MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET ON ZIRCONIUM

The Library & Information Centre of Central Labour Institute has unique collection of Material Safety Data Sheet of about 1,20,000 chemicals/materials taken from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. MSDS provides extensive coverage over safety perspective with detailed evaluation of health, fire and reactivity hazards. It also provides precaution as well as recommendation on handling, storage, personal protective equipment, accidental release etc. A brief Material Safety Data Sheet on few points for Zirconium is given below.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION: Zirconium

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

The following hazards are for concentrated solutions. Hazards of less concentrated solutions may be reduced. Degree of hazard for reduced concentrations is not currently addressed in the available literature.

Inhalation: Corrosive. Inhalation of vapors can cause coughing, choking, inflammation of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, and in severe cases, pulmonary edema, circulatory failure, and death.

Ingestion: Corrosive. Swallowing can cause immediate pain and burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and gastrointestinal tract. May cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, death.

Skin Contact: Corrosive. Can cause redness, pain and severe skin burns. Concentrated solutions cause deep ulcers and discolor skin. May produce skin sensitization or allergic skin reactions.

Eye Contact: Corrosive Vapors are irritating and may cause damage to the eyes. Contact may cause severe burns and permanent eye damage.

Chronic Exposure: Long-term exposure to concentrated vapors may cause erosion of teeth. Long term exposures seldom occur due to the corrosive properties of the acid. Chronic exposure may cause skin and respiratory effects.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye disease may be more susceptible to the effects of this substance.

FIRST AID MEASURES

First aid procedures given apply to concentrated solutions. Exposures to dilute solutions may not require these extensive first aid procedures.

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to

an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.

Skin Contact: Immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention immediately. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.

Eye Contact: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Fire: Not considered to be a fire hazard. Extreme heat or contact with metals can release flammable hydrogen gas.

Explosion: Contact of concentrated solutions with most metals causes formation of flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.

Fire Extinguishing Media: Water or water spray. Neutralize with soda ash or slaked lime.

Special Information: In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full face-piece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Stay away from ends of tanks. Cool tanks with water spray until well after fire is out.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Ventilate area of leak or spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Isolate hazard area. Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel from entering. Contain and recover liquid when possible. Neutralize with alkaline material (soda ash, lime), then absorb with an inert material (e.g., vermiculite, dry sand, earth), and place in a chemical waste container. Do not use combustible materials, such as saw dust. Do not flush to sewer.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Store in a cool, dry, ventilated storage area with acid resistant floors and good drainage. Protect from physical damage. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat, water, and incompatible materials. Do not wash out container and use it for other purposes. When diluting, the acid should always be added slowly to water and in small amounts. Never use hot water and never add water to the acid. Water added to acid can cause uncontrolled boiling and splashing. When opening the metal containers, use non-sparking tools because of the possibility of hydrogen gas being present. Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapors, liquid).

NOTE

The above details constitute part information of MSDS taken from Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. For complete MSDS write to MIS division, Central Labour Institute, Sion, Mumbai- 400 022. MSDS on about 1,20,000 chemicals/materials are available with Central Labour Institute. Computer printout will be supplied on nominal charge.

Ph. No.:- 022-24092203, Fax. No.:- 022-24071986