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Safety Tips for Argon Gas

Argon accounts for 0.93 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, which makes it the third most abundant gas. It was discovered by Sir William Ramsey and Lord Rayleigh in 1894. Argon is used to create an inert atmosphere for arc welding, processes that require shielding from other atmospheric gases and growing semiconductor crystals. Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs are filled with argon to prevent oxygen from corroding the hot filament. Argon is used as a compressed gas. It is nonflammable, and, although it does not cause ecological damage, argon is potentially dangerous for humans working with it.

  1. General Precautions

    • Most accidents are caused by improper installation, application, inadequate equipment maintenance and failure to follow safety instructions of a supplier. Employees working with argon gas need to be trained to recognize emergency conditions and to act in a proper way while preventing exposure. When handling a compressed gas, employees should never identify contents by container color because color codes are not uniform in the compressed gas industry. Cylinder contents have to be marked with a decal, label, tag or stenciling. Industrial gas containers have outlet connections to prevent a connection between a gas container and an incompatible gas system.

    Storage

    • Place all cylinders in designated and secure areas. Since argon is compatible with all other gases, there is no required storage distance from other gas containers. If cylinders are stored outside, they should be kept clear of dry vegetation for a minimum distance of 15 feet. Argon is not flammable, but, if containers are exposed to a fire, it may cause them to explode. Containers should be kept below 120 F in a well-ventilated place. Prevent any suck back of water into the containers and always refer to a supplier's handling instructions.

    First Aid

    • High concentrations of argon often cause asphyxiation. The symptoms include lack of mobility and consciousness. A victim may not be aware of asphyxiation, so he needs to be removed to an uncontaminated area. It is important to wear self-contained breathing apparatus if the area is contaminated with the gas. In the case of a skin or eye contact with the gas, flush the area with water. Ingestion is not considered a potential route of exposure.

    Hazards

    • Argon is often delivered in cryogenic liquid form. The liquid and its vapor are extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from -109 F to -452 F. It can cause tissue destruction or severe frostbite, create extremely high pressure from trapped evaporating liquids and the embrittlement of materials can cause fractures at low temperatures. Human senses cannot detect the gas, and the first reaction of the organism is an immediate loss of consciousness. Before entering an area with argon containers, use an oxygen analyzer. If the level of oxygen drops below 19.5 percent, do not enter the room as this could be an indicator that argon is leaking.

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