Taylor-Wharton Bulk Tank Safety Data - Manual (Page 8)

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and safe practice for Carbon Dioxide equipment, we recommend that you
read CGA Pamphlet G-6 available from the Compressed Gas Associa-
tion, Inc. (see page 15).
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide has no color, no odor and practically no taste. It is obtained
by thermal decomposition of ammonium, which yields nitrous oxide and
water. Due to the toxic impurities produced in this process, the water is
condensed out and the gas is passed through scrubbing towers to
remove impurities.
Keep equipment area well ventilated. Due to the difficulty of detecting
nitrous oxide’s presence, there is imminent dangers of loss of conscious-
ness and physical inability to function if exposed to medium or high
levels. Since nitrous oxide is a non-toxic gas, there are hazards are
created when life-supporting oxygen is displaced and diluted. It is
imperative to maintain a well-ventilated work environment to minimize the
danger from a leaking systems or activated safety relief device.
Nitrous oxide causes fires to burn rapidly. Nitrous oxide is non-
flammable but, as with oxygen, ignition of combustible materials may
occur more readily in a nitrous oxide-enriched atmosphere than in air with
combustion proceeding at a faster rate. Open flame and smoking are
strictly prohibited.
For more detailed information concerning safety precautions and safe
handling of nitrous oxide, consult CGA pamphlet G-8.2, a “Standard for
Nitrous Oxide” (see page 15).