Health Hazards :
HIGH CONCENTRATIONS CAN ASPHYXIATE (BEWARE OF POORLY VENTILATED LOW LYING AREAS).
LOWER CONCENTRATIONS CAUSE INCREASED RESPIRATION AND HEADACHE.
LIQUID/SOLID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES CAN CAUSE FREEZE BURNS OR FROST BITE.
HEATING OF CONTAINERS OR PIPEWORK WHERE REFRIGERANT IS TRAPPED WILL CAUSE A RISE IN
PRESSURE WITH THE RISK OF BURSTING.
Department/ Work area: Various
Approved use:
As a refrigerant in a closed system
Who is exposed and when?
Handlers during transport, charging, decanting and service work. Others during system/container mechanical failure.
Duration of use: N/A
No of People exposed?
Dependant on type of work
How is/could anyone be exposed?
Inhalation of gas and splashes of liquid/solid to the hands, body and eyes are possible as a result of leakage during, charging, decanting, opening up a system during service work or as a result of system/container mechanical failure.
Risk assessment: Low Risk Providing that the following controls are followed
Control measures
Process enclosure
Local exhaust ventilation
Other ventilation
Yes No



Description/approved type
The product will be transported, used and transferred in a sealed system
Ensure good natural or forced general ventilation
Method of work  DO NOT ALLOW TRAPPED REFRIGERANT VAPOUR OR LIQUID TO INCREASE
IN TEMPERATURE AS THERE IS A SERIOUSE RISK OF OVER PRESSURE.
Use appropriate charging lines when charging and discharging.
Discharge to a safe place usually outdoors.
In case of catastrophic leak evacuate area and implement site emergency plan.
Only trained engineers with BA or emergency services to enter containment area.
Gas/vapour heavier than air. May accumulate in confined spaces, particularly at or below ground level.
Personal protective equipment
Respirators
Welfare
Hygiene
Other
Transport:




For charging, decanting and breaking into a system.
Goggles to BSEN 166-349B ARCO
Gloves - Hide gloves with a fleece lining to provide some Thermal insulation.
Approved Pattern overalls to be worn
Hand washing facilities must be available
Eye wash must be available
Do not smoke, eat or drink whilst handling
N/A
In manufacturers/suppliers cylinders with valves and caps tightly closed.
The transport of dangerous goods regulations may apply dependant on quantity carried. Product classed as
NON FLAMMABLE, NON TOXIC GAS.
Avoid transport on vehicles where the load space is not separated from the drivers.
Storage: Keep cylinders:-
Tightly closed and dry
In a cool well ventilated area, at temperatures not exceeding 50

C
Away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Heating of container may cause pressure rise with risk of explosion.
Spillage: - Leaks from cylinders or plant:-
Evacuate area
Ventilate area - open all the doors and windows, and prevent gas entering low-lying areas such as basements.
Do not enter a poorly ventilated area where a leak is suspected as BA or portable forced ventilation may be required. Only enter such a contaminated area without BA when the atmosphere can be proved to be safe.
Shut off at source if possible.
First aid:
Inhalation - remove patient from exposure, keep warm and at rest. Apply artificial respiration if breathing has ceased or shows
signs of failing. Obtain medical attention.
Skin contact drench with large quantities of water. Remove contaminated clothing. Continue to wash the affected area for at least
15 minutes. Obtain medical attention. Caution: clothing may adhere to the skin in the case of freeze burns.
Immerse affected area in comfortably warm water to defrost.
Eye contact immediately irrigate with eyewash solution or clean water, holding the eyelids apart, for at least 15 minutes.
OBTAIN IMMEDIATE HOSPITAL MEDICAL ATTENTION. Continue irrigation until medical attention can be obtained.
Fire fighting measures:
Use an extinguisher suitable for other materials involved in the fire.
Move cylinders away or keep them cool by spraying with water from a protected position if exposed to fire.
Self contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing must be worn in fire conditions.
Disposal of packaging and unused substance:
Empty containers must be returned to the supplier or manufacturer.
Unused product may be returned to the manufacturer or stored long term as above

Manufacturer/supplier:
BOC GASES Priestley road, Worsley, Manchester M28 2UT Tel 01483 244368 Emergency Tel 0645 645555
Substance:
Data sheet ref:
Carbon Dioxide, variously referred to as CO
2
, R744
N/A
Hazardous components:
Carbon Dioxide
Risk No and phrase :
R As Asphyxiant in high concentrations.
R Fb May cause frostbite
Safety No and phrase:
S9: Keep container in well ventilated place.
S23: Do not breathe the gas.
S36A; Use suitable protective equipment
EEC Labelling Classification :
Very toxic ( ) Toxic ( ) Irritant ( ) Harmful ( ) Corrosive ( ) Flammable ( )
OEL:MEL or OES 5000 ppm 8hr TWA
15000 ppm 15 minute reference period
Any other comments:
If used as directed in this assessment, exposures are unlikely to exceed the exposure limits.
Assessor: Date: Date for review: