Balloon Basics Guide

The Best In Service, Selection, & Satisfaction® Founded in 1982 and located in Bogart, Georgia, USA, we employ over 300 people and operate out of corporate offices and warehouse space totaling more than 300,000 square feet. Our commitment to the gift industry is unparalleled. HELIUM

Helium is a colorless, non-toxic, non-flammable gas that is lighter than air. When most balloons are filled with helium, they float.

In addition to the cost of the helium itself, some suppliers charge an additional monthly rental/lease for the cylinder and require a security deposit. You should ask about delivery charges and whether or not a regulator is included with the cylinder. Regulators are discussed in more detail on page 3. Š DO NOT open the cylinder valve before attaching a regulator to it. Š Close the cylinder valve after each use and when the cylinder is empty. Š When transporting, always close the valve, remove the regulator, and replace the cap. Š Never use a damaged cylinder or regulator.

Helium can be obtained from a local industrial gas supplier. Many different sized cylinders are available.

HELIUM SAFETY + PRECAUTIONS

Š DO NOT intentionally inhale helium. While helium is a relatively safe gas, purposeful ingesting can cause dizziness, fainting, suffocation, and possible death. Š DO NOT leave cylinders unattended. Š Store cylinders in a secured, upright position where they will not accidentally fall. Cylinders should be chained to a wall or placed on a safety stand at all times.

49100 Tank Cover

TANK MOUNTS + STORAGE

9751185 Tank Wall Mount Metal. Holds a 7"–91/2" diameter cylinder. 11/2"H x 12"W x 71/2"D

PROPER STORAGE Safety first

Helium is stored in highly pressurized

cylinders ranging from 1,800–2,400 pounds per square inch (PSI). A ruptured helium cylinder can be compared to a missile or the equivalent of two pounds of TNT.

9751175 Floor Safety Stand Metal. Holds a 7"–91/2" diameter cylinder. 16"H x 193/4"W x 193/4"D

9751176 Double Tank Wall Mount Metal. Holds two 7"–91/2" diameter cylinders. 2"H x 23"W x 63/4"D

HOT + COLD Just so you know

Keep environmental conditions in mind when using helium tanks and inflating balloons. Helium, like most gases, will expand when heated or contract when cooled due to thermal expansion.

For example, a balloon inflated in a warm room and moved outside on a winter day will appear to deflate. When the balloon is returned to indoor temperatures, it should return to its original state.

The opposite is true in hot weather conditions. If a balloon is inflated to the maximum and taken outside to very hot conditions, the helium will expand and may cause the balloon to burst.

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