ELECTRONIC SPACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL
1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313
E-Mail: sales@espimetals.com
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
I PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Trade Name: Beryllium Nitride Chemical Family: Beryllium Compounds
Formula: Be3N2 CAS #: 1304-54-7
II HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Hazardous Component % OSHA/PEL ACGIH/TLV
Beryllium Nitride 0-100 0.002 mg(Be)/m3, Ceiling: 0.005 mg(Be)/m3, Peak: 0.025 mg(Be)/m3 0.002 mg(Be)/m3
III PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 2240 oC (Decomposes) Melting Point: 2200 oC + 100
Specific Gravity: N/A Vapor Pressure: N/A
Solubility in H2O: Decomposes in water to form insoluble Be(OH)2. Vapor Density: N/A
Appearance and Odor: White, gray or yellow powder or lump % Volatiles: None
IV FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA
Flash Point: N/A Autoignition Temperature: N/A
Explosive Limits: Lower: N/A Upper: N/A
Extinguishing Media: Dry Chemical. Do not use water due to the potential of forming ammonia gas which is a strong irritant and can be flammable.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: If material becomes airborne or if ammonia is evolved due to contact with water, pressure- demand self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn by firefighters or any other person exposed to smoke or fumes. If a large amount of material is involved, and ammonia is being released, a Level A Emergency Response suit must be worn.
V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Effects of Exposure:
Acute (immediate or near-term health effects): May cause acute toxicity due to hydrolysis to soluble beryllium compounds. Soluble beryllium compounds are strong irritants and capable of causing acute inflammatory reactions of the respiratory pathways and chemical pneumonia.
Chronic (long-term health effects): Overexposure to airborne beryllium particulate may cause a serious lung disease, in certain sensitive individuals, called chronic beryllium disease (chronic berylliosis). Chronic beryllium disease is a condition in which the tissues of the lungs become inflamed, restricting the exchange of oxygen between the lungs and the bloodstream. Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. Long term effects may include loss of lung function, fibrosis, or subsequent secondary effects on the heart with eventual permanent impairment.
Acute and Chronic Effects:
Inhalation: Overexposure to airborne beryllium particulate may cause a serious lung disease, in certain sensitive individuals, called chronic beryllium disease (chronic berylliosis). Chronic beryllium disease is a condition in which the tissues of the lungs become inflamed, restricting the exchange of oxygen between the lungs and the bloodstream. Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness, and fatigue. Long term effects may include loss of lung function, fibrosis, or subsequent secondary effects on the heart with eventual permanent impairment.
Ingestion: There are no known cases of illness resulting from ingestion of beryllium, however, the potential for local irritation exists. Skin: Beryllium nitride is not believed to pose an allergic dermal response. However, contact with acids or bases may produce soluble beryllium compounds which can cause irritation which can cause irritation which can cause an allergic dermal response and must not be handles with bare hands.
Eyes: Injury can result from particulate irritation or mechanical injury to the cornea or conjunctiva by dust or particulate. Exposure may result from direct contact with airborne particulate (dust, or powder) or contact to the eye of contaminated hands or clothing.
Carcinogenicity: Hazard communication regulations of the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration require that caution labels for materials listed as potential carcinogens in either the International Agency for Cancer Research Monograph Series or the National Toxicology Program Annual Report on carcinogens must contain a cancer warning. Beryllium has also been so listed based principally on animal tests and therefore this material bears a label identifying it as a potential cancer hazard.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Pre-existing respiratory conditions. If prior damage or disease to the neurologic (nervous), circulatory, hematologic (blood), or urinary (kidney) system has occurred, proper screening or examinations should be conducted on individuals who may be exposed to further risk where handling and use of this material may cause excessive exposure.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult and obtain immediate medical help.
INGESTION: Swallowing metal powder or dust can be treated by having the affected person drink large quantities of water and attempting to induce vomiting if conscious. Obtain medical help.
SKIN: Skin cuts and abrasions can be treated by standard first aid. Skin contamination with dust or powder can be removed by washing with soap and water. If irritation persists obtain medical help.
EYES: Dust or powder should be flushed from the eyes with copious amounts of clean water. If irritation persists obtain medical help. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with metal dusts and powders because the contact lens must be removed to provide adequate treatment.
VI REACTIVITY DATA
General Reactivity: Beryllium nitride reacts rapidly with air at 600 oC to give BeO and N2. Beryllium nitride reacts with water and weak bases to give Be(OH)2 and ammonia. Beryllium nitride reacts with acids and strong bases to give soluble beryllium compounds and ammonia.
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid): Water, acids, bases, halogens, halogenating agents (e.g. hypochlorite solutions).
Hazardous Decomposition Products: BeO, ammonia.
Hazardous Polymerization: N/A
VII SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Respiratory Protection: When potential exposures are above the occupational limits shown in Section III, approved respirators must be used as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional. Exposure to unknown concentrations of fumes or dusts requires the wearing of a pressure-demand airline respirator or pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus. Pressure-demand airline respirators are recommended for jobs with high potential exposures such as changing bags in a baghouse air cleaning device.
Ventilation And Engineering Controls: Whenever possible the use of local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls is the preferred method of controlling exposure to airborne dust and fume to meet established occupational exposure limits. Where utilized, pickups on flexible ventilation lines should be positioned as close to the source of airborne contamination as possible. Distribution of the airflow in the area of a local exhaust inlet, such as by a man cooling fan, should be avoided. Ventilation equipment should be checked regularly to ensure it is functioning properly. Ventilation training is recommended for all users. Beryllium powder products should be stored and transported in tightly sealed containers and must only be handled under controlled ventilated conditions.
Protective Gloves: Wear impermeable gloves to prevent contact with powder particularly during handling.
Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shield when risk of eye injury is present during handling or further processing.
Other Protective Equipment: Protective over-garments or work clothing should be worn by persons who may become contaminated with dusts, fume, or powders during activities such as powder handling, furnace rebuilding, air cleaning equipment bag changes, furnace tending, etc. Contaminated work clothing and over-garments 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.
Recommended Monitoring Procedures:
Environmental Surveillance: Exposure to beryllium should be determined by having air samples taken in the employee breathing zone, work area, and department. The frequency and type of air sampling should be as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional. Air sample results should be made available to employees.
Medical Surveillance: Periodic lung function tests, chest x-rays, and physical examinations should be used to monitor the potential effects of dust or fume exposure.
VIII 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 clean up potentially toxic materials. Caution should be taken to minimize airborne generation of powder or dust and avoid contamination of air and water. Depending upon the quantity of material released, fine powder or dust spills to the environment may require reporting the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802 as well as the State Emergency Response Commission and Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with all State, Federal, and Local regulations.
IX SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS/SHIPPING INFORMATION
Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Wash thoroughly after handling. Keep container closed.
Other Precautions: An exposure to airborne beryllium in excess of the occupational standard can occur during routine handling, material transfer, chemical processing or further processing. If this material is converted or becomes part of a solid shape, and exposure to airborne beryllium in excess of the occupational standard can occur when machining, melting, casting, dross handling, pickling, welding, grinding, sanding, polishing, milling, crushing, or otherwise abrading the surface of the solid in a manner which generates finely divided particles. Machining operations conducted under a flood of liquid coolant usually require local exhaust ventilation. The cycling through a machine of liquid lubricant/coolant containing finely divided beryllium in suspension can result in the concentration building to a point where the particulate may become airborne during use. A filter, centrifuge, or settling chamber can be installed in-line if necessary. The potential for exposures also may occur during repair or maintenance activities on contaminated equipment.
Work Practices: Vacuum is recommended for dust removal. Vacuum cleaners with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the recommended type. The use of compressed air to remove dusts should be avoided as such an activity can result in unnecessary short-term elevated exposures to dusts. Minor residue can be removed with wet cleaning methods. Be certain to de-energize electrical systems as necessary before beginning wet cleaning.
Maintenance: During repair or maintenance activities the potential exists for exposures to beryllium in excess of occupational standard. Under these circumstances, protecting workers can require the use of specific work practices or procedures involving the combined use of ventilation, respiratory protection, decontamination, special protective clothing, and when necessary, restricted work zones.
Ambient Air Emissions: Beryllium users involving outplant emissions are subject to the National Emission Standard for Beryllium as promulgated by EPA (40CFR 61, Subpart C). The National Emission Standard for beryllium is 0.01 ug/m3 (30 day average) in ambient air for those production facilities which have been qualified to be regulated through ambient air monitoring. Other facilities must meet a 10 gram per 24-hour total site emission limit. Most process air emission sources exhausting outside a production building will require an air permit from a local and or state air pollution control agency. The use of air cleaning equipment may be necessary to achieve the desired level of control. Tempered makeup air should be provided to prevent excessive negative pressure in a building. Direct recycling of cleaned process exhaust air is not recommended. Plant exhausts should be located so as not to re-enter the plant through makeup air or other inlets. Regular maintenance, inspection and monitoring of air cleansing equipment operating parameters is important to insure adequate efficiency is maintained.
Toxic Substances Control Act: Beryllium Nitride (CAS # 1304-54-7) is listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances.
On February 16, 1988 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that implements the requirements of the Superfund Amendments and Re-authorization act (SARA) Title III, Section 313 (53) Federal Register 4525. Title III is the portion of SARA concerning emergency planning and community right-to-know issues. Section 313 covers annual emission reporting on defined chemicals which are manufactured, processed or used at certain US industrial facilities. Beryllium and beryllium compounds are reportable under Section 313. The Chemical Abstracts Services number for beryllium nitride is 1-800-535-0202 (or 202-555-1411)
NIOSH RTECS #: (Be) DS1750000
NIOSH RTECS #: (Be3N2) None
Shipping Name: RQ Beryllium compound, N.O.S. Note: Must be marked on shipping papers and on the outside of the shipping container.
Hazard Class: Class B Poison. Note: Hazard class must be included on shipping papers.
Identification #: UN1566. Note: Must be marked on shipping papers and on the outside of the shipping container.
Label(s) Required: Poison. Note: Place on the outside of the shipping container.
Reportable Quantity: 1 lb. (.454 kg)
DOT Specification Container: Suitable for Poison B Solids. Recommended double over pack when shipping powder.
Other: Emergency response information is provided within this MSDS. Note: This information must be included, in some form, with the shipping papers.
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: August 2005