MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment

2427 S. Anne Street

Santa Ana, California 92704 USA
Domestic US: (866) 470-6372; International 714-434-7102
www.mesagas.com

SAFETY DATA SHEET

SECTION 1 – IDENTIFICATION

Chemical Name: Nitrogen

Chemical Formula: N2
Chemical Family: Inert Gas
Hazard Classification: Nitrogen, Compressed, Non-Flammable Gas, UN1066,
Green Label
Product Use Description: Analytical Standard and General Laboratory Applications
Company: MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment
2427 South Anne Street
Santa Ana, California 92704 USA
Phone Number for Information: Infotrac
Emergency Contact: 800-535-5053 (Int’l: 352-323-3500)

SECTION 2 – HAZARD(S) IDENTIFICATION

SIGNAL WORD - WARNING

HAZARD STATEMENTS: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.

May cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in the air.
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS:
General: Use in accordance with Safety Data Sheets.
Do not ingest or inhale. Avoid contact with skin and clothing.
Prevention: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames,
and other ignition sources. No smoking.
Response: Leaking gas fire: Do not extinguish unless leak can be stopped safely.
In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources.
Do not open valve until prepared to use.
Always use a back flow preventative device in piping.
Storage: Protect from sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.
OTHER HAZARDS: High pressure gas. May cause rapid suffocation.
May cause dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, excess
salivation, loss of mobility/consciousness.
May react explosively even in absence of air at elevated pressure
and/or temperature.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required.

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SECTION 3 – COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

COMPONENT CAS NO. CONCENTRATION

Nitrogen 7727-37-9 99.999%
Maximum impurities including Hydrocarbons,
Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen 0.001% (10 ppm)

SECTION 4 – FIRST AID MEASURES

ROUTE OF EXPOSURE:
Inhalation: Remove person to uncontaminated area. SCBA may be required to prevent asphyxiation of rescue workers.
Keep warm and at rest. Lay victim face down with head and chest lower than hips to improve drainage from lungs. If
breathing is labored, administer pure oxygen. If breathing has stopped, start artificial respiration. Get immediate medical
attention for serious exposure.
Eye contact: N/A
Skin contact: N/A
Ingestion: N/A
SYMPTOMS: 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. The skin of a victim may have a blue color. Under some
circumstances, death may occur. The effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows:
CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE NITROGEN GAS
12-16% Oxygen: Breathing and pulse rate increased, muscular
coordination slightly disturbed. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INFORMATION
10-14% Oxygen: Emotional upset, abnormal fatigue, disturbed SYSTEM
respiration.
6-10% Oxygen: Nausea and vomiting, collapse or loss of HEALTH (BLUE) 1
consciousness.
Below 6%: Convulsive movements, possible respiratory
collapse, and death.

OTHER POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: Contact with cryogenic

FLAMMABILITY (RED) 0

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.
REACTIVITY (YELLOW) 0

HEALTH EFFECTS OR RISKS FROM EXPOSURE: An Explanation

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT B
in Lay Terms. Overexposure to Nitrogen may cause the following
health effects:
EYES RESPIRATORY HANDS BODY

ACUTE: The most significant hazard associated with this gas is

inhalation of oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Symptoms of oxygen See See
deficiency include respiratory difficulty, headache, dizziness and Section 8 Section 8
nausea. At high concentrations, unconsciousness or death may
occur. Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases For routine industrial applications
may cause frostbite.

CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to Nitrogen.

TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system.

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 SECTION 5 – FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
NITROGEN GAS
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Non-flammable, inert gas. Use extinguishing media NFPA RATING
appropriate for surrounding fire. FLAMMABILITY
UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: Nitrogen does not burn; however,
containers may rupture violently when exposed to fire. Continue to cool fire exposed
0
cylinders until flames are extinguished. Cylinder valve is equipped with a pressure
relief device to safely vent the cylinder if it is exposed to elevated pressure in a fire.
HEALTH 1 0 REACTIVITY

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Structural fire-fighters must wear Self-

Contained Breathing Apparatus and full protective equipment. Move fire-exposed
cylinders if it can be done without risk to firefighters. Otherwise, cool containers with
OTHER
hose stream and protect personnel. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sounds
from venting safety device or any discoloration of tanks due to the fire.

SECTION 6 – ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS, PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Wear self-contained

breathing apparatus when entering area unless atmosphere is proved to be safe. Monitor oxygen level. Ventilate the area.
SPILL AND LEAK RESPONSE: Uncontrolled releases should be responded to by trained personnel using pre-planned
procedures. Proper protective equipment should be used. In case of a release, clear the affected area and protect people.

Minimum Personal Protective Equipment should be Level B: protective clothing, mechanically-resistant gloves and Self-
Contained Breathing Apparatus. Locate and seal the source of the leaking gas. Allow the gas to dissipate. Monitor the
surrounding area for oxygen levels. The atmosphere must have at least 19.5 percent oxygen before personnel can be
allowed in the area without Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Attempt to close the main source valve prior to entering
the area. If this does not stop the release (or if it is not possible to reach the valve), allow the gas to release in-place or
remove it to a safe area and allow the gas to be released there.

ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS: Prevent spreading of vapors through sewers, ventilation systems, and confined areas.
Do not discharge materials into any place where their accumulation could be dangerous.

METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR CONTAINMENT AND CLEANING UP: Stop the folow of gas or remove cylinder to
outdoor location if this can be done without risk. Ventilate enclosed areas. Move leaking cylinder to fume hood or safe
outdoor area. Use monitoring equipment if hazardous conditions are suspected or likely to occur.

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SECTION 7 – HANDLING AND STORAGE

PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING: Only experienced and properly instructed persons should handle compressed
gases. Person is to know and understand the properties and hazards of the product before use. Do not remove or deface
labels provided by the supplier for the identification of the product.
Protect cylinders against physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated, fireproof area, away from flammable materials
and corrosive atmospheres. Store away from heat and ignition sources and out of direct sunlight. Do not store near
elevators, corridors or loading docks. Do not allow area where cylinders are stored to exceed 52°C (125°F). Isolate from
incompatible materials such as magnesium (see Section 10, Stability and Reactivity for more information), which can react
violently. Use only storage containers and equipment (pipes, valves, fittings to relieve pressure, etc.) designed for the
storage of Liquid Nitrogen. Do not store containers where they can come into contact with moisture. Cylinders should be
stored upright and be firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinders can be stored in the open, but in
such cases, should be protected against extremes of weather and from the dampness of the ground to prevent rusting.
Keep Dewar flasks covered with loose fitting cap. This prevents air or moisture from entering the container, yet allows
pressure to escape. Use only the stopper or plug supplied with the container. Ensure that ice does not form in the neck of
flasks. If the neck of Dewar flask is blocked by ice or “frozen” air, follow manufacturer’s instruction for removing it. Ice can
also cause pressure release valves to fail. Never tamper with pressure relief devices. The following rules are applicable to
situations in which cylinders are being used:

Before Use: Move cylinders with a suitable hand-truck. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Do not drop cylinders or permit
them to strike each other. Secure cylinders firmly. Leave the valve protection cap in-place (if provided), until cylinder is
ready for use.
During Use: Use designated CGA fittings and other support equipment. Do not use adapters. Do not heat cylinder by any
means to increase the discharge rate of the product from the cylinder. Use check valve or trap in discharge line to prevent
hazardous backflow into the cylinder. Do not use oils or grease on gas-handling fittings or equipment.
After Use: Close main cylinder valve. Replace valve protection cap (if provided). Mark empty cylinders “EMPTY”.

NOTE: Use only DOT or ASME code containers. Earth-ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with this
product. Close valve after each use and when empty. Cylinders must not be recharged except by or with the consent of
owner. For additional information refer to the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed
Gases in Containers. For cryogenic liquids, refer to CGA P-12, Safe Handling of Cryogenic Liquids. Also see CGA P-9, the
Inert Gases, Argon, Nitrogen, and Helium; CGA P-14, Accident Prevention in Oxygen Rich and Oxygen Deficient
Atmospheres; CGA Safety Bulletin SB-2, Oxygen Deficient Atmospheres.

CONDITIONS FOR SAFE STORAGE: Cylinders should be secured with mounting brackets away from heavily traveled
areas. Use oldest cylinders in stock first to prevent full cylinders from being stored for excessive periods of time. Full and
empty cylinders should be segregated. Keep cylinder in dry, cool, well ventilated area away from heat, flame, sparks or
corrosive chemicals. Cylinders should be moved by suitable hand trucks. Close valve after each use and when
empty.Cylinder valve guards or caps should be in place. Cylinder temperature should not exceed 52°C (125°F). Store
containers in location free from fire risk and away from any sources of heat and ignition. Keep cylinder away from
combustible material. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure.

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SECTION 8 – EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

COMPONENT OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV

Nitrogen None None
APPROPRIATE ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Use with adequate ventilation to maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% in the
workplace. Local exhaust ventilation is preferred, because it prevents Nitrogen dispersion into the work place by eliminating
it at its source. If appropriate, install automatic monitoring equipment to detect the level of oxygen.
INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES: Safety glasses, work gloves, and safety shoes should be worn when handling
high pressure cylinders or hazardous materials.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% in the workplace. Use supplied air respiratory
protection if oxygen levels are below 19.5% or during emergency response to a release of Nitrogen. If respiratory protection
is required, follow the requirements of the Federal OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134), or equivalent
State standards.

EYE PROTECTION: Splash goggles, face-shields or safety glasses. Face-shields must be worn when handling cryogenic
Nitrogen.

HAND PROTECTION: Wear mechanically resistant-gloves when handling cylinders of Nitrogen. Use low-temperature
protective gloves (e.g., Kevlar) when working with containers of Liquid Nitrogen.

BODY PROTECTION: Use body protection appropriate for task. Transfer of large quantities under pressure may require
protective equipment appropriate to protect employees from splashes of liquefied product, as well provide sufficient
insulation from extreme cold.

SECTION 9 – PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: Colorless Upper/lower flammability/explosive limits: No data available

Odor: Odorless Vapor Pressure: N/A
Odor threshold: No data available Vapor Density (Air=1): 1.153 kg/m3 (0.072 lb/ft3)
pH: N/A Relative Density (Water=1): Varies
Melting point/range: N/A Solubility (in water): 1.49%
Boiling point/range: -320.4°F (-195.8°C) Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): N/A
Flash Point: N/A Auto-ignition temperature: No data available
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate=1): N/A Decomposition temperature: No data available
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available Visocity: N/A

SECTION 10 – STABILITY AND REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to avoid: Contact with incompatible materials.

Reactivity: Refer to possibility of hazardous Cylinders exposed to high temperatures or direct flame can rupture
reactions and/or incompatible materials sections or burst.
Incompatible materials: Titanium, neodymium, lithium, zirconium
and ozone react with Nitrogen. Calcium, strontium, and barium will
Chemical Stability: Normally stable in gaseous react with red heat to form nitrides. Hydrogen reacts on sparking to
state form ammonia.
Possibility of hazardous reactions: No data Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: None
available

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SECTION 11 – TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

LIKELY ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:

Eye Irritation (rabbit): Liquid Nitrogen poured into the eye for one or two seconds with the lids held apart, produced no
discernible injury. When the exposure was extended to five seconds, slight lesions of the cornea were observed. By the
next day, all eyes were entirely normal.
SYMPTOMS/EFFECTS FROM EXPOSURE:
SYMPTOMS: 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. The skin of a victim may have a blue color. Under some
circumstances, death may occur. The effects associated with various levels of oxygen are as follows:

CONCENTRATION SYMPTOMS 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.

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. Overexposure 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, headache, dizziness and nausea. At high concentrations, unconsciousness
or death may occur. Contact with cryogenic liquid or rapidly expanding gases may cause frostbite.

CHRONIC: There are currently no known adverse health effects associated with chronic exposure to Nitrogen.

TARGET ORGANS: Respiratory system.

ACUTE/CHRONIC TOXICITY: No data available.

CARCINOGENICITY: No data available.

SECTION 12 – ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Ecotocity (aquatic and terrestrial): Any adverse effect on animals would be related to oxygen deficient environments.
No adverse effect is anticipated to occur to plant-life, except for frost produced in the presence of rapidly expanding gases.
No evidence is currently available on the effects of Nitrogen on aquatic life.
Persistence and degradability: No data available
Bioaccumulative potential: No data available
Mobility in soil: No data available

Other Effects: The mixture does not contain any class I or Class II ozone depleting chemicals.

SECTION 13 – DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disposal: Waste disposal must be in accordance with appropriate National, Federal, State, and local regulations. Do not
dispose or discharge into the environment. Do not discharge into enclosed environment. Contact supplier if additional
guidance is required.

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SECTION 14 – TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

DOT Classification:
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrogen, compressed
Class: 2.2
UN/ID No.: UN1066
Label: Non-Flammable Gas, Green Label
IATA Classification:
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrogen, compressed
Class: 2.2
UN/ID No.: UN1066
Label: Non-Flammable Gas, Green Label
Environment hazard: No
Transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code: N/A
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR USER: Avoid transport on vehicles where the load space is not separated from driver's
compartment. Ensure that transporter is aware of the potential hazards of the load and knows what to do in event of an
emergency. Contact supplier for complete transportation information.

SECTION 15 – REGULATORY INFORMATION

U.S. SARA REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: Nitrogen is not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 302, 304, and
313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.

U.S. CERCLA REPORTABLE QUANTITY (RQ): Not applicable.

CANADIAN DSL/NDSL INVENTORY STATUS: Nitrogen is on the DSL Inventory.

U.S. TSCA INVENTORY STATUS: Nitrogen is on the TSCA Inventory.

OTHER U.S. FEDERAL REGULATIONS: Not applicable.

U.S. STATE REGULATORY INFORMATION: Nitrogen is covered under the following specific State regulations:

Alaska - Designated Toxic and Hazardous Substances: No. California - Permissible Exposure Limits for Chemical
Contaminants: Nitrogen. Florida - Substance List: No. Illinois - Toxic Substance List: No.
Kansas - Section 302/313 List: No. Massachusetts - Substance List: No. Michigan - Critical Materials Register: No.
Minnesota - List of Hazardous Substances: No. Missouri - Employer Information/Toxic Substance List: No. New Jersey -
Right to Know Hazardous Substance List: Nitrogen.
North Dakota - List of Hazardous Chemicals, Reportable Quantities: No. Pennsylvania - Hazardous Substance List:
Nitrogen. Rhode Island - Hazardous Substance List: Nitrogen. Texas - Hazardous Substance List: No. West Virginia -
Hazardous Substance List: No. Wisconsin - Toxic and Hazardous Substances: No.

LABELING (For Compressed Gas):

WARNING: CONTAINS GAS UNDER PRESSURE; MAY EXPLODE IF HEATED. MAY CAUSE RAPID SUFFOCATION BY
DISPLACING OXYGEN IN THE AIR. MAY INCREASE RESPIRATION AND HEART RATE. May cause dizziness, nausea,
drowsiness, vomiting, excess salivation, and loss of mobility/consciousness. May cause frostbite. Keep away from heat, hot
surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources—No smoking. Use and store in well-ventilated areas. Leaking gas
fire: Do not extinguish unless leak can be stopped safely. In case of leakage, eliminate all ignition sources. Do not open
valve until prepared to use. Always use a backflow preventative device in piping. Use only with equipment rated for cylinder
pressure. Close valve after each use and when empty. Cylinder temperature should not exceed 52°C (125°F). Use in
accordance with Safety Data Sheet. FIRST AID: IF INHALED, remove to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give Oxygen. Call
a physician. IN CASE OF FROSTBITE, obtain immediate medical attention. DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL.

MESA Specialty Gases Equipment Page 7 of 8 11/26/2018

SECTION 16 – OTHER INFORMATION

Information contained in this data sheet is offered without charge for use by technically qualified personnel at their
discretion and risk. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests and
data which we believe to be reliable. But the accuracy and completeness thereof, is not guaranteed and no warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied, is made with respect thereto. Since MESA Specialty Gases and Equipment Division
of MESA International Technologies, Inc. shall have no control over the use of the product described herein, we assume
no liability for loss or damage incurred from the proper or improper use of such product.

HISTORY:
Date of printing: 11/26/2018
Date of issue/revision: 11/26/2018
Date of previous issue: 12/1/2014

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this data sheet is offered without charge for use by technically qualified personnel at their discretion and risk. All
statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests and data which we believe to be reliable.
But the accuracy and completeness thereof, is not guaranteed and no warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made with
respect thereto. Since MESA Specialty Gases and Equipment Division of MESA International Technologies, Inc. shall have no control
over the use of the product described herein, we assume no liability for loss or damage incurred from the proper or improper use of such
product.

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