SAFETY DATA SHEET
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 1. Identification
GHS product identifier : Refrigerant (R-448A)
Other means of : Not available.
identification
Product use : Synthetic/Analytical chemistry.
SDS # : 020171
Supplier's details : Airgas USA, LLC and its affiliates
259 North Radnor-Chester Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087-5283
1-610-687-5253
24-hour telephone : 1-866-734-3438
Section 2. Hazards identification
OSHA/HCS status : This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard
(29 CFR 1910.1200).
Classification of the : GASES UNDER PRESSURE - Compressed gas
substance or mixture
GHS label elements
Hazard pictograms :
Signal word : Warning
Hazard statements : Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.
May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.
Precautionary statements
General : Read and follow all Safety Data Sheets (SDS’S) before use. Read label before use.
Keep out of reach of children. If medical advice is needed, have product container or
label at hand. Close valve after each use and when empty. Use equipment rated for
cylinder pressure. Do not open valve until connected to equipment prepared for use.
Use a back flow preventative device in the piping. Use only equipment of compatible
materials of construction.
Prevention : Not applicable.
Response : Not applicable.
Storage : Protect from sunlight when ambient temperature exceeds 52°C/125°F. Store in a well-
ventilated place.
Disposal : Not applicable.
Hazards not otherwise : In addition to any other important health or physical hazards, this product may displace
classified oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.
Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients
Substance/mixture : Mixture
Other means of : Not available.
identification
CAS number/other identifiers
CAS number : Not applicable.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 1/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients
Product code : 020171
Ingredient name % CAS number
Pentafluoroethane 26 354-33-6
Difluoromethane 26 75-10-5
1,1,1,2 - tetrafluoroethane 21 811-97-2
2,3,3,3 - Tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf) 20 754-12-1
trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 7 29118-24-9
Any concentration shown as a range is to protect confidentiality or is due to batch variation.
There are no additional ingredients present which, within the current knowledge of the supplier and in the
concentrations applicable, are classified as hazardous to health or the environment and hence require reporting
in this section.
Occupational exposure limits, if available, are listed in Section 8.
Section 4. First aid measures
Description of necessary first aid measures
Eye contact : Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water, occasionally lifting the upper and lower
eyelids. Check for and remove any contact lenses. Continue to rinse for at least 10
minutes. Get medical attention if irritation occurs.
Inhalation : Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If
not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial
respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. It may be dangerous to the person providing
aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Get medical attention if adverse health effects
persist or are severe. If unconscious, place in recovery position and get medical
attention immediately. Maintain an open airway. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar,
tie, belt or waistband.
Skin contact : Flush contaminated skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and
shoes. Get medical attention if symptoms occur. Wash clothing before reuse. Clean
shoes thoroughly before reuse.
Ingestion : As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.
Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed
Potential acute health effects
Eye contact : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.
Inhalation : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Skin contact : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.
Frostbite : Try to warm up the frozen tissues and seek medical attention.
Ingestion : As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.
Over-exposure signs/symptoms
Eye contact : No specific data.
Inhalation : No specific data.
Skin contact : No specific data.
Ingestion : No specific data.
Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary
Notes to physician : Treat symptomatically. Contact poison treatment specialist immediately if large
quantities have been ingested or inhaled.
Specific treatments : No specific treatment.
Protection of first-aiders : No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training. It may
be dangerous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
See toxicological information (Section 11)
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 2/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 5. Fire-fighting measures
Extinguishing media
Suitable extinguishing : Use an extinguishing agent suitable for the surrounding fire.
media
Unsuitable extinguishing : None known.
media
Specific hazards arising : Contains gas under pressure. In a fire or if heated, a pressure increase will occur and
from the chemical the container may burst or explode.
Hazardous thermal : Decomposition products may include the following materials:
decomposition products carbon dioxide
carbon monoxide
halogenated compounds
Special protective actions : Promptly isolate the scene by removing all persons from the vicinity of the incident if
for fire-fighters there is a fire. No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable
training. Contact supplier immediately for specialist advice. Move containers from fire
area if this can be done without risk. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers
cool.
Special protective : Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing
equipment for fire-fighters apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode.
Section 6. Accidental release measures
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
For non-emergency : No action shall be taken involving any personal risk or without suitable training.
personnel Evacuate surrounding areas. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from
entering. Avoid breathing gas. Provide adequate ventilation. Wear appropriate
respirator when ventilation is inadequate. Put on appropriate personal protective
equipment.
For emergency responders : If specialised clothing is required to deal with the spillage, take note of any information
in Section 8 on suitable and unsuitable materials. See also the information in "For non-
emergency personnel".
Environmental precautions : Ensure emergency procedures to deal with accidental gas releases are in place to avoid
contamination of the environment. Inform the relevant authorities if the product has
caused environmental pollution (sewers, waterways, soil or air).
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Small spill : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk.
Large spill : Immediately contact emergency personnel. Stop leak if without risk. Note: see Section
1 for emergency contact information and Section 13 for waste disposal.
Section 7. Handling and storage
Precautions for safe handling
Protective measures : Put on appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8). Contains gas under
pressure. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Avoid breathing gas. Empty
containers retain product residue and can be hazardous. Do not puncture or incinerate
container. Use equipment rated for cylinder pressure. Close valve after each use and
when empty. Protect cylinders from physical damage; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop.
Use a suitable hand truck for cylinder movement.
Advice on general : Eating, drinking and smoking should be prohibited in areas where this material is
occupational hygiene handled, stored and processed. Workers should wash hands and face before eating,
drinking and smoking. Remove contaminated clothing and protective equipment before
entering eating areas. See also Section 8 for additional information on hygiene
measures.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 3/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 7. Handling and storage
Conditions for safe storage, : Store in accordance with local regulations. Store in a segregated and approved area.
including any Store away from direct sunlight in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area, away from
incompatibilities incompatible materials (see Section 10). Keep container tightly closed and sealed until
ready for use. Cylinders should be stored upright, with valve protection cap in place,
and firmly secured to prevent falling or being knocked over. Cylinder temperatures
should not exceed 52 °C (125 °F).
Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection
Control parameters
Occupational exposure limits
Pentafluoroethane AIHA WEEL (United States, 10/2011).
TWA: 1000 ppm 8 hours.
Difluoromethane AIHA WEEL (United States, 10/2011).
TWA: 1000 ppm 8 hours.
1,1,1,2 - tetrafluoroethane AIHA WEEL (United States, 10/2011).
TWA: 1000 ppm 8 hours.
2,3,3,3 - Tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf) AIHA WEEL (United States, 10/2011).
TWA: 500 ppm 8 hours.
trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene None.
Appropriate engineering : Good general ventilation should be sufficient to control worker exposure to airborne
controls contaminants.
Environmental exposure : Emissions from ventilation or work process equipment should be checked to ensure
controls they comply with the requirements of environmental protection legislation. In some
cases, fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications to the process equipment
will be necessary to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.
Individual protection measures
Hygiene measures : Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before
eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period.
Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing.
Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety
showers are close to the workstation location.
Eye/face protection : Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk
assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists,
gases or dusts. If contact is possible, the following protection should be worn, unless
the assessment indicates a higher degree of protection: safety glasses with side-
shields.
Skin protection
Hand protection : Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be
worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is
necessary. Considering the parameters specified by the glove manufacturer, check
during use that the gloves are still retaining their protective properties. It should be
noted that the time to breakthrough for any glove material may be different for different
glove manufacturers. In the case of mixtures, consisting of several substances, the
protection time of the gloves cannot be accurately estimated.
Body protection : Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the task being
performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a specialist before
handling this product.
Other skin protection : Appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection measures should be selected
based on the task being performed and the risks involved and should be approved by a
specialist before handling this product.
Respiratory protection : Use a properly fitted, air-purifying or air-fed respirator complying with an approved
standard if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Respirator selection must be
based on known or anticipated exposure levels, the hazards of the product and the safe
working limits of the selected respirator.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 4/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 9. Physical and chemical properties
Appearance
Physical state : Gas.
Color : Not available.
Melting/freezing point : -103°C (-153.4°F) This is based on data for the following ingredient: pentafluoroethane.
Weighted average: -116.19°C (-177.1°F)
Critical temperature : Lowest known value: 72.4°C (162.3°F) (pentafluoroethane).
Odor : Not available.
Odor threshold : Not available.
pH : Not available.
Flash point : Not available.
Burning time : Not applicable.
Burning rate : Not applicable.
Evaporation rate : Not available.
Flammability (solid, gas) : Not available.
Lower and upper explosive : Not available.
(flammable) limits
Vapor pressure : Not available.
Vapor density : Highest known value: 4.2 (Air = 1) (pentafluoroethane). Weighted average: 3.89 (Air
= 1)
Gas Density (lb/ft 3) : Weighted average: 0.45
Relative density : Not applicable.
Solubility : Not available.
Solubility in water : Not available.
Partition coefficient: n- : Not available.
octanol/water
Auto-ignition temperature : Not available.
Decomposition temperature : Not available.
SADT : Not available.
Viscosity : Not applicable.
Section 10. Stability and reactivity
Reactivity : No specific test data related to reactivity available for this product or its ingredients.
Chemical stability : The product is stable.
Possibility of hazardous : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous reactions will not occur.
reactions
Conditions to avoid : No specific data.
Incompatible materials : No specific data.
Hazardous decomposition : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous decomposition products should
products not be produced.
Hazardous polymerization : Under normal conditions of storage and use, hazardous polymerization will not occur.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 5/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 11. Toxicological information
Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity
Product/ingredient name Result Species Dose Exposure
Pentafluoroethane LC50 Inhalation Vapor Rat 2910 g/m³ 4 hours
Difluoromethane LC50 Inhalation Gas. Rat 3780 mg/m³ 1 hours
LC50 Inhalation Vapor Rat 1890 g/m³ 4 hours
1,1,1,2 - tetrafluoroethane LC50 Inhalation Vapor Rat 1500 g/m³ 4 hours
2,3,3,3 - Tetrafluoropropene LC50 Inhalation Gas. Rat 400000 ppm 4 hours
(R1234yf)
Irritation/Corrosion
Not available.
Sensitization
Not available.
Mutagenicity
Not available.
Carcinogenicity
Not available.
Reproductive toxicity
Not available.
Teratogenicity
Not available.
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
Not available.
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
Not available.
Aspiration hazard
Not available.
Information on the likely : Not available.
routes of exposure
Potential acute health effects
Eye contact : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.
Inhalation : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Skin contact : Contact with rapidly expanding gas may cause burns or frostbite.
Ingestion : As this product is a gas, refer to the inhalation section.
Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics
Eye contact : No specific data.
Inhalation : No specific data.
Skin contact : No specific data.
Ingestion : No specific data.
Delayed and immediate effects and also chronic effects from short and long term exposure
Short term exposure
Potential immediate : Not available.
effects
Potential delayed effects : Not available.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 6/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 11. Toxicological information
Long term exposure
Potential immediate : Not available.
effects
Potential delayed effects : Not available.
Potential chronic health effects
Not available.
General : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Carcinogenicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Mutagenicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Teratogenicity : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Developmental effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Fertility effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Numerical measures of toxicity
Acute toxicity estimates
Not available.
Section 12. Ecological information
Toxicity
Not available.
Persistence and degradability
Not available.
Bioaccumulative potential
Product/ingredient name LogPow BCF Potential
Pentafluoroethane 1.48 - low
Difluoromethane 0.21 - low
1,1,1,2 - tetrafluoroethane 1.06 - low
2,3,3,3 - Tetrafluoropropene 2 - low
(R1234yf)
trans-1,3,3, 1.6 - low
3-tetrafluoropropene
Mobility in soil
Soil/water partition : Not available.
coefficient (KOC)
Other adverse effects : No known significant effects or critical hazards.
Section 13. Disposal considerations
Disposal methods : The generation of waste should be avoided or minimized wherever possible. Disposal
of this product, solutions and any by-products should at all times comply with the
requirements of environmental protection and waste disposal legislation and any
regional local authority requirements. Dispose of surplus and non-recyclable products
via a licensed waste disposal contractor. Waste should not be disposed of untreated to
the sewer unless fully compliant with the requirements of all authorities with jurisdiction.
Empty Airgas-owned pressure vessels should be returned to Airgas. Waste packaging
should be recycled. Incineration or landfill should only be considered when recycling is
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 7/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 13. Disposal considerations
not feasible. This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way. Empty
containers or liners may retain some product residues. Do not puncture or incinerate
container.
Section 14. Transport information
DOT TDG Mexico IMDG IATA
UN number UN3163 UN3163 UN3163 UN3163 UN3163
UN proper Liquefied gas, n.o.s. Liquefied gas, n.o.s. Liquefied gas, n.o.s. Liquefied gas, n.o.s. Liquefied gas, n.o.s.
(Pentafluoroethane, (Pentafluoroethane, (Pentafluoroethane, (Pentafluoroethane, (Pentafluoroethane,
shipping name Difluoromethane) Difluoromethane) Difluoromethane) Difluoromethane) Difluoromethane)
Transport 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2
hazard class(es)
Packing group - - - - -
Environment No. No. No. No. No.
Additional - Product classified as - - -
per the following
information sections of the
Transportation of
Dangerous Goods
Regulations: 2.13-2.17
(Class 2).
“Refer to CFR 49 (or authority having jurisdiction) to determine the information required for shipment of the
product.”
Special precautions for user : Transport within user’s premises: always transport in closed containers that are
upright and secure. Ensure that persons transporting the product know what to do in the
event of an accident or spillage.
Transport in bulk according : Not available.
to Annex II of MARPOL
73/78 and the IBC Code
Section 15. Regulatory information
U.S. Federal regulations : TSCA 5(a)2 final significant new use rules: 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf)
TSCA 8(a) CDR Exempt/Partial exemption: Not determined
TSCA 12(b) one-time export: 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoropropene (R1234yf)
United States inventory (TSCA 8b): All components are listed or exempted.
Clean Air Act Section 112 : Not listed
(b) Hazardous Air
Pollutants (HAPs)
Clean Air Act Section 602 : Not listed
Class I Substances
Clean Air Act Section 602 : Not listed
Class II Substances
DEA List I Chemicals : Not listed
(Precursor Chemicals)
DEA List II Chemicals : Not listed
(Essential Chemicals)
SARA 302/304
Composition/information on ingredients
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 8/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 15. Regulatory information
No products were found.
SARA 304 RQ : Not applicable.
SARA 311/312
Classification : Sudden release of pressure
Composition/information on ingredients
Name % Fire Sudden Reactive Immediate Delayed
hazard release of (acute) (chronic)
pressure health health
hazard hazard
Pentafluoroethane 26 No. Yes. No. No. No.
Difluoromethane 26 Yes. Yes. No. No. No.
1,1,1,2 - tetrafluoroethane 21 No. Yes. No. No. No.
2,3,3,3 - Tetrafluoropropene 20 Yes. Yes. No. No. No.
(R1234yf)
trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene 7 No. Yes. No. No. No.
State regulations
Massachusetts : None of the components are listed.
New York : None of the components are listed.
New Jersey : None of the components are listed.
Pennsylvania : None of the components are listed.
International regulations
International lists
National inventory
Australia : Not determined.
Canada : All components are listed or exempted.
China : Not determined.
Europe : Not determined.
Japan : All components are listed or exempted.
Malaysia : Not determined.
New Zealand : Not determined.
Philippines : Not determined.
Republic of Korea : All components are listed or exempted.
Taiwan : All components are listed or exempted.
Canada
WHMIS (Canada) : Class A: Compressed gas.
CEPA Toxic substances: The following components are listed: Volatile organic
compounds; Volatile organic compounds; Volatile organic compounds; Volatile organic
compounds exclusions; Volatile organic compounds exclusions
Canadian ARET: None of the components are listed.
Canadian NPRI: The following components are listed: Volatile organic compounds;
Volatile organic compounds; Volatile organic compounds
Alberta Designated Substances: None of the components are listed.
Ontario Designated Substances: None of the components are listed.
Quebec Designated Substances: None of the components are listed.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 9/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 16. Other information
Canada Label requirements : Class A: Compressed gas.
Hazardous Material Information System (U.S.A.)
Health 1
Flammability 0
Physical hazards 0
Caution: HMIS® ratings are based on a 0-4 rating scale, with 0 representing minimal hazards or risks, and 4
representing significant hazards or risks Although HMIS® ratings are not required on SDSs under 29 CFR 1910.
1200, the preparer may choose to provide them. HMIS® ratings are to be used with a fully implemented HMIS®
program. HMIS® is a registered mark of the National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA). HMIS® materials
may be purchased exclusively from J. J. Keller (800) 327-6868.
The customer is responsible for determining the PPE code for this material.
National Fire Protection Association (U.S.A.)
0 Flammability
Health 1 0 Instability/Reactivity
Special
Reprinted with permission from NFPA 704-2001, Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency
Response Copyright ©1997, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This reprinted material is
not the complete and official position of the National Fire Protection Association, on the referenced subject
which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.
Copyright ©2001, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This warning system is intended to
be interpreted and applied only by properly trained individuals to identify fire, health and reactivity hazards of
chemicals. The user is referred to certain limited number of chemicals with recommended classifications in
NFPA 49 and NFPA 325, which would be used as a guideline only. Whether the chemicals are classified by NFPA
or not, anyone using the 704 systems to classify chemicals does so at their own risk.
Procedure used to derive the classification
Classification Justification
Press. Gas Comp. Gas, H280 On basis of test data
History
Date of printing : 2/21/2017
Date of issue/Date of : 2/21/2017
revision
Date of previous issue : No previous validation
Version : 0.01
Key to abbreviations : ATE = Acute Toxicity Estimate
BCF = Bioconcentration Factor
GHS = Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
IATA = International Air Transport Association
IBC = Intermediate Bulk Container
IMDG = International Maritime Dangerous Goods
LogPow = logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient
MARPOL 73/78 = International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships,
1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978. ("Marpol" = marine pollution)
UN = United Nations
References : Not available.
Indicates information that has changed from previously issued version.
Notice to reader
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 10/11
Refrigerant (R-448A)
Section 16. Other information
To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither the above-named
supplier, nor any of its subsidiaries, assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the
information contained herein.
Final determination of suitability of any material is the sole responsibility of the user. All materials may present
unknown hazards and should be used with caution. Although certain hazards are described herein, we cannot
guarantee that these are the only hazards that exist.
Date of issue/Date of revision : 2/21/2017 Date of previous issue : No previous validation Version : 0.01 11/11
