MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.   PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Calcium Silicide

Formula:             CaSi₂

CAS Number:       12013-56-8

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Components:  Calcium Silicide

Percent (%):                    0-100

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E

ACGIH/TLV:                      N/E

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             3

Flammability:                  3

Reactivity:                       2

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                      N/E or N/A

Melting Point:                     N/E or N/A

Specific Gravity:                2.5 g/cc

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble in cold, decomposes in hot

Appearance and Odor:      Black/brown pieces and powder, repulsive odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/E or N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/E          Upper:  N/E

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER!!  Use class D or other suitable metal extinguishing agent.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May ignite spontaneously in air.  Calcium silicide reacts with acids to evolve self-igniting silane gas.  On contact with water it forms hydrogen gas.  Reacts violently with fluorine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of calcium silicide have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Calcium compounds:  The fumes evolved by burning calcium in air are composed of calcium oxide which is an irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membrane.  Generally speaking, calcium compounds should be considered toxic only when they contain toxic components or as calcium oxide or hydroxide.  Calcium compounds are common air contaminants.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eight edition.)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the respiratory system, sneezing and coughing due to decomposition product Ca(OH)₂.

Ingestion:  Decomposition product Ca(OH)₂ may cause burning sensation in mouth, chest and stomach.  May cause irritation of the mouth, pain in swallowing and stomach cramps.

Skin:  May cause irritation on contact with moist skin.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects: 

Inhalation:  Prolonged or heavy exposure may cause chemical bronchitis.  No other chronic health effects recorded.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No        IARC:  No        OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air; give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Seek medical attention.

INGESTION:  If conscious, administer 1-2 glasses of milk or water.  DO NOT induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

SKIN:  Brush material off skin and wash area with soap and water.  Seek medical attention.

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA 

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Acids, covalent halides, halogens, boron, fluorine and water.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Ca(OH)₂, hydrogen and silane gas.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.   SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.  Isolate the area where the spill occurred, insure proper ventilation is available and that water/moisture are kept out of the area.  Vacuum up the spill using a high efficiency unit and place in a container for proper disposal.  Use non-sparking tools.  Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with Local, State and Federal Waste Disposal Regulations.

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator.

Ventilation:  Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to control airborne levels below recommended exposure limits.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon, in a dry, controlled atmosphere.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Equipment:  Wear protective apparel to prevent contamination of skin and clothing.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Calcium silicide may decompose with water and moisture.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and inert atmosphere such as argon gas.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before meals.  Store in tightly closed containers, in a cool dry place.  Store under dry inert atmosphere.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Handle in a dry, controlled area.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.

TSCA Listed:  Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     4.3

Identification Number:      UN1410

Packing Group:                   II

Proper Shipping Name:      Calcium silicide

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                           S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:                  May 2002