Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – Liquid Carbon Dioxide
Identification
Product Name: Liquid Carbon Dioxide
Chemical Formula: CO2
Synonyms: Refrigerated Carbon Dioxide, LCO2
Recommended Uses: Food and beverage carbonation, refrigeration, fire suppression, inerting, extraction, laboratory applications
Supplier Name: Major industrial gas suppliers
Emergency Phone: Refer to local supplier's emergency number for immediate assistance
UN Number: UN1013
Hazard Identification
Classification: Gas under pressure, refrigerated liquefied gas
Hazard Statements: Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. May cause frostbite in contact with skin or eyes. High concentrations displace oxygen, creating an asphyxiation risk.
Pictogram: Gas cylinder symbol required on labels
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Wear protective gloves and face protection. Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Name: Carbon Dioxide
CAS Number: 124-38-9
Concentration: 99-100% CO2
Impurities: Trace impurities depend on grade but are typically non-hazardous in common sources
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or there is unconsciousness.
Skin Contact: For cold burns or frostbite, remove contaminated clothing carefully. Immerse affected area in warm water or wrap with warm dressings. Seek immediate medical help.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Hold eyelids open and call a physician urgently.
Ingestion: Ingestion unlikely, but if exposure occurs from condensation, rinse mouth and do not induce vomiting. Obtain medical assistance promptly.
Symptoms: Dizziness, headache, rapid breathing, confusion, loss of consciousness due to oxygen displacement
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Non-flammable gas, does not burn. Use extinguishing method suitable to surrounding fire.
Fire Hazards: Cylinders may rupture or explode in heat, releasing pressurized gas.
Protective Equipment: Firefighters use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing
Specific Methods: Remove containers from fire area if safe, cool with water spray, douse oncoming flames or radiated heat
Hazardous Combustion Products: Only product is CO2, no hazardous combustion products
Special Precautions: Consider evacuation in case of large scale fire involving containers
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate personnel to safe area, ventilate area, monitor oxygen levels
Protective Equipment: Wear insulated gloves, eye/face protection, and thermal protective clothing if handling release
Environmental Precautions: Prevent gas from entering confined spaces, basements, or pits
Spill Containment: Stop leak if safe to do so, ventilate area, do not allow water to enter container or system; CO2 is heavier than air and will collect in low areas
Emergency Procedures: Use detectors to monitor CO2 concentration, notify local emergency response services if major release
Handling and Storage
Handling: Always keep cylinders upright and secure. Do not drop or handle roughly. Use proper lifting and moving equipment.
Avoidance: Keep away from heat and ignition sources. Never use cylinders for unintended purposes.
Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials. Temperature controls prevent overpressure.
Separation: Segregate from materials that can react with CO2 (alkalis, certain metals).
Labeling: Properly identify all containers. Inspect regularly for leaks or damage.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
PEL (OSHA): 5,000 ppm (8-hour TWA)
TLV (ACGIH): 5,000 ppm (8-hour TWA); 30,000 ppm (STEL)
Engineering Controls: Ensure mechanical ventilation, oxygen monitoring in confined areas, gas detectors
Personal Protective Equipment: Insulated chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or face shield, thermal protective clothing
Respiratory Protection: Use air-supplied respirator if levels exceed exposure limits or in emergencies
Hygiene Practices: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing promptly
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Colorless, odorless liquid and gas
Odor: Odorless
pH: Forms weak acid in water
Boiling Point: –78.5°C (dry ice sublimes), –56.6°C (liquid under pressure)
Freezing Point: –78.5°C
Vapor Density (air=1): 1.52
Solubility: 1.45 g/L in water at 25°C
Critical Temperature: 31°C
Critical Pressure: 72.8 atm
Specific Gravity: 1.101 (liquid at –56.6°C)
Oxidizing Properties: Not classified as oxidizer
Flammability: Non-flammable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage and handling conditions
Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures, open flames, direct sunlight, heat sources
Materials to Avoid: Alkali metals, magnesium, titanium at high temperatures, strong bases and oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition: No hazardous products
Polymerization: Polymerization does not occur
Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity: Low toxicity at atmospheric concentrations
Effect on Humans: High concentrations cause asphyxiation by reducing oxygen in air, leading to rapid breathing, headaches, dizziness, unconsciousness
Skin and Eye Contact: Direct contact with liquid causes severe frostbite
Chronic Effects: Not listed as carcinogen or mutagen, no evidence of reproductive toxicity
Sensitization: Not a skin or respiratory sensitizer
Ingestion: Not an expected route, but may cause internal frostbite
Ecological Information
Persistence and Degradability: CO2 is naturally occurring and soluble; persists in air until absorbed by plants or water
Bioaccumulation: No bioaccumulation expected, cycled naturally in environment
Mobility in Soil: Readily disperses in air, dissolves in water
Environmental Effects: Contributes to greenhouse gas effect if released in large quantities
Aquatic Toxicity: Dissolves to form carbonic acid in water, may affect aquatic life at high concentrations
Disposal Considerations
Disposal Methods: Release gas slowly to well-ventilated outdoor area, not into confined spaces or water courses
Container Disposal: Contact supplier for return and recycling of cylinders or pressure vessels
Special Precautions: Ensure all personnel use protection while handling empty or nearly empty cylinders due to residual pressure
Transport Information
UN Number: UN1013
Proper Shipping Name: Carbon Dioxide, Refrigerated Liquid
Transport Hazard Class: 2.2 (Non-flammable, non-toxic gases)
Packing Group: Not assigned
Labels Required: Non-flammable gas label
Special Transport Notes: Secure cylinders upright, protect from movement in transit, avoid storage in vehicle cabs
Regulatory Information
OSHA Status: Simple asphyxiant, regulated under hazardous atmosphere rules
TSCA Inventory: Listed
EPA Regulations: Not regulated as hazardous waste or pollutant, but reporting required for releases above certain thresholds
Other Regulations: Subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for pressurized containers
Workplace Communication: Safety information and training must be provided for all personnel handling or exposed to product
Label Elements: Complies with GHS, NFPA, and local chemical hazard communication requirements
