Skip to content

Argon Gas Material Safety data sheet

Argon Gas Safety Data Sheet

Product Name:Argon, compressed
Chemical Name:Argon
Formula:Ar
Chemical Family:Inert gas
Use:Various, inerting, medical, instrumentation
Synonyms:Argon
NFPA Fire:0
NFPA Health:0
NFPA Reactivity:0
NFPA Special Hazard:SA
HMIS Fire:0
HMIS Health:0
HMIS Reactivity:0
Mixture:No
Acute:No
Chronic:No
Fire:No
Reactive:No
Sudden Release Pressure:Yes
Ingredients – Composition Information
Component:Argon
CAS No.7440-37-1
Percent (by weight)99.0% 100.0%
ACGIH – STELSimple Asphyxiant
Emergency Overview
Danger:High pressure gas.Can cause rapid suffocation.Do not breathe gas.Self contained breathing apparatus may be required by rescue workers.
Potential Health Effects Information
Inhalation:Simple asphyxiant. Argon is nontoxic, but may cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in air. Exposure to oxygen-deficient atmosphere (<19.5%) may cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, diminished mental alertness, loss of consciousness and death. Exposure to atmospheres containing 8-10% or less oxygen will bring about unconsciousness without warning and soquickly that the individuals cannot help or protect themselves. Lack of sufficientoxygen may cause serious injury or death.
Eye:None.
Skin:None.
Ingestion:None.
Chronic Effects:Acetylene is a non-toxic gas that has no harmful effects even in high concentrations. Acetylene has been used as an anesthetic.
Medical Conditions Aggravated By OverexposureNone.
Carcinogenicity:Argon is not listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC
First Aid Measures
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 prompt medical attention
Eye:None.
Skin:None.
Ingestion:None.
Notes To Physician:None.
Fire Fighting Measures
Flash Point:Not applicable; Gas.
Auto ignition:Nonflammable.
Flammable Limits – Lower:Not applicable.
Flammable Limits – Upper:Not applicable.
Extinguishing Media:Argon is nonflammable and does not support combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate for the surrounding fire.
Fire Fighting Instructions:Argon is a simple asphyxiant. If possible, remove argon cylinders from fire area or cool with water. Do not direct water spray at the container vent. Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required for rescue workers. Evacuate this area.
Fire And Explosion HazardsUpon exposure to intense heat or flame cylinder may vent rapidly and/or rupture violently. Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when exposed to elevated temperatures. Pressure in a container can build up due to heat and it may rupture if pressure relief devices should fail to function.
Hazardous Combustion Products:None known
Sensitivity To Static Discharge: None.
Sensitivity To Mechanical Impact:None.
Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate:Evacuate all personnel from the affected area. Shut off source of argon if possible without risk. Ventilate area or remove leaking containers to a well ventilated location. If leaking from cylinder or its valve, contact your supplier.
Handling and Storage
Storage:Store and use with adequate ventilation. Cylinders should be stored upright with
valve protection cap in place and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked
over. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide or drop. Do not allow storage area temperature to exceed 125°F (52°C). Full and empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to prevent full containers from being stored for long periods of time
Handling:Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap. Keep cylinders and their valves free from oil and
grease. Open valve slowly. If user experiences difficulty operating cylinder valve, discontinue use and contact supplier. Never insert an object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pry bar, etc.) into valve cap openings. Doing so may damage valve, causing a leak to occur. Never strike an arc on a compressed gas cylinder or make a cylinder a part of an electrical circuit. Use an adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. For additional precautions in using argon see Section 16 –
Other Information
Exposure Control – Personal Protection
Engineering Controls:
Ventilation:Natural or mechanical to prevent oxygen-deficient atmospheres under 19.5% oxygen.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Skin Protection:
Clothing:Cotton clothing is recommended for use to prevent static buildup.
Glasses:Safety glasses are recommended when handling cylinders.
Shoes:Safety shoes are recommended when handling cylinders.
Gloves:Work gloves are recommended when handling cylinders.
Respirator :None required in general use.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State:Gas
Color:Colorless gas.
Odor:Odorless
Molecular Weight:39.95
Boiling Point:-302.6°F (-185.9°C) @ 1 atm
Specific Gravity:1.38 At 70°F (21.1°C) @ 1 atm, Air = 1
Freezing/Melting Point:-308.6°F (-189.2°C), @ 1 atm
Vapor Pressure:Not Applicable
Vapor Density:.103 lb./cu ft (1.650 kg/CuM), At 70°F (21.1°C) @ 1 atm
Water Solubility:.056 Vol./Vol. At 32° F (0°C)
Expansion Ratio:Not Applicable – Gas
pH:Not Applicable – Gas
Odor Threshold:Not Applicable – Gas
Evaporation Rate:Not Applicable – Gas
Coefficient Of Water/Oil Distribution:Information not available
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability:Stable
Conditions To Avoid:None
Hazardous Decomposition Products:None
Hazardous Polymerization:Will not occur
Toxicological Information
LCLo:50% None
TCLo:None
Irritancy Of Material:None.
Sensitization To Material:None.
Reproductive Effects:None.
Teratogenicity:None.
Mutagenicity:None.
Synergistic Materials:None.
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity:No adverse ecological effects are expected. Argon does not contain any Class I orClass II Ozone depleting chemicals (40 CFR Part 82). Argon is not listed as a marine pollutant by DOT (49 CFR Part 171).
Disposal Considerations
Waste Disposal Method:Do not attempt to dispose of residual or unused quantities. Return cylinder to supplier.
Transport Information
DOT/IMO Shipping Name:Argon, compressed.
Hazard Class:2.2 (NonFlammable gas.)
Identification Number:UN 1066
PIN:1066
Product RQ:None.
Shipping Label:Non Flammable Gas.
Special Shipping Information: 
Cylinders should be transported in a secure position, in a well ventilated vehicle. The transportation of compressed gas cylinders in automobiles or in closed-body vehicles can present serious hazards and should be discouraged.
Placard (When Required):Non Flammable gas.