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

 

Trade Name:                    Cobalt

Synonym:                          Cobalt Metal Products

Chemical Nature:             Metallic Element

Formula:                           Co

CAS#:                                7440-48-4



II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

 

Hazardous Component:  Cobalt

%:                                     0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     .1 mg/m3

ACGIH/TLV:                   .02 mg/m3

Sec. 302:                           No 

Sec. 304:                           No 

Sec. 313:                           Yes


HMIS Ratings: Health: 3(powder) Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 0 Protective Equipment: F: glasses, gloves, apron, dust mask.



III. PHYSICAL DATA


Boiling Point 760 mm Hg:2870 oC

Melting Point:                  1495 oC

Density:                             8.92

Vapor Density:                 N/A

% Volatiles by Weight:   N/A

Solubility in H2O:            Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:    Metallic grey, odorless

Vapor Pressure:               N/A



IV. FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA


Flash Point: N/A

Flammability: Non-flammable

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

Autoignition Temperature: N/E or N/A


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

Special Fire Fighting 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. Isolate runoff to prevent environmental pollution.

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard: Contact with strong acids form flammable hydrogen gas. Ignites on contact with bromine pentafluoride.



V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION


Effects of Exposure:


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 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.


Acute Effects:


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

Ingestion: Moderately toxic by ingestion. May cause acute cobalt poisoning.

Skin: May cause irritation.

Eye: 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.

Eye: No chronic health effects recorded.


Primary Routes of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin or eye contact.

Target Organs: May affect the respiratory and pulmonary system.

 

Carcinogenicity: NTP: No           IARC: No          OSHA: No

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


EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:


INHALATION: Remove victim 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 (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.

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



VI. REACTIVITY DATA


Stability: Stable

Conditions to Avoid: None

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid): Strong acids, oxidizing agents, hydrazinium nitrate, ammonium nitrate + heat, 1,3,4,7 tetramethylisindol, bromine pentafluoride.

Hazardous Decomposition Products: Hydrogen gas.

Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.



VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES


Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in Section VIII. Isolate spill area and provide ventilation. Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for disposal. Take care not to raise dust.

Waste Disposal Method: In accordance with Local, State and Federal waste disposal regulations.



VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION


Respiratory Protection (Specify Type): NIOSH approved dust respirator

Ventilation: Local exhaust ventilation may be necessary to control any air contaminants to within the recommended PEL, TLV. Mechanical exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves: Rubber gloves.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses.

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



IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS


Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage: Store in a tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Wash thoroughly after handling. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid breathing dust. Use only with adequate ventilation.

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.


DOT Regulations:

Rod, Wire, Sheet, Foils:

              Hazard Class:                   None

Powders:

              Hazard Class:                   4.1

              Identification Number:    UN3089

              Packing Group:                III

              Proper Shipping Name:   Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s. (cobalt)



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:                    December 2005