Potassium Sodium Alloy
SAFETY DATA SHEET
1 PRODUCT AND SUPPLIER IDENTIFICATION
Product Name: Potassium-Sodium Alloy
Other: Potassium-Na
Supplier: ESPI Metals
1050 Benson Way
Ashland, OR 97520
Telephone: 800-638-2581
Fax: 541-488-8313
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Emergency: Infotrac 800-535-5053 (US) or 352-323-3500 (24 hour)
Recommended Uses: Scientific Research
2 HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
GHS Classification (29 CFR 1910.1200): Water reactive, Category 1, Skin corrosion, Category 1A, Serious eye damage, Category 1
GHS Label Elements:
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously, H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary Statements: P223 Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent reaction and possible flash fire, P231+P232 Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture, P260 Do not breath dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray, P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse SKIN with water/shower, P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing, P370+P378 In case of fire: Use Met-L-X, dry soda ash (anhydrous Na2CO3), dry sand or graphite powder for extinction, P405 Store locked up, P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, state or federal regulations.
3 COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
Ingredient: CAS#: %: EC#:
Potassium 7440-09-7 56 or 78 231-119-8
Sodium 7440-23-5 22 or 44 231-132-9
4 FIRST AID MEASURES
General information: It is advisable to have tongs, tweezers, scrapers or some kind of implement on hand to remove bits of metal from skin or clothing in the event of an accident. Large amounts of water should be used to rinse or flood the area of contact as small amounts of water may do more harm than good.
INHALATION: Remove the victim to fresh air. Seek immediate medical attention.
INGESTION: Quickly wipe material from mouth and rinse with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.
SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing if necessary. Brush off any visible solids. Wash the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
EYES: Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water, including under eyelids for at least 10-15 minutes. A victim may need assistance in keeping their eyelids open. A 5% solution of boric acid may be used to neutralize any remaining caustic. Seek immediate medical attention.
Most Important Symptoms/Effects, Acute and Delayed: Inhalation of dust will severely irritate the nasal cavity and respiratory tract. Ingestion will cause burns and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the skin and eyes may occur on direct contact. See section 11 for more information.
Indication of Immediate Medical Attention and Special Treatment: This product is corrosive and reacts violently with water. Treatment should first remove as much of the material as possible as quickly as possible and then flush with very large quantities of water. Ingestion presents a singular problem as emesis may produce esophageal damage and/or aspiration damage; dilution with water or other water-containing materials may produce a reaction that exacerbates the corrosive activity. Consideration may be given to gastric lavage with a large diameter tube for removal of material and then dilution with large amounts of water. Esophagoscopy may be of assistance in this procedure and to assess extent of damage. Treatment is otherwise symptomatic and supportive.
5 FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
Extinguishing Media: USE CLASS D metal extinguishing agent such as Met-L-X, dry soda ash (anhydrous Na2CO3), dry sand or graphite powder.
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: DO NOT USE water, carbon dioxide, halogenated or foam extinguishing agents.
Specific Hazards Arising from the Material: Reacts violently with water. Contact with water releases flammable gases. When heated to decomposition may emit toxic potassium and sodium oxide and hydroxide fume.
Special Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters: Full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Material can reignite after fire is initially extinguished. Never leave extinguished fire unattended. Alkali metal fires may produce large quantities of white, opaque smoke that is caustic and may react with nearby materials. Flames may be practically invisible.
6 ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures: Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section 8. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid breathing dust or fume. Eliminate all sources of ignition. Isolate spill area.
Methods and Materials for Containment and Cleaning Up: The material may ignite spontaneously in air. Burning material may release toxic fumes. Leave the area unless fitted with a self-contained breathing apparatus. Do not use water. Dry soda ash (powdered lime) or dry sand should be used to completely smother and cover any small spill that occurs. Sweep or scoop up. Place in appropriate waste disposal container. Use non-sparking tools.
Environmental Precautions: Do not allow to enter drains or to be released to the environment.
7 HANDLING AND STORAGE
Precautions for Safe Handling: It is strongly recommended that at least two persons be involved in the handling and use of this material. Potassium/Sodium should only be handled by trained personnel wearing proper protective clothing and equipment specified in section 8. Handle in an enclosed, controlled process under dry protective gas such as argon. Make certain that all equipment and tools to be used in handling are absolutely dry. Protect from air and moisture. Protect from heat, flame and sources of ignition. It is advisable to keep a container of dry sand or soda ash readily available in the work area. Keep combustible materials out of the work area. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid creating dust. Avoid breathing dust or fumes. Wash thoroughly before eating or smoking.
Conditions for Safe Storage, Including Any Incompatibilities: Protect from oxygen and water. Protect from moisture/humidity. Store under dry inert gas such as argon. Store in a sealed container. Storage containers should be labeled to indicate their contents. Containers should be inspected periodically to check for container integrity. Storage area should be free of combustibles and ignition sources. Do not store together with acids, oxidizers, halogens, halocarbons or alcohols. See section 10 for more information on incompatible materials.
8 EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION
Exposure Limits: OSHA/PEL: ACGIH/TLV:
Potassium No exposure limit established No exposure limit established
Sodium No exposure limit established No exposure limit established
Appropriate Engineering Controls: Handle in an inert gas such as argon. Handle in an enclosed, controlled process. Use local exhaust to maintain exposure at low levels. 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. Prepare for the possibility of a fire. Keep extinguishing agents, tools for handling and protective clothing readily available.
Individual Protection Measures, Such as Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory Protection: Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator when high concentrations are present.
Eye Protection: Always wear approved chemical splash proof goggles.
Skin Protection: Rubber gloves, flame retardant protective work clothing.
9 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Appearance:
Form: Liquid at room temperature
Color: Silver metallic
Odor: Not determined
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: N/A
Melting Point: See section 16
Boiling Point: See section 16
Flash Point: N/A
Evaporation Rate: N/A
Flammability: No data
Upper Flammable Limit: No data
Lower Flammable Limit: No data
Vapor Pressure: No data
Vapor Density: N/A
Relative Density (Specific Gravity): See section 16
Solubility in H2O: Reacts violently to release flammable hydrogen gas
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not determined
Autoignition Temperature: No data
Decomposition Temperature: No data
Viscosity: N/A
10 STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
Reactivity: No data
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts violently with water releasing flammable hydrogen gas.
Incompatible Materials: Water, alcohols, oxidizers, oxygen, carbon dioxide, halogens, halocarbons, acids.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sodium and potassium oxides and hydroxides, hydrogen.
11 TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Likely Routes of Exposure: Product as shipped does not present an inhalation or contact hazard. However subsequent operations may create dusts or fumes which could be inhaled or come into contact with skin or eyes.
Symptoms of Exposure: Inhalation of dust will severely irritate the nasal cavity and respiratory tract. Ingestion will cause burns and perforations of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe thermal burns, corrosion and ulceration of the skin any eyes may occur on direct contact.
Acute and Chronic Effects:
Potassium: Potassium reacts readily with moisture to form potassium hydroxide which is severely corrosive to tissue. Corrosive materials are acutely destructive to the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and digestive tract. Eye contact may result in permanent damage and complete vision loss. Inhalation may result in respiratory effects such as inflammation, edema, and chemical pneumonitis. May cause coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Ingestion may cause damage to the mouth, throat and esophagus. May cause skin burns or irritation depending on the severity of the exposure.
Sodium Sodium rapidly forms caustic and highly corrosive sodium hydroxide with evolution of heat. Severe thermal and chemical burns will result at every point of human contact.
Acute Toxicity: Sodium: LD50 intraperitoneal - mouse - 4g/kg
Carcinogenicity: No components of this alloy have been identified by NTP or IARC as carcinogenic.
To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological characteristics of the substance are not fully known.
12 ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Ecotoxicity: No data
Persistence and Degradability: No data
Bioaccumulative Potential: No data
Mobility in Soil: No data
Other Adverse Effects: Do not allow material to be released to the environment. No further relevant information available.
13 DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Waste Disposal Method:
Product: Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.
Packaging: Dispose of in accordance with Federal, State and Local regulations.
14 TRANSPORT INFORMATION
UN Number: 4.3
UN Proper Shipping Name: Potassium sodium alloys, liquid
Transport Hazard Class: UN1422
Packing Group: I
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions: Warning, substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.
15 REGULATORY INFORMATION
TSCA Listed: All components are listed.
Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP): Water reactive, Category 1, Skin corrosion, Category 1B
Canada WHMIS Classification (CPR, SOR/88-66): Class B, Division 6 - Reactive flammable material, Class D, Division 2B - Toxic material causing other toxic effects, Class E - Corrosive material.
HMIS Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 3 Reactivity: 2
NFPA Ratings: Health: 3 Flammability: 2 Reactivity: 2 Special Hazard: W
Chemical Safety Assessment: A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out.
16 OTHER INFORMATION
K-Na44% K-Na22%
Melting Point: 6.8 oC -12.6 oC
Boiling Point: 813 oC 785 oC
Specific Gravity: 0.865 g/cc 0.855 g/cc
The information contained in this document is based on the state of our knowledge at the time of publication and is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide. ESPI Metals makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee of any kind with respect to the information contained in this document or any use of the product based on this information. ESPI Metals shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from handling or from contact with the above product. Users should satisfy themselves that they have all current data relevant to their particular use.
Prepared by: ESPI Metals
Revised/Reviewed: January 2015