International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CARBIDE

ICSC: 0406

Calcium acetylide
Acetylenogen
CaC₂
Molecular mass: 64.1

ICSC #    0406
CAS #     75-20-7
RTECS # EV9400000
UN #        1402
EC #         006-004-00-9
October 23, 1995 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.	NO contact with water.	Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion on contact with water.	Use non-sparking handtools. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.

EXPOSURE		PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
•INHALATION	Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness. Skin burns. Pain.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Laboured breathing. Shock or collapse. (Further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Remove all ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into clean dry containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do not use water.

Separated from incompatible materials . See Chemical Dangers. Dry. Well closed.

Airtight.
F symbol
R: 15
S: 2-8-43
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Packing Group: II

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0406

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CARBIDE

ICSC: 0406

I

M

P

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R

T

A

N

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A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GREY CRYSTALS OR BLACK LUMPS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with silver nitrate and copper salts. The substance decomposes violently on contact with moisture and water producing highly flammable and explosive acetylene gas (ICSC # 0089) , causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with chlorine, bromine, iodine, hydrogen chloride, lead, fluoride magnesium, sodium peroxide and sulphur, causing fire and explosion hazard. Mixtures with iron (III) chloride, iron (III) oxide and tin (II) chloride ignite easily and burn fiercely.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly especially if powdered.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Melting point: about 2300°C
Relative density (water = 1): 2.22

Solubility in water:
reaction

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, producing explosive gas. The substance may contain contaminant resulting in the release of the toxic gas phosphine on contact with water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Also consult ICSC 0089 Acetylene.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-192

NFPA Code: H1; F3; R2; W

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0406	CALCIUM CARBIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.