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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I            PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:      Barium Hydride                                                                          Formula:                           BaH₂

CAS #:                13477-09-3                                                                                  Chemical Family:             Metal hydride

Molecular Wt:   139.35

II           HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component           %            OSHA/PEL              ACGIH/TLV                    Sec. 302               Sec. 304               Sec. 313

Barium Hydride                        0-100      0.5 mg(Ba)/m3         0.5 mg(Ba)/m³                   No                       No                       Yes

HMIS Ratings (0-4): Health: 3     Flammability: 2         Reactivity: 2

III         PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point:                   1400 ^oC                                                                         Melting Point:                  675 ^oC

Vapor Density:                 N/A                                                                               Vapor Pressure:               N/E

Specific Gravity:              4.21 g/cc                                                                       Solubility in H₂O:            Decomposes

Appearance and Odor:    Gray crystalline powder, no odor                                 % Volatile:                       N/A

IV         FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point: NA                                                                                                     Method Used: Non-flammable

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

Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE water or halogenated hydrocarbons. Use class D or other metal extinguishing agent.

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

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Dangerous fire hazard, moisture may cause it to ignite. May ignite spontaneously in air in fine powder form. Coarser powder may ignite when heated in oxygen. Barium hydride decomposes in water to form barium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

V           HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Effects of Exposure:

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

              The soluble barium salts, such as the chloride and sulfide, are poisonous when taken by mouth. The insoluble sulfate used in radiography is nonpoisonous. Few cases of industrial systemic poisoning have been reported, but one investigator describes a fatal case of poisoning attributed to barium oxide, the symptoms being severe abdominal pain with vomiting, dyspnea, rapid pulse, paralysis of the arm and leg, and eventually cyanosis and death. The same investigator produced paralysis in animals with barium oxide and carbonate. The usual result of exposure to the sulfide, oxide and carbonate is irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and of the skin, producing dermatitis. The salts mentioned are somewhat caustic. (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation: May cause upper respiratory irritation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, rapid respiration, high blood pressure, irregular heart action, convulsions, paralysis and acute barium poisoning.

Ingestion: May cause poisoning, vomiting, colic, diarrhea, slow irregular pulse, transient hypertension, convulsions, tremors, muscular paralysis, and acute barium poisoning.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: May cause irritation and inflammation.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation: May cause chronic barium poisoning.

Ingestion: May cause chronic barium poisoning.

Skin: May cause dermatitis.

Eye: May cause corneal opacity and blindness.

Routes of Entry: Inhalation: Yes               Skin: Yes           Eyes: Yes           Ingestion: Yes

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory and central nervous system, heart, skin and eyes.

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC Monographs: No                OSHA Regulated: No

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

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

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

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

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

VI         REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Unstable

Conditions to Avoid: Water, moisture and air.

Incompatibilities: Water, acids and metal halogenates.

Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts: Barium oxide, barium hydroxide and hydrogen.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur

VII        PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII. Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal. Use non-sparking tools. Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII      SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH-approved dust-mist-vapor cartridge respirator.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentration at or below the PEL, TLV. Handle in a controlled environment. Handle in an inert gas such as argon. General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves: Butyl or polycarbonate gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety goggles

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

IX         SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in cool, dry area. Store in tightly sealed container. Wash thoroughly after handling. Barium hydride reacts with water and moisture. Handle and store in a controlled environment and in an inert gas such as argon.

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 with compressed air. Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

              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

Dated:                  December 2004