Safety data sheet reference · CAS 7440-37-1
Argon SDS
also: argon MSDS · safety data sheet · Ar · CAS 7440-37-1
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
7440-37-1
Molecular formula
Ar
No harmonised EU classification
Argon has no entry in CLP Annex VI — there is no harmonised EU-wide classification for it. That is not evidence of safety. Suppliers remain obliged to self-classify it under CLP, and workplace hazards (dust, asphyxiation, thermal) can exist without a harmonised entry. Always obtain the supplier's SDS for the product you actually use.
Published emergency-response data does exist for argon and is reproduced below — first aid, fire fighting and spill response come from US federal sources, not from a harmonised classification.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Argon structure
Argon is a chemical element, not a compound. The identifiers below describe the atom itself; there is no bond framework between different atoms for us to draw.
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain).
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Argon first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry ARGON. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Refer to the ERG "General First Aid" instructions. Specific First Aid: Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed. In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Argon fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 120 Gases - Inert (Including Refrigerated Liquids)ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 120 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ARGON.
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Argon spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILLConsider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ARGON.
MSDS vs SDS
Argon MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "argon MSDS" and a "argon SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for argon
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about argon
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "argon MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
Where can I download an official argon SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry ARGON — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: Clothing frozen to the skin should be thawed before being removed. In case of contact with liquefied gas, only medical personnel should attempt thawing frosted parts.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
Non-flammable gases. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
Extinguishing media and tactics
Use extinguishing agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Allow substance to evaporate. Ventilate the area. CAUTION: When in contact with refrigerated/cryogenic liquids, many materials become brittle and are likely to break without warning.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILLConsider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.