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
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Beryllium Copper
Synonyms: UNS C17200, UNS C17500
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Components CAS # % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV
Beryllium 7440-41-7 0.4 - 2.0 .002 mg/m3 .002 mg/m3
Copper 7440-50-8 Balance 1 mg/m3 1 mg/m3
Cobalt 7440-48-4 0.2 - 2.7 .1 mg/m3 .02 mg/m3
III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: N/A
Melting Point: 982 oC
Vapor Density: N/A
Specific Gravity: 8.36 gm/cc
Vapor Pressure: N/A
% Volatile: N/A
Appearance and Odor: Bronze colored, no odor
Solubility in H2O: Insoluble
IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A
Autoignition Temperature: N/A or N/E
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding materials and type of fire.
Special Firefighting Procedures: Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus with full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Fumes from fire are hazardous.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: Do not use water to extinguish fires around operations involving molten metal due to the potential for steam explosions. When heated to decomposition, toxic metal oxide fume may be released.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of beryllium copper have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.
In animals, inhalation of copper dust has caused hemolysis of the red blood cells, deposition of hemofuscin in the liver and pancreas, and injury to the lung cells; injection of the dust has caused cirrhosis of the liver and pancreas, and a condition closely resembling hemochromatosis or bronzed diabetes (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, eighth edition).
Exposure to beryllium may cause dermatitis, chronic skin ulcers, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, epistaxis, bronchitis, pneumonitis (possibly fatal), fever, rales, dyspnea, and substernal pain. Chronic exposure causes a delayed form of lung disease which may be delayed for five years or more after exposure stops. Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue. Cyanosis is common, with elevated pulse and respiratory rates. This disease may progress to death from cardiac or respiratory failure.
NOTE: Not particularly hazardous when in solid form, grinding, welding, brazing or any other activity which could create fumes or airborne powder should be done only when sufficient personal protection is used.
Acute Effects:
Inhalation: May cause irritation to the respiratory tract, sneezing, nausea, weakness, fever, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis, nosebleeds, bronchitis, pneumonitis, and rales.
Ingestion: May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspnea and substernal pain.
Skin: May cause irritation, dermatitis and chronic skin ulcers.
Eye: May cause irritation.
Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: May cause degeneration of mucous membrane, discoloration of skin and hair, ulceration and perforation of the nasal septum, coughing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, cyanosis and cardiac or respiratory failure.
Ingestion: May cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, chronic copper toxicity, damage to the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
Skin: May cause dermatitis.
Eye: No chronic effects recorded.
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory, gastric and pulmonary disorders and an increased risk for individuals with Wilson’s disease.
Target Organs: Skin, lungs, nervous and circulatory systems, blood and kidneys.
Carcinogenicity: Beryllium has been listed by either the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) Monograph or the National Toxicology Program (NTP) annual report as a potential carcinogen.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove person to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and seek medical attention.
INGESTION: Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
SKIN: Brush material off skin, wash with soap and water. If irritation persists, obtain medical help.
EYES: Dust or powder should be flushed from eyes with large amounts of clean water. If irritation persists, obtain medical help.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable.
Conditions to Avoid: None
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Avoid contact with mineral acids and oxidizing agents which may generate hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas can be an explosion hazard.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: None under normal conditions of use.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps to Be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: In solid form this material poses no health or environmental risk. If this material is in powder or dust form, establish a restricted entry zone based on the severity of the spill. Persons entering the restricted zone must wear adequate respiratory protection and protective clothing appropriate for the severity of the spill. Cleanup should be conducted with a vacuum system utilizing a high efficiency particulate air filtration system followed by wet cleaning methods. Special care must be taken when changing filters on HEPA vacuum cleaners when used to cleanup potentially toxic materials. Caution should be taken to minimize airborne generation of powder or dust and avoid contamination of air and water.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with all Federal, State and Local regulations.
VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: NIOSH approved high efficiency cartridge or supplied air respirator is required if beryllium in air concentrations exceed OSHA standards.
Ventilation: Use local exhaust to maintain concentrations at or below PEL, TLV.
Protective Gloves: Wear gloves to prevent metal cuts and skin abrasions particularly during handling of wrought forms, solid metal sheet, strip or tube.
Safety Glasses: Wear safety glasses, goggles, faces shield or welders helmet when risk of eye injury is present, particularly during melting, casting, machining, grinding, welding, powder handling, etc.
Other Protective Clothing or Equipment: No protective equipment or clothing is required when handling solid forms. Protective overgarments or work clothing should be worn by persons who may become contaminated with dusts, fumes, or powders during activities such as furnace rebuilding, air cleaning equipment bag changes, furnaces tending, etc. Contaminated work clothing and overgarments should be managed in such a manner so as to prevent secondary exposure to persons such as laundry operators and to prevent contamination to personal clothing. Never use compressed air to clean work clothing.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: This product poses no health hazard as shipped. There are no special storage requirements. Wash thoroughly after handling.
Other Precautions: Although Beryllium Copper is not particularly hazardous when in solid form, grinding, welding, brazing or any other activity which could create fumes or airborne powder should be done only when sufficient personal protection is used.
Work Practices: Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration exposure. Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices. Do not use tobacco or food in work area. Wash thoroughly before eating or 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.
SARA Title 313: Yes
Hazard Labeling: DANGER - INHALATION OF DUST OR FUMES MAY CAUSE SERIOUS CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE. POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARD BASED PRINCIPALLY ON ANIMAL TESTS.
DOT Regulations:
Hazard Class (Solid Forms): 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
Date: August 2006