International Chemical Safety Cards

HELIUM ICSC: 0603

HELIUM
(liquefied, cooled)
He
Atomic mass: 4.003
CAS # 7440-59-7
RTECS # MH6520000
ICSC # 0603
UN # 1963
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.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

For cylinder, see Notes.
 
EXPOSURE


INHALATION High voice.
Ventilation.
Fresh air, rest.
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).
Keep in a well-ventilated room.

UN Hazard Class: 2.2
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0603 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

HELIUM ICSC: 0603

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

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is lighter than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:


EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The liquid may cause frostbite.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point: -269°C
Melting point: -272°C
 Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 20°C: 0.86
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.14
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
N O T E S
UN number 1046 for helium, 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)-829
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0603 HELIUM
© 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.