Health / Safety

HELIUM SAFETY

WHEN USED PROPERLY, HELIUM IS A SAFE GAS. Helium is a non-flammable, non-toxic, odorless gas which is lighter than air. It can be used safely either indoors or outdoors, within certain guidelines.

WARNING: NEVER INHALE HELIUM GAS. HELIUM DEPLETES THE BRAIN AND BODY OF OXYGEN AND IF INHALED CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. HELIUM DISPLACES OXYGEN AND SHOULD NEVER BE USED IN ENCLOSED SPACES. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

BALLOONS REPRESENT A POSSIBLE CHOKING HAZARD. CHILDREN UNDER EIGHT YEARS CAN CHOKE OR SUFFOCATE ON UNINFLATED OR BROKEN BALLOONS. ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED. KEEP UNINFLATED BALLOONS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. DISCARD BROKEN BALLOONS IMMEDIATELY.

Responsibility of the Customer:

It should be strongly noted that it is the responsibility of YOU THE CUSTOMER, including but not limited to, store owner, employer, manager, employee and/or end user, to assess the health and safety risk to self, employees and of visitors to the premises or location where helium is being used. It is also the responsibility of the customer to take all possible steps to minimize risk.

You should undertake your own risk assessments, taking into account local laws, safety standards and individual situations circumstances.

Before handling and using helium balloon gas cylinders, ensure you understand the properties of the gas, the potential hazards, correct method of handling cylinders and proper actions to take in the event of an emergency.

Surprize Enterprize Inc. has the safety of both its customers and employees at heart. This information is offered as general advice on the safe handling, storage and transport of high-pressure helium balloon gas cylinders.

It should be read in conjunction with the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Cylinders / Tanks:

Surprize Enterprize offers a range of helium cylinders with capacity to fill up to 550 count 11” latex balloons from a single cylinder.

A full cylinder contains very high pressure. Cylinders can weigh as much as 10 LBS up to 175 LBS. It is important you choose a cylinder size and capacity suitable for your needs and handling/storage capability.

Safety Data Sheet

• Read the MSDS.
• Ensure you understand the properties and hazards of the gas you are using and the correct operating procedures for filling balloons.
• The cylinder label identifies the gas contents of the cylinder and provides basic safety information.
• NEVER use a cylinder unless it can be clearly identified.
• If a cylinder is delivered without a label it should be returned to Surprize Enterprize Inc.
• To avoid muscle strain and injury, use correct handling techniques. The larger cylinders should be handled using hand truck and are available for purchase from SEI.
• NEVER drag a cylinder along the ground.
• Use cylinders in an upright position and secure them to prevent them from falling over. SEI offers several special cylinder brackets and bracing solutions.
• Do not attempt to catch a falling cylinder/tank; move out of the way. The cylinder/tank is very heavy. A falling cylinder can cause severe bodily injury.
• The valve on high-pressure helium cylinders should never be opened unless the appropriate filling regulator valve is properly attached.
• Ensure the valve outlet is free from contamination and debris before fitting the filling regulator.
• Slowly open the cylinder and Listen for any obvious leaks. If there is a leak, turn off the valve, release any excess helium in the regulator and confirm the regulator is fastened correctly.
• The cylinder valve should be closed when the cylinder is empty or not in use.
• Remove the regulator valve prior to moving the cylinder any distance or if the cylinder is no longer in use. Before removing the regulator valve, turn off the cylinder valve and release the pressure in the kit.

Do not scrap a high-pressure cylinder. The cylinder remains the property of the helium company and can’t be sold or transferred to different stores.

Cylinders must never be transported on an escalator. Bear in mind that BOC vehicles must not be left unattended for excessive time.

Storage

• Helium cylinders can rupture when heated in a fire.
• Helium cylinders should be used in a well-ventilated area away from high heat or high traffic areas.
• Store cylinders in an upright position on a flat and level surface and secure them to prevent them from falling or impacted. Never turn your back on a free-standing cylinder. Cylinder safety stands, trolleys and wall straps are available for purchase from Surprize Enterprize Inc.

Transport - Delivery and Pick-Up:

Our drivers are trained to take appropriate safety precautions when delivering cylinders. If the delivery cannot be made while guaranteeing the safety of the driver, customer personnel or property, the driver may refuse delivery.

To avoid this happening, the customer should always provide a clear unobstructed path to the point of delivery. If there are any issues, the customer should notify SEI and discuss any cylinder handling, access or delivery restrictions at time of order, such as vehicle size, weight, height, pedestrian zones, parking restrictions, steps and stairways.

Leak detection

Surprize Enterprize Inc. and the network of suppliers we deal with, maintain and check their cylinders to the most rigorous standards, ensuring their integrity and safety at all times.

A common method used for testing helium equipment for leaks is to apply a soapy solution over and around the connections and joints in the equipment. This soapy solution should be made with 1 part regular dish soap and 5 parts regular tap water. If a leak is present when placing this solution at the connection points and joints, bubbles should appear.

Leaking equipment should immediately be removed from service. Most helium equipment can be repaired and placed back in service once a proper assessment is completed. If you require any assistance, Surprize Enterprize Inc. offers a full service repair department.