Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

QUELL CO2 EXTINGUISHER

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

For the " first in" suppression of flaming combustion.

SYNONYMS

"Portable fire extinguishers-Carbon dioxide type", "gas-discharge extinguishers", "Fire
Fighting Equipment CO2 extinguisher"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  

SKIN

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or skin irritation following contact (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  

INHALED

  The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the respiratory tract (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless, good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable control measures be used in an occupational setting.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation.  Extinguishant gases (e.g.carbon dioxide) are simple asphyxiants and the gas  can produce unconsciousness and death from oxygen deficiency at  concentrations of respirable oxygen less than 17% by volume. This  corresponds to a CO2 content of >10% in air.  Concentrations of 5% CO2 may produce shortness of breath and headache.  Continuous exposure to 1.5% CO2 may cause changes in some physiological  processes. The concentration of CO2 in the blood affects the rate of  breathing.  Contact with the solid arising from rapid adiabatic expansion ( e.g. on  discharge from director nozzles of extinguishers) may cause frost burn.  Avoid rubbing any affected areas and maintain body at normal temperature.