International Chemical Safety Cards

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE

ICSC: 0571

Sulfur fluoride
F₆S
Molecular mass: 146.1
(cylinder)

ICSC #    0571
CAS #     2551-62-4
RTECS # WS4900000
UN #        1080
March 26, 1998 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Not combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.		In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION			In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.

EXPOSURE
•INHALATION	Suffocation (see Notes).	Ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES	See Skin.	Safety goggles, face shield.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. (Extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof if in building. Cool.

R:
S:
UN Hazard Class: 2.2

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0571

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

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE

ICSC: 0571

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS , COLOURLESS, COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may accumulate in low ceiling spaces causing deficiency of oxygen.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating above 500°C producing toxic and corrosive fumes including sulfur oxides, fluorine compounds.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 1000 ppm; 5970 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1997).
OSHA PEL: TWA 1000 ppm (6000 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 1000 ppm (6000 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: No data

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

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Sublimation point: -64°C
Melting point: -51°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.9

Solubility in water: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 5
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 1.68

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

The technical product may contain impurities which alter the health effects. High concentrations in the air cause a deficiency of oxygen with the risk of unconsciousness or death. Check oxygen content before entering area. No odour warning if toxic concentrations are present. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. Elegas and Esaflon are trade names.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-860.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0571	SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE
(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.