Helium and Helium Tank Safety

Modified on Wed, 03 Aug 2022 at 07:17 PM

The warning and safety guidelines listed here may not be exhaustive.  Please follow all safety instructions provided by your helium tank supplier.


Helium is non-flammable and non-toxic, however, inhaling it from a helium tank or a balloon may cause asphyxiation or loss of consciousness and stability. In case of inhalation– bring the person to fresh air. There are no likely adverse effects expected from exposure to skin or eye contact from helium itself. However, when released at rapid speed from a high-pressure tank injury could occur.  Follow all safety instructions as per the helium tank supplier.


Used in a well-ventilated area.  All safety precautions listed on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be followed.


Safety/ Warnings and Liability

If used properly helium, the tanks and the equipment are safe.

DO NOT INHALE HELIUM GAS.
Helium is nontoxic gas, however, inhaling it can cause health issues or death.

Helium is a non-flammable, colorless, odorless, tasteless, inert, and non-toxic gas.
Helium will displace oxygen in confined areas and if inhaled can asphyxiate
 which can cause suffocation, serious injury, or even death.

All safety instructions must be followed along with common sense.

 

  1. Gas is under pressure. Handle with care.   Helium is stored compressed in a high-pressure cylinder.  
  2. Not for use in any medical or industrial application. Helium for balloons is sold for only the purpose intended-filling foil and latex balloons.
  3. Never inhale or allow to be inhaled, helium contained in a balloon, a gas container, or filling equipment even for a short period. Inhalation of helium can cause death or personal injury and may also cause dizziness, an irregular heartbeat, narcosis, nausea, or asphyxiation /suffocation. Helium reduces oxygen for breathing.
  4. Always secure the cylinder and prevent the cylinder from falling over. Never leave the cylinder in a public place unattended where children or unauthorized persons can gain access to it. Do not allow children to touch or play with cylinders, valves, or filling equipment. Use only approved regulator valves. When transporting tanks we recommend you store the helium tank in the trunk of your car secured.  If you must transport tanks in the passenger compartment make sure they are secured and have at least one window open at all times. 
  5. Only those over 18 and who have read the following safety instructions should use the tank and equipment and fill balloons. Only those over the age of 18 should touch, move or transport the tank or operate the balloon filling equipment. 
  6. Never use the cylinder or open cylinder without first fastening a regulator valve or filling equipment rated for cylinder pressure.  DO NOT store or use the tank in a closely confined or poorly ventilated area.  Leaking helium can reduce the amount of oxygen in the air and cause asphyxiation
  7. When transporting the tank you must make sure the balloon nozzle is removed and the tank shut off is turned off.
  8. Bleed all helium out of the valve (balloon nozzle) before attempting to remove the valve (balloon nozzle).  If there is helium left in the valve (balloon nozzle) it may not unscrew.
  9. Keep away from heat (<52°C/125°F). Use only in an area with adequate ventilation.  Keep cylinder valve closed when the product is not used. Gas may accumulate in confined areas. Rapidly evolving gas can cause burns similar to frostbite. Since the product is a gas, it will probably be inhaled rather than ingested. Consider first the preventive measures in case of inhalation. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless the cylinder is secured with a valve outlet or piped to the usage point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement. Use a pressure regulator when connecting the cylinder to lower pressure piping or systems. Do not heat the cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow to the cylinder. Do not tamper with (valve) safety devices.
  10. CLOSE VALVE AFTER EACH USE AND WHEN EMPTY.
  11. Balloons represent a possible choking hazard. Adult supervision is required. Keep uninflated balloons away from children. Discard broken balloons immediately. 
  12. Do not place the nozzle in the mouth or nose for any reason. Doing so can damage lungs and other body parts, which can result in serious personal injury or death.
  13. Never expose helium cylinders to direct heat, fire, or mistreatment. Exposure to such conditions may result in the rupture of the cylinder, resulting in serious personal injury or death.

First Aid:

In case of Inhalation, conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area to inhale fresh air. The person should be kept warm and calm. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important.   Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area, and given assisted resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should be symptomatic and supportive. CONTACT A PHYSICIAN.  Call 911. For supplemental support in case of emergency please call your helium supplier.

 

For additional information read the Material Safety Data Sheet supplied to you.

 

Tank Warnings:

  

 ©08.03.22J

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