MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME:
CHEMICAL NAME:
SYNONYMS:
MANUFACTURER:

Oxygen, Compressed
Oxygen
FORMULA: O2
Oxygen gas, Gaseous Oxygen, GOX
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
7201 Hamilton Boulevard
Allentown, PA 18195 - 1501
PRODUCT INFORMATION:
1-800-752-1597
MSDS NUMBER: 1012
REVISION: 5
REVISION DATE: January 1995
REVIEW DATE: August 1997**
SECTION 2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Oxygen is sold as pure product > 99%.
CAS NUMBER: 7782-44-7
EXPOSURE LIMITS:
OSHA: Not established
ACGIH: Not established

NIOSH: Not established

SECTION 3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Oxygen is an odorless, colorless, nonflammable gas stored in cylinders at high
pressure. It is an oxidizing gas and vigorously accelerates combustion. Keep away
from oils or grease. Rescue personnel should be aware of the extreme fire hazards
associated with oxygen-enriched (greater than 23%) atmospheres, and that self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(800) 523-9374 Continental U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
(610) 481-7711 other locations
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS INFORMATION:
INHALATION: Breathing 80% or more oxygen at atmospheric pressure for more
than a few hours may cause nasal stuffiness, cough, sore throat, chest pain and
breathing difficulty. Breathing oxygen at higher pressure increases the likelihood
of adverse effects within a shorter time period. Breathing pure oxygen under
pressure may cause lung damage and also central nervous system effects
resulting in dizziness, poor coordination, tingling sensation, visual and hearing
disturbances, muscular twitching, unconsciousness and convulsions. Breathing
oxygen under pressure may cause prolongation of adaptation to darkness and
reduced peripheral vision.
EYE / SKIN CONTACT: No adverse effect.

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EXPOSURE INFORMATION:
ROUTE OF ENTRY: Inhalation
TARGET ORGANS: Eyes, central nervous system
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY OVEREXPOSURE: Patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease retain carbon dioxide abnormally. If oxygen is administered to them, raising the
oxygen concentration in the blood depresses their breathing and raises their retained carbon
dioxide to a dangerous level.
CARCINOGENIC POTENTIAL: Oxygen is not listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by
NTP, IARC, or OSHA Subpart Z.
SECTION 4. FIRST AID
INHALATION: Move victim to fresh air or if in elevated pressures reduce oxygen pressures to
one atmosphere. Call a physician. The physician should be advised that the victim has been
exposed to a high concentration of oxygen. No treatment is required in the absence of symptoms
or high pressure exposure.
EYE / SKIN CONTACT: Not applicable
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN: Animal studies suggest that the administration of certain drugs, including
phenothiazine drugs and chloroquine, increase the susceptibility to toxicity from oxygen at high
pressures. Animal studies also indicate that vitamin "E" deficiency may increase susceptibility to
oxygen toxicity.
Airway obstruction during high oxygen tension may cause alveolar collapse following absorption of
the oxygen. Similarly, occlusion of the Eustachian tubes may cause retraction of the eardrum and
obstruction of the paranasal sinuses may produce "vacuum-type" headache.
All individuals exposed for long periods to oxygen at high pressure and who exhibit overt oxygen
toxicity should have ophthalmologic examinations.
SECTION 5. FIRE AND EXPLOSION
FLASH POINT:
Not applicable

AUTOIGNITION:
Nonflammable

FLAMMABLE LIMITS:
Nonflammable

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Oxygen is nonflammable but will support combustion. Use extinguishing
media appropriate for surrounding fire.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: None
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS: Evacuate all personnel from the danger area. If
possible, shut off flow of oxygen which is supporting the fire. Immediately cool containers with
water spray from maximum distance. When cool move cylinders from fire area, if possible without
risk. Self contained breathing apparatus may be required for rescue workers.
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Oxygen vigorously accelerates combustion. Some
materials which are noncombustible in air will burn in the presence of an oxygen enriched
atmosphere (greater than 23%). Fire resistant clothing may burn and offer no protection in oxygen
rich atmospheres. Oxygen may form explosive compounds when exposed to combustible materials
or oil, grease, and other hydrocarbon materials. Pressure in a container can build up due to heat
and it may rupture if pressure relief devices should fail to function. 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. Pressure in a container can build up due to heat
and it may rupture if pressure relief devices should fail to function.

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SECTION 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Shut off source of oxygen if possible. Increase
ventilation to release area. Personnel who have been exposed to high concentrations of oxygen
should stay in a well-ventilated or open area for 30 minutes before going into a confined space or
near an ignition source.
If leak is from container or its valve, call the Air Products emergency telephone number. If leak is
in users system close cylinder valve and vent pressure before attempting repairs.
SECTION 7. STORAGE AND HANDLING
STORAGE: Cylinders should be stored upright in a well-ventilated, secure area, protected from the
weather. Storage area temperatures should not exceed 125 F (52 C) and area should be free of
combustible materials. Storage should be away from heavily traveled areas and emergency exits.
Avoid areas where salt or other corrosive materials are present. Cylinders should be separated from
flammables by a minimum distance of 20 ft. or by a barricade of non-combustible material at least
five ft. high having a fire resistance rating of at least 1/2 hour. Valve protection caps and valve
outlet seals should remain on cylinders not connected for use. Separate full from empty cylinders.
Avoid excessive inventory and storage time. Use a first-in first-out system. Keep good inventory
records.
HANDLING: Do not drag, roll, or slide cylinder. Use a suitable handtruck designed for cylinder
movement. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap. Secure cylinders at all times while in use.
Use a pressure reducing regulator or separate control valve to safely discharge gas from cylinder.
Use a check valve to prevent reverse flow into cylinder. Do not overheat cylinder to increase
pressure or discharge rate. Always open cylinder valve slowly. Do not use rapid opening valves
(i.e., ball valves). If user experiences any 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. Use an adjustable strap-wrench to
remove over-tight or rusted caps.
All gauges, valves, regulators, piping and equipment to be used in oxygen service must be cleaned
for oxygen service in accordance with Compressed Gas Association pamphlet G-4.1.
Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and their alloys are materials of construction that
can be used in oxygen service. Use piping and equipment adequately designed to withstand
pressures to be encountered. Oxygen is not to be used as a substitute for compressed air. Never
use an oxygen jet for cleaning purposes of any sort, especially clothing, as it increases the
likelihood of an engulfing fire. Use a check valve or other protective apparatus in any line or
piping from the cylinder to prevent reverse flow.
When used in welding and cutting read and understand the manufacturer's instructions and the
precautionary label on the products. Never strike an arc on a compressed gas cylinder or make a
cylinder a part of an electrical circuit.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Always store and handle compressed gases in accordance with
Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (ph. 703-412-0900) pamphlet CGA P-1, Safe Handling of
Compressed Gases in Containers. Local regulations may require specific equipment for storage or
use.
CAUTION: Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled except by qualified producers of
compressed gases. Shipment of a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner
or with the owners written consent is a violation of federal law.
SECTION 8. PERSONAL PROTECTION / EXPOSURE CONTROL
ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Provide ventilation and/or local exhaust to prevent accumulation of
high concentrations of gas (greater than 23%).
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
GENERAL USE: None required
EMERGENCY: Use SCBA do to possibility of fire when concentrations exceed 23%.

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OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Safety shoes and work gloves are recommended when
handling cylinders. Clothing exposed to high concentrations may retain oxygen 30 minutes or
longer and become a potential fire hazard. Stay away from ignition sources.

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SECTION 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE: Colorless gas
ODOR: Odorless
MOLECULAR WEIGHT: 32.0
BOILING POINT (1 atm) : -297.3 F (-183.0 C)
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (Air =1): 1.10
SPECIFIC VOLUME (at 70 F 21.1 C) and 1 atm): 12.08 ft 3/lb (0.754 m 3/kg)
FREEZING / MELTING POINT: -361.9 F (-218.8 C)
VAPOR PRESSURE: Not applicable at 70F
GAS DENSITY (At 70F (21.1C) and 1 Atm) : 0.083 lb /ft 3 (1.326 kg/m3)
SOLUBILITY IN WATER (Vol./Vol. at 32F (0C)): 0.049
SECTION 10. REACTIVITY / STABILITY
CHEMICAL STABILITY: Stable
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: None
INCOMPATIBILITY: Oils, grease, hydrocarbons and flammable materials.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: None
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur
SECTION 11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
At atmospheric concentration and pressure, oxygen poses no toxicity hazards.
Premature infants exposed to high oxygen concentrations may suffer delayed retinal damage
which can progress to retinal detachment and blindness. Retinal damage may also occur in adults
exposed to 100% oxygen for extended periods (24 to 48 hr).
At two or more atmospheres central nervous system (CNS) toxicity occurs. Symptoms include
nausea, vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, muscle twitching, vision changes, and loss of consciousness
and generalized seizures. At three atmospheres, CNS toxicity occurs in less than two hours, and at
six atmospheres in only a few minutes.
SECTION 12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The atmosphere contains 21% oxygen. No adverse ecological effects are expected. Oxygen does not
contain any Class I or Class II ozone depleting chemicals. Oxygen is not listed as a marine pollutant by
DOT (49 CFR 171).
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL
UNUSED PRODUCT / EMPTY CONTAINER: Return container and unused product to supplier. Do
not attempt to dispose of residual or unused quantities.
DISPOSAL: For emergency disposal, secure cylinder and slowly discharge gas to the atmosphere
in a well ventilated area or outdoors.
SECTION 14. TRANSPORTATION
DOT HAZARD CLASS: 2.2 (Nonflammable Gas)
DOT SHIPPING NAME: Oxygen, compressed
REPORTABLE QUANTITY (RQ): None

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OXYGEN

DOT SHIPPING LABEL: Nonflammable Gas,

Oxidizer
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: UN 1072
PLACARD: Nonflammable Gas or Oxygen

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SPECIAL SHIPPING INFORMATION: Cylinders should be transported in a secure upright position in

a well ventilated truck. Never transport in passenger compartment of a vehicle. An oxygen label
may be used for domestic shipment in the United States and Canada in place of the Nonflammable and Oxidizer labels (49CFR Part 172).
SECTION 15. REGULATORY INFORMATION
U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
EPA - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY:
CERCLA: Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
requires notification to the National Response Center of releases of quantities of hazardous
substances equal to or greater than the reportable quantities (RQ) in 40 CFR 302.4.
CERCLA Reportable Quantity: None
SARA TITLE III: Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SECTION 302: Requires emergency planning based on threshold planning quantities
(TPQ) and release reporting based on reportable quantities (RQ) of EPAs extremely
hazardous substances (40 CFR 355).
Oxygen is not listed as an Extremely Hazardous Substance.
SECTIONS 311/312: Require submission of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and
chemical inventory reporting with identification of EPA defined hazard classes. The
hazard classes for this product are:
IMMEDIATE:
No
PRESSURE:
Yes
DELAYED:
No
REACTIVITY:
No
FIRE:
Yes
SECTION 313: Requires submission of annual reports of releases of toxic chemicals that
appear in
40 CFR 372.
Oxygen is not listed as a toxic chemical.
40 CFR PART 68: Risk Management for Chemical Accident Release Prevention. Requires the
development and implementation of risk management programs at facilities that manufacture,
use, store, or otherwise handle regulated substances in quantities that exceed specified
thresholds.
Oxygen is not listed as a regulated substance.
TOXIC SUBSTANCE CONTROL ACT (TSCA): Oxygen is listed on the TSCA inventory.
OSHA - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
29 CFR 1910.119: Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. Requires
facilities to develop a process safety management program based on Threshold Quantities (TQ)
of highly hazardous chemicals.
Oxygen is not listed as a Highly Hazardous Chemical.
STATE REGULATIONS
CALIFORNIA:
Proposition 65:This product does NOT contain any listed substances for which the
State of California requires warning under this statute.
SCAQMD Rule:
VOC = Not applicable

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SECTION 16. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

HAZARD RATINGS:
NFPA RATINGS:
HEALTH:
FLAMMABILITY:
REACTIVITY:
SPECIAL:

0
0
0
OX (oxidizer)

HMIS RATINGS:
HEALTH:
FLAMMABILITY:
REACTIVITY:

0
0
0

**Documents with Revision Date January 1995 and Review Date August 1997 are identical in content and either
may be used.

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