Liquid Nitrogen
2. Megs Inc.
3. non applicable
4. Hazard statement : ROUTES OF ENTRY:
SKIN CONTACT: Contact with the cryogenic liquid or cold piping containing the
liquid can cause tissue freezing or frostbite on dermal contact or if splashed into
the eyes.
SKIN ABSORPTION: None
EYE: See Skin Contact, above
INHALATION: Effects of exposure to high concentrations so as to displace the
oxygen in the air necessary for life are headaches, dizziness, labored breathing
and eventual unconsciousness.
INGESTION: None
ACUTE OVER EXPOSURE EFFECTS: Liquid nitrogen is non-toxic but the
liberation of a large amount in a confined area could displace the amount of
oxygen in air necessary to support life.
Frostbite effects are a change in colour of the skin to grey or white possibly
followed by blistering.
CHRONIC OVER EXPOSURE EFFECTS: None
EXPOSURE LIMITS: Nitrogen is defined as a simple asphyxiant. Oxygen levels
should be maintained at greater than 18 molar percent at normal atmospheric
pressure which is equivalent to a partial pressure of 135 mm Hg. (ACGIH, 1995-
1996).
IRRITANCY OF PRODUCT: See Skin Contact, above.
SENSITIZATION TO MATERIAL: None
CARCINOGENICITY, REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS: None
TERATOGENICITY, MUTAGENICITY: None
TOXICOLOGICALLY SYNERGISTIC PRODUCTS: None
and a Precationary statement: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Loose fitting, insulated gloves. Safety
goggles or glasses and face shield. safety shoes.
SPECIFIC ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Liquid nitrogen cannot be handled in
carbon or low steels. Eighteen-eight and 18-10 stainless steels are acceptable as
are copper and its alloys, nickel and its alloys, brass, bronze, silicon alloys,
Monel®, Inconel®, and beryllium. Also see CGA Safety Bulletin SB-2 and CGA
pamphlets P-9, P-12, P-14.
LEAK AND SPILL PROCEDURES: See Handling Procedures and Equipment,
below.
WASTE DISPOSAL: See Handling Procedures and Equipment, below.
HANDLING PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT: Liquid nitrogen is delivered to a
customer in stationary vacuum-jacketed vessels at the customer's location or in
portable vacuum-jacketed "liquid cylinders". Stationary customer-site vessels
should be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's and MEGS Inc.'s
instructions. Do not attempt to repair, adjust, or in any other way modify the
operation of these vessels. If there is a malfunction or other type of operational
problem with the vessel, contact the closest MEGS Inc. location immediately.
Liquid nitrogen cylinder should be used only in well-ventilated areas and in
accordance with the manufacturer's and MEGS Inc.'s instructions. These
cylinders must always be kept in an upright position. Specialized hand trucks are
needed for their movement. A "fist in - first out" inventory system should be used
with these cylinders.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS: See Handling Procedures and Equipment, above.
TDG CLASSIFICATION: 2.2
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A
SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Always ship and handle liquid nitrogen
cylinders in an upright position.
5. non-reactive
6. 02/01/2012
7. Medical procedures