Material Safety Data Sheet: Liquid Nitrogen
Identification
Product Name: Liquid Nitrogen
Chemical Name: Nitrogen
Synonyms: LN2, Cryogenic Nitrogen
CAS Number: 7727-37-9
Recommended Use: Cryogenic cooling, preservation, scientific research
Supplier Identification: Manufacturer or distributor name, address, and contact number
Emergency Phone Number: Supplier’s or national emergency hotline
Hazard Identification
Physical Hazards: Extremely cold, rapid vaporization may cause asphyxiation, can cause severe frostbite
Health Hazards: Exposure to vapor or liquid can cause severe tissue damage and cold burns
GHS Label:** Gas under pressure, refrigerated liquid
Hazard Statements: Contact can cause cold burns, rapid release of gas may displace oxygen, leading to suffocation
Precautionary Statements: Store in a well-ventilated place, use personal protective equipment, avoid skin and eye contact
Signal Word: Warning
Composition / Information on Ingredients
Chemical Identity: Nitrogen
Concentration: Over 99%
Molecular Formula: N2
Impurities Additives: Typically none of significance for safety data, high purity product
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air immediately, ensure airways are clear, provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is difficult
Eye Contact: Flush with tepid water for at least 15 minutes, never use hot water, remove contact lenses if possible, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, immerse affected skin in tepid or lukewarm water, do not rub or use dry heat, seek medical help for blisters or severe exposure
Ingestion: Not considered a route of exposure, if accident occurs, treat as for skin/eye contact
Most Important Symptoms: Tissue freezing, numbness, stinging, possible loss of sensation, suffocation effects like headache and dizziness
Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Nitrogen itself is non-flammable, use media appropriate for surrounding fire
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: None identified specific to nitrogen
Specific Hazards: Containers may rupture from pressure buildup if exposed to fire, displacement of air can pose asphyxiation risk
Protective Equipment for Firefighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Advice for Firefighters: Evacuate area, cool containers with water spray if safe, prevent vapor cloud accumulation in confined spaces
Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel, ventilate area, wear appropriate personal protective equipment
Protective Measures: Use cryogenic gloves, face shield, insulated apron, use respiratory protection in confined or low-oxygen areas
Environmental Precautions: Prevent accumulation of nitrogen vapors, avoid confined spaces that can trap gases
Containment: Allow vapors to dissipate or vent in a safe, open atmosphere
Clean-up Methods: Do not attempt to stop leaks unless safe to do so, allow material to evaporate
Handling and Storage
Safe Handling: Use insulated, approved containers, transfer slowly to control boil-off, keep away from heat sources
Precautions: Avoid impacts on containers, handle only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, never seal containers tightly
Storage Requirements: Store upright in dry, ventilated locations, segregate from flammable materials, label containers clearly
Other Guidance: Secure cylinders or dewars against tipping, ensure access to eyewash and safety shower
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
Exposure Limits: No OSHA PEL or ACGIH TLV set for nitrogen
Engineering Controls: Ensure proper mechanical ventilation, install oxygen monitor alarms in enclosed spaces
Personal Protective Equipment: Cryogenic gloves, face shield, chemical splash goggles, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, thermal aprons
Respiratory Protection: Use self-contained breathing apparatus in oxygen-deficient or unventilated conditions
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, avoid eating or smoking near work area
Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: Colorless liquid at cryogenic temperatures
Odor: Odorless
Boiling Point: -196°C (-320.8°F)
Melting Point: -210°C (-346°F)
Density: 0.808 g/mL at boiling point
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Rapid under ambient conditions
pH: Not applicable
Stability and Reactivity
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, incompatible materials, poor ventilation, unprotected open flames
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, combustible materials in large amounts during rapid expansion
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal use
Hazardous Reactions: Rapid vaporization displaces oxygen, can cause suffocation in confined spaces
Toxicological Information
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Lack of oxygen can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, even death; skin contact can cause frostbite
Chronic Effects: No long-term toxicity from nitrogen itself, but repeated extreme cold exposure can damage tissue
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Severe cold burns, tissue freezing, necrosis possible
Carcinogenicity: Nitrogen is not classified as a carcinogen
Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity: No known toxic effects on aquatic or terrestrial life at normal environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Nitrogen gas rapidly dissipates into atmosphere
Bioaccumulative Potential: Not bioaccumulative, returns to native atmospheric cycle
Mobility in Soil: Volatilizes rapidly; no concern for leaching
Other Adverse Effects: Displacement of oxygen in closed environments can threaten animal and human life
Disposal Considerations
Waste Handling: Allow material to evaporate slowly in a well-ventilated area
Container Disposal: Follow local and federal guidelines for cylinder recycling or destruction, never puncture or incinerate pressurized containers
Precautions: Do not dispose of in confined spaces, avoid areas where gas might accumulate
Environmental Measures: Prevent large-scale releases in unventilated areas
Transport Information
UN Number: UN1977
Proper Shipping Name: Nitrogen, refrigerated liquid
Transport Class: 2.2 (non-flammable, non-toxic gases)
Packing Group: Not applicable for gases
Label Requirements: Non-flammable gas, cryogenic hazard
Special Precautions: Secure containers, keep upright, avoid violent shocks or rough handling
Regulations: Comply with national/international road, rail, air, and sea regulations for cryogenic liquids
Regulatory Information
OSHA Classification: Compressed/refrigerated gas; May cause asphyxiation
TSCA Inventory: Listed
WHMIS Classification (Canada): A – Compressed Gas
EU Classification: Pressurized gas, cryogenic
Label Symbols: Gas cylinder pictogram
Other Regulations: Subject to local, state, and federal codes for storage and handling of cryogenic materials
