MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) Page 1 of 2

ENTONOX
(Please ensure that this MSDS is received by the appropriate person)
DATE: August 2017 Version 4 Ref. No.: MS060

5 FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

1 PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
Extinguishing Media
Product Name ENTONOX
As Entonox is non-flammable but strongly support combustion, the
Chemical Formula N2O and O2 correct type of extinguishing medium should be used, depending on
Trade Names Entonox the combustible material involved. Carbon dioxide and dry powder
Colour coding French Blue (F.09) Body are usually the most effective.
French blue and white quadrants on the Specific Hazards
shoulder of the cylinder Entonox vigorously accelerates combustion. Materials that would not
Valve The relevant Pin-Index valve for Entonox normally burn in air could combust vigorously in atmospheres having
shall be fitted high concentrations of Entonox.
Company Identification BOC Zimbabwe Emergency Actions
1282 Hull Road If possible, shut off the source of excess Entonox. Evacuate the area.
Southerton,Harare All cylinders should be removed from the vicinity of the fire. Cylinders
P.O Box 1282 Harare that cannot be removed should be cooled by water from a safe
Tel No: (04) 757171 distance. Cylinders that have been exposed to excessive heat should
Fax No: (04) 755780 be clearly identified and returned to the supplier. CONTACT THE
EMERGENCY NUMBER 0800 3222230 NEAREST AFROX BRANCH.
(24 hours) Protective Clothing
Safety goggles, gloves and safety shoes should be worn when
2 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
handling cylinders.
Chemical Name Oxidant Environmental Precautions
ERG No. 122 As the gas is heavier than air, pockets of Entonox-enriched air could
Hazard Warning 5 A Non-flammable Gas occur. These could lead to the fire spreading rapidly. If possible,
ventilate the affected area.
3 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Main Hazards
Entonox is non-flammable, but readily support combustion. Never Personal Precautions
permit oil, grease or other readily combustible substance to come into Although Entonox is not itself combustible, it supports & accelerates
contact with high concentration of Entonox. combustion. Clothes and other materials, not normally considered
Adverse Health Effects flammable, will burn fiercely in the presence of Entonox and can be
Entonox should not be used in any condition where air is entrapped set alight by a spark, or even hot cigarette ash.
within the body and where its expansion might be dangerous, such as Environmental Precautions
head injuries with impairment of consciousness, artificial, Entonox is known to have an ozone depleting potential. It is a
traumatic/spontaneous pneumothorax, air embolism, decompression “greenhouse gas” and might contribute to global warming. Beware of
sickness following a recent dive, following air encephalography, Entonox-enriched atmospheres coming into contact with readily
severe bullous emphysema, during myringoplasty, gross abdominal combustible materials.
distension, intoxication, and maxillofacial injuries. Small Spills
Chemical Hazards Shut off the source of the escaping Entonox. Ventilate the area.
Entonox is non-flammable, but strongly supports combustion Large Spills
(including some materials which do not normally burn in air). Since Evacuate the area. Shut off the source of the spill if this can be done
dry Entonox is non-corrosive, most materials of construction are without risk. Ventilate the area using force draught if necessary.
suitable. Avoid all combustible materials.
Biological Hazards 7 HANDLING AND STORAGE
The administration of Entonox more frequently than every 4 days, Do not allow cylinders to slide or come into contact with sharp edges.
should be accompanied by routine blood cell counts for evidence of Cylinders of Entonox should not be stored near cylinders of acetylene
megaloblastic change in red cells & hyper segmentation of or other combustible materials. Entonox cylinders may be stacked
neutrophils. horizontal provided that they are firmly secured at each end to
Vapour Inhalation prevent rolling. Prevent dirt, grit of any sort, oil or any other lubricant
The nitrous oxide constituent of Entonox is rapidly eliminated but, as from entering the cylinder valves and store cylinders well clear of any
a safety precaution, it is recommended that driving, use of machinery corrosive influence, e.g. battery acid. Compliance with all relevant
and other psychomotor activities should not be undertaken until 12 legislation is essential. Use a “first in-first-out” inventory system to
hours have elapsed after Entonox analgesia. prevent full cylinders from being stored for excessive periods of time.
Eye Contact No known effect Keep out of reach of children.
Skin Contact No known effect
Ingestion Depletion of methionine has been 8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION
implicated in neurological deficit seen in chronic abusers of Entonox. Occupational Exposure Hazards
Inapplicable, unwitting or deliberate inhalation of Entonox will result in Scavenging of waste Entonox gas should be used to reduce
unconsciousness, passing through stages of increased intoxication operating theatre and equivalent treatment room levels to a below
and light-headednes, and if the victim were to be within a confined 200vpm of ambient nitrous oxide.
space, death from anoxia could result. Remove the victim to an Engineering Control Measures
uncontaminated area. If necessary administer oxygen resuscitation. Engineering control measures are preferred to reduce exposure to
4 FIRST AID MEASURES Entonox-enriched atmospheres. General methods include forced-
draught ventilation, separate from other exhaust ventilation systems.
Prompt medical attention is mandatory in all cases of overexposure to Ensure that sufficient fresh air enters at, or near floor level.
Entonox. Rescue personnel should be cognizant of extreme fire Personal Protection
hazard associated with Entonox-rich atmospheres. Inapplicable, Safety goggles, gloves and shoes, or boots, should be worn when
unwitting, deliberate inhalation of Entonox results in unconsciousness handling cylinders.
passing through stages of increasing light-headedness & intoxication Skin No known effect.
and, if the victim were to be within a confined space, death from
anoxia could result. The treatment is removal to fresh air, and if 9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
necessary, the use of an oxygen resuscitator.

Relative density (Air=1) @ 101,325 kPa 1.053

Ref. No.: MS060 Colour None
PHYSICAL DATA Taste None
Chemical Symbol N2O Odour None
Molecular Weight 44.01
Specific Volume @ 20°C & 101,325 kPa 543.1 ml/g
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) Page 2 of 2
ENTONOX
(Please ensure that this MSDS is received by the appropriate person)
10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Conditions to avoid
Avoid the build-up of Entonox-enriched atmospheres. Never use
cylinders as rollers or supports, or for any other purpose other than
the storage of Entonox. Never expose cylinders to excessive heat, as Label Non-flammable Gas
this may cause sufficient build-up of pressure to rupture the cylinders. AIR TRANSPORTATION
Incompatible Materials ICAO/IATA Code 1070 and 1072
Since dry Entonox is non-corrosive, most materials of construction Class 2.2 Non-flammable Gas
are suitable. Avoid all combustible materials. (For further information Packaging group/instructions
see Section 3, Chemical Hazards). -Cargo 200
Hazardous Decomposition Products -Passenger 200
When involved in a fire, the higher oxides of nitrogen can be formed. Maximum quantity allowed
Both nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide are highly toxic. -Cargo 150 kg
-Passenger 75 kg
11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
15 REGULATORY INFORMATION
Acute Toxicity See Section 3 EEC Hazard class Non-flammable
Skin & eye contact No known effect National legislation OHSact and Regulations 85 of 1993.
Chronic Toxicity See Section 3 Reference SANS 10234 and its supplement.
Carcinogenicity No known effect
Mutagenicity No known effect 16 OTHER INFORMATION
Reproductive Hazards See Section 3 Bibliography
(For further information see Section 3. Adverse Health effects) Compressed Gas Association, Arlington, Virginia
Handbook of Compressed Gases – 3rd Edition
12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Matheson. Matheson Gas Data Book – 6th Edition
SABS 0265 - Labelling of Dangerous Substances
Entonox is heavier than air and care should be taken to avoid the
formation of Entonox-enriched pockets. It does not pose a hazard to EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY
the ecology.
Information contained in this publication is accurate at the date of
13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS publication. The company does not accept liability arising from the
use of this information, or the use, application, adaptation or process
Disposal Methods
of any products described herein.
Small amounts may be blown to the atmosphere under controlled
conditions. Large amounts should only be handled by the gas
supplier.
Disposal of Packaging
The disposal of cylinders must only be handled by the gas supplier.
14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
ROAD TRANSPORTATION
ERG No 122
Hazchem warning 5A Non-flammable Gas
SEA TRANSPORTATION
Class/Packaging Group