risk of bursting.

For cylinders, see Notes. In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


 
EXPOSURE


INHALATION Asphyxia. Dizziness. Unconsciousness.
Ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. 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 Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
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 STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid (extra personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus).
Store outside or in a separate well-ventilated building. Cool.

UN Hazard Class: 2.2
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0154 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

ARGON ICSC: 0154

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS, ODOURLESS, LIQUEFIED GAS.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV 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.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Boiling point: -185.9°C
Melting point: -189.2°C
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 3.4
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.66
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S
UN number 1006 for argon, compressed. In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0154 ARGON
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.