Helium is a colorless, odorless gas that’s lighter than air. That’s why helium-filled balloons float. In chemistry, it’s the second element on the periodic table and is represented by the symbol “He.” Helium is also the second most abundant element in the universe, present in every shining star due to nuclear fusion reactions. It was actually discovered while studying our solar system’s largest star—the sun.
Uses of Helium
While most people know helium for its use in party balloons, it has many important industrial applications. In the automotive industry, it’s used for quality control of certain components. In medicine, helium is essential for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines. It’s also used in manufacturing LCD screens for TVs, computers, tablets, and smartphones. Additionally, in the aerospace industry, helium is used during rocket launches—like those of the Falcon or Ariane rockets that transport satellites into space.
Helium Hazards and Risks
Helium isn’t explosive or toxic, but there are three main risks to keep in mind:
- Like nitrogen, helium is an inert gas that can displace oxygen in the air. If someone is exposed to an environment with a high concentration of helium, there’s a risk of suffocation due to lack of oxygen.
- Liquid helium is used as a refrigerant and is stored at extremely low temperatures, making it a cryogenic gas. Contact with liquid helium can cause severe frostbite or cold burns.
- If exposed to water, liquid helium can boil violently, causing a rapid pressure increase inside its container—which can lead to explosions if the pressure isn’t properly controlled.
How to Detect Helium
Because helium displaces oxygen, its biggest risk is oxygen deficiency. To protect personnel, it’s important to have a fixed gas detector with local indicators and built-in visual and audible alarms. One of the most widely used devices for continuous oxygen monitoring in workplaces is the Dräger PointGard 2100, which integrates all these safety features into a single unit.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
To protect emergency responders in the event of a helium leak, it’s recommended to use a self-contained breathing apparatus like the Dräger PSS 3000 and an encapsulated HazMat suit such as the CPS 7900, along with cryogenic gloves to protect hands from cold burns.
Firefighting Measures
Helium is classified as a non-flammable gas, which means it won’t ignite like hydrocarbons such as methane, ethylene, propane, propylene, pentane, or hexane. However, in its liquid form, helium is so cold that it can freeze other gases. This property makes it useful as a refrigerant in some applications. But if its container is exposed to heat, pressure can build up rapidly and may cause the container to rupture or explode.
Conclusion
To sum up, even though helium isn’t toxic or flammable, workplaces that store or handle this gas should have 24/7 oxygen monitoring in place. If you have any questions about toxic gas detection, flammable gases, or oxygen deficiency hazards, please don’t hesitate to contact us by filling out our contact form.