Material Safety Data Sheet

Nitrogen

Section 1. Chemical product and company identification

Product name : Nitrogen
Supplier : AIRGAS INC., on behalf of its subsidiaries
259 North Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
1-610-687-5253
Product use : Synthetic/Analytical chemistry. Liquid – cryogenic coolant.
Synonym : nitrogen (dot); nitrogen gas; Nitrogen NF, LIN, Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen, Liquid
Nitrogen
MSDS # : 001040
Date of Preparation/ : 11/22/2013.
Revision
In case of emergency : 1-866-734-3438

Section 2. Hazards identification

Physical state : Gas. [NORMALLY A COLORLESS GAS: MAY BE A CLEAR COLORLESS LIQUID AT
LOW TEMPERATURES. SOLD AS A COMPRESSED GAS OR LIQUID IN STEEL
CYLINDERS.]
Emergency overview : WARNING!
GAS:
CONTENTS UNDER PRESURE.
Do not puncture or incinerate container.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.
LIQUID:
Extremely cold liquid and gas under pressure.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.

Do not puncture or incinerate container. May cause target organ damage, based on
animal data.
Contact with rapidly expanding gases or liquids can cause frostbite.
Target organs : May cause damage to the following organs: lungs.

Routes of entry : Inhalation

Potential acute health effects
Eyes : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite. Contact with cryogenic
liquid can cause frostbite and cryogenic burns.
Skin : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite. Contact with cryogenic
liquid can cause frostbite and cryogenic burns.
Inhalation : Acts as a simple asphyxiant.
Ingestion : Ingestion is not a normal route of exposure for gases. Contact with cryogenic liquid can
cause frostbite and cryogenic burns.
Potential chronic health effects
Chronic effects : May cause target organ damage, based on animal data.
Target organs : May cause damage to the following organs: lungs.

Medical conditions : Pre-existing disorders involving any target organs mentioned in this MSDS as being at
aggravated by over- risk may be aggravated by over-exposure to this product.
exposure
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See toxicological information (Section 11)

Section 3. Composition, Information on Ingredients

Name CAS number % Volume Exposure limits
Nitrogen 7727-37-9 100 Oxygen Depletion [Asphyxiant]

Section 4. First aid measures

No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training.If it is suspected that fumes are still present,
the rescuer should wear an appropriate mask or self-contained breathing apparatus.It may be dangerous to the person
providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Eye contact : Check for and remove any contact lenses. Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water
for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical
attention immediately.
Skin contact : None expected.
Frostbite : Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
Inhalation : Move exposed person to fresh air. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if
respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel.
Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical attention
immediately.
Ingestion : As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.

Section 5. Fire-fighting measures

Flammability of the product : Non-flammable.
Products of combustion : Decomposition products may include the following materials:
nitrogen oxides
Fire-fighting media and : Use an extinguishing agent suitable for the surrounding fire.
instructions
Apply water from a safe distance to cool container and protect surrounding area. If
involved in fire, shut off flow immediately if it can be done without risk.
Contains gas under pressure. In a fire or if heated, a pressure increase will occur and
the container may burst or explode.
Special protective : Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing
equipment for fire-fighters apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.

Section 6. Accidental release measures

Personal precautions : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Keep unnecessary personnel away. Use
suitable protective equipment (section 8). Shut off gas supply if this can be done safely.
Isolate area until gas has dispersed.
Environmental precautions : Avoid dispersal of spilled material and runoff and contact with soil, waterways, drains
and sewers.
Methods for cleaning up : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk. Note: see Section
1 for emergency contact information and Section 13 for waste disposal.

Section 7. Handling and storage

Handling : High pressure gas. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Use equipment rated for
cylinder pressure. Close valve after each use and when empty. Protect cylinders from
physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder
movement.
Never allow any unprotected part of the body to touch uninsulated pipes or vessels that
contain cryogenic liquids. Prevent entrapment of liquid in closed systems or piping
without pressure relief devices. Some materials may become brittle at low temperatures
and will easily fracture.

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Nitrogen

Storage : Cylinders should be stored upright, with valve protection cap in place, and firmly
secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures should not
exceed 52 °C (125 °F).
For additional information concerning storage and handling refer to Compressed Gas
Association pamphlets P-1 Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers and P-
12 Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids available from the Compressed Gas Association,
Inc.

Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection

Engineering controls : Use only with adequate ventilation. Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or
other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any
recommended or statutory limits.
Personal protection
Eyes : Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk
assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists or
dusts.
When working with cryogenic liquids, wear a full face shield.
Skin : Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before
handling this product.
Respiratory : Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved
standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be
based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe
working limits of the selected respirator.
The applicable standards are (US) 29 CFR 1910.134 and (Canada) Z94.4-93
Hands : Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be
worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is
necessary.
Insulated gloves suitable for low temperatures
Personal protection in case : Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) should be used to avoid inhalation of the
of a large spill product.
Product name
Nitrogen Oxygen Depletion [Asphyxiant]
Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits.

Section 9. Physical and chemical properties

Molecular weight : 28.02 g/mole
Molecular formula : N2
Boiling/condensation point : -195.79°C (-320.4°F)
Melting/freezing point : -210.01°C (-346°F)
Critical temperature : -146.9°C (-232.4°F)
Vapor density : 0.967 (Air = 1) Liquid Density@BP: 50.46 lb/ft3 (808.3 kg/m3)
Specific Volume (ft /lb)
3
: 13.8889
Gas Density (lb/ft 3) : 0.072

Section 10. Stability and reactivity

Stability and reactivity : The product is stable.
Hazardous decomposition : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should
products not be produced.
Hazardous polymerization : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous polymerization will not occur.

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Nitrogen

Section 11. Toxicological information

Toxicity data
Chronic effects on humans : May cause damage to the following organs: lungs.

Other toxic effects on : No specific information is available in our database regarding the other toxic effects of
humans this material to humans.
Specific effects
Carcinogenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenic effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Reproduction toxicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.

Section 12. Ecological information

Aquatic ecotoxicity
Not available.
Environmental fate : Not available.
Environmental hazards : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Toxicity to the environment : Not available.

Section 13. Disposal considerations

Product removed from the cylinder must be disposed of in accordance with appropriate Federal, State, local
regulation.Return cylinders with residual product to Airgas, Inc.Do not dispose of locally.

Section 14. Transport information

Regulatory UN number Proper shipping Class Packing group Label Additional
information name information

DOT Classification UN1066 NITROGEN, 2.2 Not applicable (gas). Limited

COMPRESSED quantity
Yes.

UN1977 Nitrogen, refrigerated Packaging

liquid instruction
Passenger
aircraft
Quantity
limitation: 75
kg

Cargo aircraft
Quantity
limitation: 150
kg

TDG Classification UN1066 NITROGEN, 2.2 Not applicable (gas). Explosive

COMPRESSED Limit and
Limited
Quantity
UN1977 Nitrogen, refrigerated Index
liquid 0.125

Passenger
Carrying
Road or Rail
Index
75

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Mexico UN1066 NITROGEN, 2.2 Not applicable (gas). -

Classification COMPRESSED

UN1977 Nitrogen, refrigerated

liquid
“Refer to CFR 49 (or authority having jurisdiction) to determine the information required for shipment of the
product.”

Section 15. Regulatory information

United States
U.S. Federal regulations : TSCA 8(a) CDR Exempt/Partial exemption: This material is listed or exempted.
United States inventory (TSCA 8b): This material is listed or exempted.
SARA 302/304: No products were found.
SARA 311/312 Hazards identification: Sudden release of pressure, Delayed (chronic)
health hazard

State regulations : Connecticut Carcinogen Reporting: This material is not listed.

Connecticut Hazardous Material Survey: This material is not listed.
Florida substances: This material is not listed.
Illinois Chemical Safety Act: This material is not listed.
Illinois Toxic Substances Disclosure to Employee Act: This material is not listed.
Louisiana Reporting: This material is not listed.
Louisiana Spill: This material is not listed.
Massachusetts Spill: This material is not listed.
Massachusetts Substances: This material is listed.
Michigan Critical Material: This material is not listed.
Minnesota Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
New Jersey Hazardous Substances: This material is listed.
New Jersey Spill: This material is not listed.
New Jersey Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act: This material is not listed.
New York Acutely Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
New York Toxic Chemical Release Reporting: This material is not listed.
Pennsylvania RTK Hazardous Substances: This material is listed.
Rhode Island Hazardous Substances: This material is not listed.
Canada
WHMIS (Canada) : Class A: Compressed gas.
CEPA Toxic substances: This material is not listed.
Canadian ARET: This material is not listed.
Canadian NPRI: This material is not listed.
Alberta Designated Substances: This material is not listed.
Ontario Designated Substances: This material is not listed.
Quebec Designated Substances: This material is not listed.

Section 16. Other information

United States
Label requirements : GAS:
CONTENTS UNDER PRESURE.
Do not puncture or incinerate container.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.
LIQUID:
Extremely cold liquid and gas under pressure.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
May cause severe frostbite.

Canada

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Label requirements : Class A: Compressed gas.

Hazardous Material : Health 0

Information System (U.S.A.)
Flammability 0
Physical hazards 0

liquid:
Health 3

Fire hazard 0
Reactivity 0
Personal protection

National Fire Protection :

0 Flammability
Association (U.S.A.)
Health 0 0 Instability
SA
Special

liquid:

0 Flammability

Health 3 0 Instability
SA
Special

Notice to reader
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither the above-named
supplier, nor any of its subsidiaries, assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the
information contained herein.
Final determination of suitability of any material is the sole responsibility of the user. All materials may present
unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot
guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.

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