International Chemical Safety Cards

ZINC POWDER

ICSC: 1205

Blue powder
Merrillite
Zn
Atomic mass: 65.4
(powder)

ICSC #    1205
CAS #     7440-66-6
RTECS # ZG8600000
UN #        1436 (zinc powder or dust)
EC #         030-001-00-1
October 24, 1994 Peer reviewed

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with acid(s), base(s) and incompatible substances (see Chemical Dangers).	Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents. NO water.
EXPLOSION	Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acid(s), base(s), water and incompatible substances.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Prevent deposition of dust.	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	Metallic taste and metal fume fever. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).	Local exhaust.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	Dry skin.	Protective gloves.	Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
•EYES		Safety spectacles.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION	Abdominal pain. Nausea. Vomiting.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.	Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Extinguish or remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers. then remove to safe place. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof. Separated from acids, bases oxidants . Dry.

Airtight.
F symbol
N symbol
R: 15-17-50/53
S: 2-7/8-43-46-60-61
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 4.2

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1205

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

ZINC POWDER

ICSC: 1205

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
ODOURLESS GREY TO BLUE POWDER.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air. If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. The substance is a strong reducing agent and reacts violently with oxidants. Reacts with water and reacts violently with acids and bases forming flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC0001) . Reacts violently with sulfur, halogenated hydrocarbons and many other substances causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.

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

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

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever. The effects may be delayed.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 907°C
Melting point: 419°C
Relative density (water = 1): 7.14

Solubility in water: reaction
Vapour pressure, kPa at 487°C: 0.1
Auto-ignition temperature: 460°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Zinc may contain trace amounts of arsenic, when forming hydrogen, may also form toxic gas arsine (see ICSC 0001 and ICSC 0222). Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, halons, foam and carbon dioxide. The symptoms of metal fume fever do not become manifest until several hours later. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water. Card has been partly updated in April 2005. See sections EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-43GWS-II+III
NFPA Code: H0; F1; R1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 1205	ZINC POWDER
(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.