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XII.
TOXIC GASES
Characteristics • Gases may be chemical asphyxiants, corrosives, and/or poisonous (other than a
chemical asphyxiant)
Storage
Precautions
Potential
Hazards
• Must be used inside a gas cabinet and toxic gas monitors installed.
• Corrosive gases should be stored for the shortest possible period before use,
preferably < 3 months
• Consult with gas suppliers to ensure proper piping and manifold compatibility
• Notify Fire Marshal or Chemical Hygiene Officer prior to using highly toxic
gases
Fire • Many toxic gases are highly flammable
• Vapors may travel to ignition source and flash back
• Cylinders may rupture and rocket
Explosion • Containers may explode in heat of fire
• Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outside, or in sewers
Health • Poisonous if inhaled or absorbed
• Contact may cause burns to skin or eyes
• Contact with liquid may cause frostbite
• Respiratory irritant
Immediate
Action
Personal
Protection
NOTIFY EH&S OF ANY RELEASE:
• Beyond immediate work area
• Causing personal injury
• Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped
• Consult with MSDS for techniques for specific gases
• Keep material out of water sources
• Avoid breathing vapors
• Avoid bodily contact with material
• Wear appropriate chemical protective clothing
First Aid • Move victim to fresh air
• If not breathing, give artificial respiration
• In case of contact with material, flush with running water for at least 15 minutes
• Remove contaminated clothing
• Call physician immediately
Common Toxic Gases:
Phosgene
Hydrogen Sulfide
Chlorine
Hydrogen Cyanide
Carbon Monoxide
Fluorine
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