Liquid Nitrogen MSDS
Liquid Nitrogen MSDS
Liquid Nitrogen MSDS
DATA SHEET
Prepared to U.S. OSHA, CMA, ANSI and Canadian WHMIS Standards
1. PRODUCT AND COMPANY INFORMATION
CHEMICAL NAME; CLASS: LIQUID NITROGEN
SYNONYMS: Nitrogen NF; LIN; Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen; Nitrogen, Refrigerated Liquid
CHEMICAL FAMILY NAME: Inert Gas
FORMULA: N2
Document Number: 10071
PRODUCT USE: Medical, food freezing, inerting and for general
analytical/synthetic chemical uses.
MANUFACTURED/SUPPLIED FOR:
ADDRESS: 2700 Post Oak Drive
Houston, TX 77056-8229
EMERGENCY PHONE: CHEMTREC: 1-800-424-9300
BUSINESS PHONE:
General MSDS Information 1-713/896-2896
Fax on Demand: 1-800/231-1366
SYMPTOMS OF OVER-EXPOSURE BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE: The most significant routes of over-exposure for
this gas are by inhalation, and contact with the cryogenic liquid.
INHALATION: High concentrations of this gas can cause an oxygen-deficient environment. Individuals breathing
such an atmosphere may experience symptoms which include headaches, ringing in ears, dizziness, drowsiness,
unconsciousness, nausea, vomiting, and depression of all the senses. Under some circumstances of over-
exposure, death may occur. The following effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows:
CONCENTRATION SYMPTOM OF EXPOSURE
12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular coordination slightly disturbed.
10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed respiration.
6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of consciousness.
Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory collapse, and death.
CONTACT WITH SKIN or EYES: Contact of the liquid with the skin can lead to severe cryogenic burns or dermatitis
(red, cracked, irritated skin), depending upon concentration and duration of exposure. Contact of the liquid with the
eyes can cause pain, redness, severe cryogenic burns, and prolonged exposure could cause blindness. Contact
with the undiluted liquid will cause frostbite, ulceration of the skin (which may be delayed in appearance for
several hours), blistering, and pain. Contact with rapidly expanding gas poses a frostbite hazard.
OTHER POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases (which are
released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include change in skin color to white or
grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside.
HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation in Lay Terms. Over-exposure to Nitrogen
may cause the following health effects:
ACUTE: The most significant hazard associated with this gas is inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Symptoms of oxygen deficiency include respiratory difficulty, ringing in ears, headaches, shortness of breath,
wheezing, headache, dizziness, indigestion, nausea, and, at high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may
occur. The skin of a victim of over-exposure may have a blue color. Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly
expanding gases (which are released under high pressure) may cause frostbite. Symptoms of frostbite include
change in skin color to white or grayish-yellow. The pain after contact with liquid can quickly subside.
CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to this gas.
TARGET ORGANS: ACUTE: Respiratory system. CHRONIC: None known.
This material is classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations in the United States and the WHMIS in
Canada.
NE = Not Established. See Section 16 for Definitions of Terms Used.
NOTE: ALL WHMIS required information is included in appropriate sections based on the ANSI Z400.1-2004 format. This product has been
classified in accordance with the hazard criteria of the CPR and the MSDS contains all the information required by the CPR.
4. FIRST-AID MEASURES
RESCUERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO RETRIEVE VICTIMS OF EXPOSURE TO LIQUID
NITROGEN WITHOUT ADEQUATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. At a minimum, Self-
Contained Breathing Apparatus should be worn.
Remove victim(s) to fresh air, as quickly as possible. Trained personnel should administer supplemental oxygen
and/or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, if necessary. Only trained personnel should administer supplemental oxygen.
Victim(s) must be taken for medical attention. Rescuers should be taken for medical attention, if necessary. Take
copy of label and MSDS to physician or other health professional with victim(s).
EYE EXPOSURE: If liquid is splashed into eyes, or if irritation of the eye develops after exposure to liquid or gas,
open victim's eyes while under gentle running water. Use sufficient force to open eyelids. Have victim "roll" eyes.
Minimum flushing is for 15 minutes. Seek medical assistance immediately, preferably an ophthalmologist.
SKIN EXPOSURE: In case of frostbite remove any clothing that may restrict circulation to any frozen area. Do not
rub frozen parts as tissue damage may occur. As soon as practicable, place any affected area in warm water bath
which has a temperature that does not exceed 105°F (40°C). NEVER USE HOT WATER. NEVER USE DRY
HEAT. If area of frostbite is extensive, and if possible, remove clothing while showering with warm water. If warm
water is not available, or is impractical to use, wrap the affected parts gently in blankets. Alternatively, if the fingers
or hands are frostbitten, place the affected area of the body in the armpit. Encourage victim to gently exercise the
affected part while being warmed. Seek immediate medical attention.
Frozen tissue is painless and appears waxy, with a possible yellow color. Frozen tissue will become swollen, painful
and prone to infection when thawed. If the frozen part of the body has been thawed by the time medical attention
has been obtained, cover the area with a dry sterile dressing and a large bulky protective covering.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Pre-existing respiratory conditions may be aggravated
by over-exposure to Liquid Nitrogen.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO PHYSICIANS: Treat symptoms and reduce over-exposure.
5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
FLASH POINT: Not applicable.
AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not applicable.
FLAMMABLE LIMITS (in air by volume, %):
Lower (LEL): Not applicable.
Upper (UEL): Not applicable.
FIRE EXTINGUISHING MATERIALS: Non-flammable, inert cryogenic liquid. Use extinguishing media appropriate
for surrounding fire.
RESPONSE TO FIRE INVOLVING CRYOGEN: Cryogenic liquids can be particularly dangerous during fires
because of their potential to rapidly freeze water. Careless use of water may cause heavy icing. Furthermore, the
relatively warm water greatly increases the evaporation rate of Nitrogen. If large concentrations of Nitrogen gas are
present, the water vapor in the surrounding air will condense, creating a dense fog that may make it difficult to find
fire exits or equipment. Liquid Nitrogen, when exposed to the atmosphere, will produce a cloud of ice/fog in the air
upon its release.
HEALTH 3 0 REACTIVITY
FLAMMABILITY HAZARD (RED) 0
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY
See Section 8
MIXTURES: When two or more gases or liquefied gases are mixed, their hazardous properties may combine to create
additional, unexpected hazards. Obtain and evaluate the safety information for each component before you produce the
mixture. Consult an Industrial Hygienist or other trained person when you make your safety evaluation of the end product.
Remember, gases and liquids have properties which can cause serious injury or death.
Further information about Nitrogen can be found in the following pamphlets published by: Compressed Gas Association Inc.
(CGA), 4221 Walney Road 5th floor, Chantilly, VA 20151-2923. Telephone: (703) 788-2700.
G-10.1 “Commodity Specification for Nitrogen“
P-1 “Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers”
P-9 “Inert Gases, Argon, Nitrogen and Helium”
P-12 “Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids”
P-14 “Accident Prevention in Oxygen-Rich, Oxygen-Deficient Atmospheres”
SB-2 “Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres “
AV-1 “Safe Handling and Storage of Compressed Gases”
AV-5 “Safe Handling of Liquefied Nitrogen and Argon”
“Handbook of Compressed Gases”
This Material Safety Data Sheet is offered pursuant to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR, 1910.1200. Other government
regulations must be reviewed for applicability to this gas. To the best of Air Liquide’s knowledge, the information contained herein is reliable
and accurate as of this date; however, accuracy, suitability or completeness are not guaranteed and no warranties of any type, either express
or implied, are provided. The information contained herein relates only to this specific product. If this gas is combined with other materials,
all component properties must be considered. Data may be changed from time to time. Be sure to consult the latest edition.