MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6)

Please ensure that this MSDS is received by the appropriate person
DATE: April 2016 Version 2
Ref. No.: MS032 fresh air or oxygen. An unconscious subject must be carried to an
1 PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION uncontaminated area and given artificial respiration with
simultaneous administration of oxygen as promptly as possible. Few,
Product Name SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE even those who have been severely asphyxiated, and who have not
died during the asphyxiation, fail to make complete recoveries after
Chemical Formula SF6 receiving oxygen inhalation. Treat symptomatically thereafter.
Trade Name Sulphur Hexafluoride 5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Colour coding Protea Pink (A.58) body with “Sulphur
Hexafluoride” stencilled on the body. Extinguishing media As sulphur hexafluoride is non-
Valve 3 S – Brass, 5/8 inch BSP right hand flammable, it will not add to the fire,
Male (BS341 No6) but could act as an extinguishant.
Suitable extinguishing media should be
Company Identification African Oxygen Limited used for surrounding fire.
23 Webber Street
Johannesburg, 2001 Specific Hazards Overheating of the cylinder could
Tel. No: (011) 490-0400 cause rupturing due to the build up of
Fax No: (011) 490-0506 pressure.
Emergency Actions Using water, keep all cylinders in the
EMERGENCY NUMBER 0860111185 or (0860 02 02 02) vicinity of the fire cool. Remove
(24 hours) cylinders from the vicinity of the fire if
2 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS possible. CONTACT AFROX
Chemical Name: Sulphur hexafluoride EMERGENCY NUMBER.
Chemical Abstract Service Number (CAS No.): 2551-62-4 Protective Clothing Should there have been a major leak
UN No.: 1080 of SF6; self-contained breathing
ERG No.: 126 apparatus should be worn as the
Hazchem Warning: Non-flammable compressed gas oxygen concentration in the air could
3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION have been diluted to a level which will
not support life.
Main Hazards All cylinders are transportable gas Environmental Precautions When discharge into the atmosphere,
containers. Sulphur hexafluoride can sulphur hexafluoride may contribute to
act as a simple asphyxiant by greenhouse effect. It has a largest
displacing the amount of oxygen in air global warming potential of any
necessary to support life. chemical yet assessed, 23,900. (CO2 =
Adverse health effects The coordinating capacity of the 1). As the gas is approximately five
nervous system is impaired by even times heavier than air, it will not
slight degrees of oxygen deficiency; disperse rapidly.. Evacuate any
the subject cannot think clearly, or confined spaces using forced draught
control his limbs accurately. The ventilation ensuring that there is
development of symptoms depends on sufficient replacement air for that
the degree and duration of the oxygen which has been removed by exhaust
deficiency, and also on the rapidity system.
with which the deficiency is developed. 5 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
In sudden and acute asphyxia,
unconsciousness is immediate. When Personal Precautions As sulphur hexafluoride is a simple
asphyxia develops slowly enough the asphyxiant, care should be taken when
following symptoms appear; increased entering confined spaces where leaks
volume of breathing, accelerated pulse have occurred
rate, muscular inco-ordination, faulty Environmental Precautions When discharge into the atmosphere,
judgement, emotional instability, sulphur hexafluoride may contribute to
fatigue, fainting, nausea, vomiting, greenhouse effect. It has a largest
disorientation, respiration in gasps. global warming potential of any
Chemical Hazards Inhalation of gaseous decomposition chemical yet assessed, 23,900. (CO2 =
products of sulphur hexafluoride 1).
resulting from electrical decomposition Small Spills Allow to disperse. Use forced-draught
should be avoided if required.
Biological Hazards See above Large Spills Beware of possibility of depleting the
Vapour Inhalation Sulphur hexafluoride has a low order of oxygen concentration of the air to a
inhalation toxicity. Sulphur hexafluoride level below which it becomes life-
can, however, act as a simple threatening. Use forced-draught
asphyxiant by displacing the necessary ventilation to clear confined spaces.
amount of oxygen to support life.
7 HANDLING AND STORAGE
Eye Contact No known effect
Skin Contact No known effect Do not allow cylinders to slide or come into contact with sharp edges.
Ingestion No known effect Sulphur hexafluoride cylinders may be stacked horizontal provided
that they are firmly secured at each end to prevent rolling. Use a
4 FIRST AID MEASURES “First in – First out” inventory system to prevent full cylinders from
being stored for excessive periods of time. Keep out of reach of
If the subject is conscious and becomes aware of symptoms of children.
asphyxia, he/she should go to an uncontaminated area and inhale
AFROX is a member of The Linde Group Page 1 of 2
The Stripe Symbol and the word “AFROX” are AFROX Group Trademarks.
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS)
SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6)
Please ensure that this MSDS is received by the appropriate person
8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION 12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Occupational Sulphur hexafluoride is completely Sulphur hexafluoride does not pose hazard to the ecology.
exposure hazards non-toxic. TLV (8hour) = 1000 ppm 13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Engineering Engineering control measures are
control measures preferred to reduce exposures. Disposal methods Small amounts may be blown to the
General methods include mechanical atmosphere under controlled
ventilation, process or personal conditions. Large amounts should only
enclosure, and control of process be handled by the gas supplier.
conditions. Administrative controls and Disposal of Packaging The disposal of containers must only
personal protective equipment may be handled by the gas supplier
also be required. Use a suitable 14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
ventilation system separate from other ROAD TRANSPORTATION
exhaust ventilation systems.
UN No. 1080
Exhaust direct to outside. Supply sufficient replacement air
Class 2.2
to make up for air removed by exhaust system.
Subsidiary risk Asphyxiant
9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES ERG No. 126
Hazchem warning Non-flammable gas
PHYSICAL DATA SEA TRANSPORTATION
Chemical Symbol SF6 IMDG 1080
Molecular Weight 146,054g/mol Class 2.2
Melting point @ 224 kPa -50.8oC Label Non-flammable gas
Relative density, Gas @ 101.325kPa @ 20oC 5.114 AIR TRANSPORTATION
Specific Volume @ 21.1oC, 101.325 kPa 156.1 dm3/kg ICAO/IATA Code 1080
Dielectric constant; Gas @ 25oC, @ 101.325kPa 1.002 049 Class 2.2
Subsidiary risk Asphyxiant
10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Packaging instructions
- Cargo 200
Conditions to avoid Sulphur hexafluoride may be partially
- Passenger 200
decomposed if subjected to an electrical
Maximum quantity allowed
discharge. Some of the breakdown
- Cargo 150 kg
products are corrosive, this corrosion being
- Passenger 75 kg
enhanced by the presence of moisture or at
high temperature.
Maximum quantity allowed
Incompatible Since sulphur hexafluoride is non-corrosive 15 REGULATORY INFORMATION
Materials any of the common structural metals may
be used under ordinary conditions. At National legislation Not known
temperatures of the order of 150oC copper, 16 OTHER INFORMATION
stainless steel, and aluminium are resistant
to attack by decomposition products. Ensure all national/local regulations are observed. Ensure operators
Hazardous Lower fluorides of sulphur hexafluoride, understand the asphyxiation hazard.
Decomposition some of which are toxic, may be produced
Products if sulphur hexafluoride is subjected to Bibliography
electrical discharge, and inhalation of the Compressed Gas Association, Arlington, Virginia
gas after electrical discharge must be Handbook of Compressed Gases – 3rd Edition
guarded against. Matheson Gas Data Book – 6th Edition
11TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
Whilst AFROX made best endeavour to ensure that the information
Acute Toxicity No known effect
contained in this publication is accurate at the date of publication,
Skin & eye contact No known effect
AFROX does not accept liability for an inaccuracy or liability arising
Chronic Toxicity No known effect
from the use of this information, or the use, application, adaptation or
Carcinogenicity No known effect
process of any products described herein.
Mutagenicity No known effect
Reproductive Hazards No known effect

AFROX is a member of The Linde Group Page 2 of 2

The Stripe Symbol and the word “AFROX” are AFROX Group Trademarks.