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Compressed Air Safety Data Sheet

Product Name:Compressed Air
Chemical Name:Air
Formula:N/A
Chemical Family:Nonflammable gas
Use:Various
Synonyms:Medical Air, Breathing Air, Compressed Air
NFPA Fire:0
NFPA Health:0
NFPA Reactivity:0
HMIS Fire:0
HMIS Health:0
HMIS Reactivity:0
Mixture:No
Acute:No
Chronic:No
Fire:No
Reactive:No
Sudden Release Pressure:Yes

Composition of Compressed Air

Component:Air
CAS No.132257-10-0
Percent (by weight)100.0%
ACGIH – STELNone

Emergency Overview of compressed air 

Danger:High pressure gas. May accelerate combustion.

Potential Health Effects of compressed air 

Inhalation:At atmospheric pressure air has no adverse health effects. For elevated pressure exposure see Section 11 – Toxicological Information.
Eye:None.
Skin:None.
Ingestion:None.
Chronic Effects:None
Medical Conditions Aggravated By OverexposureNone.
Carcinogenicity:Not listed in NTP, OSHA or IARC
Fire Fighting Measures
Extinguishing Media:Air is nonflammable but will support combustion. Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire.
Fire Fighting Instructions:Evacuate all personnel from the danger area. If possible, shut off flow of air which is supporting the fire. Immediately cool containers with water spray from maximum distance. When cool, move containers from fire area, if without risk. Compressed air at high pressures may accelerate combustion of other materials. Upon exposure to intense heat or flame, cylinder will vent rapidly and or rupture violently. Most cylinders are designed to vent contents when exposed to elevated temperatures.
Hazardous Combustion Products:None
Sensitivity To Static Discharge:None
Sensitivity To Mechanical Impact:None

Handling and Storage of compressed air

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 a adjustable strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. For additional precautions in using air see Section 16 –
Exposure Control – Personal Protection
Engineering Controls:
Ventilation:None Required
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.
Respiratory Protection:Before entering area you must check for flammable and oxygen deficient atmospheres.
Respirator:None required in general use.
Wear a NIOSH/MSHA-approved (or equivalent) full-face piece airline respirator in the positive pressure mode in oxygen deficient atmospheres (air purifying respirators will not function).
Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State:Gas
Color:Colorless gas.
Odor:Oderless
Molecular Weight:28.975
Boiling Point:-317.8°F (-194.3°C)
Specific Gravity:1.00 At 70°F (21.1°C) @ 1 atm, Air = 1
Freezing/Melting Point:-357.2°F (-216.2°C) at 1 atm
Vapor Density:.07493 lb./cu ft (1.2 kg/CuM), At 70°F (21.1°C) @ 1 atm
Water Solubility:.0292 Vol./Vol. At 32° F (0°C)
Expansion Ratio:Not Applicable – Gas
pH:Not Applicable – Gas
Odor Threshold:None
Evaporation Rate:Not Applicable – Gas
Coefficient Of Water/Oil Distribution:Information not available.
Transport Information
DOT/IMO Shipping Name:Air, compressed.
Hazard Class:2.2 (Nonflammable Gas)
Identification Number:UN 1002
PIN:1002
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.