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Helium

Also known as: HELIUM · Atomic helium · Helium-4 · 7440-59-7

CAS No.: 7440-59-7
Formula: He
Molar mass: 4.0026 g/mol
PubChem CID: 23987

GHS pictograms

Compressed gas

2D structure of Helium — 2D structure · PubChem CID 23987

New to Safety Data Sheets? What is an SDS · SDS vs MSDS · The 16 sections explained · Read an SDS in 5 min · Compatibility chart

Summary

Helium (He), CAS 7440-59-7. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.

Background

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Physical properties

Boiling point°C

-268.928

-268.928 °C

Melting point°C

—

Densityg/mL

—

Vapor density(air = 1)

Relative vapor density (air = 1): 0.14

LogP (octanol / water)

0.28

Water solubility

—

Sourced from PubChem Experimental Properties. Values may vary between sources and conditions.

Hazards

Compressed gas (GHS04)

Contents under pressure, may explode if heated.

Hazard statements

Storage

Temperature

Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.

Ventilation

Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.

Containers

Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.

Keep away from

Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.

Personal protective equipment

Gloves

Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.

Eye protection

Safety goggles with side shields.

Respirator

A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.

Occupational exposure limits (HSE)

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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)

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Transport

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FDA recalls & enforcement

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Compatibilities

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Practical safety notes

Compressed gas. Secure cylinders upright, protect valves, store in ventilated areas.

Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.

FAQ

Is Helium flammable?+

Helium (CAS 7440-59-7) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.

What PPE should I wear when handling Helium?+

Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Ventilation should be sufficient to keep vapours below the occupational exposure limit. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.

How should Helium be stored?+

Store Helium (CAS 7440-59-7) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials.

Is Helium dangerous for the environment?+

No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for Helium, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.

Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Helium?+

Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.

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