International Chemical Safety Cards

OSMIUM TETROXIDE

ICSC: 0528

Osmic acid anhydride
Osmium oxide
Osmium tetraoxide
O₄Os
Molecular mass: 254.2

ICSC #    0528
CAS #     20816-12-0
RTECS # RN1140000
UN #        2471
EC #         076-001-00-5
October 09, 1997 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances.	NO contact with flammable substances.	In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion when mixed with combustible substances.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
•INHALATION	Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Visual disturbances. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Skin discoloration. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Loss of 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	Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. (See Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Give nothing to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Separated from combustible and reducing substances, food and feedstuffs. Ventilation along the floor.

Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
Severe marine pollutant.
T+ symbol
R: 26/27/28-34
S: 1/2-7/9-26-45
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
UN Packing Group: I

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0528

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

OSMIUM TETROXIDE

ICSC: 0528

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A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS TO PALE YELLOW SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating producing fumes of osmium. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials. Reacts with hydrochloric acid to form toxic chlorine gas (see ICSC # 0126). Forms unstable compounds with alkalis.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV (as Os): 0.0002 ppm; 0.0016 mg/m³ (as TWA); 0.0006 ppm; 0.0047 mg/m³ (as STEL) (ACGIH 1997).
MAK: 0.0002 ppm; 0.002 mg/m³; (1997)
OSHA PEL: TWA 0.002 mg/m³
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.002 mg/m³ (0.0002 ppm) ST 0.006 mg/m³ (0.0006 ppm)
NIOSH IDLH: 1 mg/m³ (as Os)

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20°C..

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Tear drawing. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure to high concentrations may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the kidneys.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: (see Notes) 130°C
Melting point: 42°C
Relative density (water = 1): 4.9

Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 6
Vapour pressure, kPa at 27°C: 1.5
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 8.8

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to crustacea.

N O T E S

Begins to sublime and distil well below boiling point. 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 is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT take working clothes home. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64a

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0528	OSMIUM TETROXIDE
(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.