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:     Cobalt Phosphide

Formula:              Co₂P

CAS Number:       12134-02-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Cobalt Phosphide

Percent (%):                   0-100

OSHA/PEL:                       0.1 mg/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                     0.02 mg(Co)/m³

HMIS Rating:

Health:                             2

Flammability:                  0

Reactivity:                       0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   N/A

Melting Point:                  1386 ^oC

Specific Gravity:              6.4 g/cc at 15 ^oC

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Gray powder or pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Flammable Limits:  Upper:  N/A       Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding materials and type of fire.

Special Firefighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.  Fumes from fire are hazardous.  Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  None recorded

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Cobalt has a low toxicity by ingestion.  Ingestion of soluble salts produces nausea and vomiting by local irritation.  In animals, administration of cobalt salts produces an increase in the total red cell mass of the blood.  In humans, a single case of poisoning with liver and kidney damage has been attributed to cobalt.  Locally, cobalt has been shown to produce dermatitis and investigators have been able to demonstrate a hypersensitivity of the skin to cobalt.  There have been reports of  hematologic, digestive and pulmonary changes in humans (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials).

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause shortness of breath, coughing, weight loss and pulmonary damage.

Ingestion:  May cause cobalt poisoning.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eyes:  May cause irritation and possibly damage the cornea.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause diffuse nodular fibrosis and respiratory sensitivity.

Ingestion:  No chronic health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause allergic sensitization and dermatitis.

Eyes:  No chronic health effects recorded.

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

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  Yes            OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin, wash affected area with mild soap and water.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

EYES:  Flush with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes, lifting upper and lower lids.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Acids, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Metal oxide fume, hydrogen phosphide

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 specified in Section VIII.  Isolate spill area and ensure proper ventilation.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter and place in a container for proper disposal.  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:  NIOSH approved respirator

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain exposure below PEL and TLV.  General exhaust is recommended

Protective Gloves:  Neoprene

Eye Protection:  Safety glasses

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Protective gear suitable to prevent contamination.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storing:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place in a controlled environment.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

TSCA Listed:         Yes

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:        None

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 2008