MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

I.  PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Manufacturer/Supplier:

ESPI Metals

1050 Benson Way, Ashland, OR 97520

Toll Free (800) 638-2581 * Fax (541) 488-8313

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Product Name:    Osmium

Formula:              Os

CAS Number:       7440-04-2

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Osmium 

Percent (%):                   0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                      N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                     N/E 

HMIS Ratings:

Health:                             2

Flammability:                   2

Reactivity:                        1

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                   5027 ^oC

Melting Point:                  3045 ^oC 

Specific Gravity:              22.6 gm/cc

Solubility in H₂O:             Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Bluish-white metal, no odor.

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  No data

Flammable Limits:  Upper: N/A        Lower:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  Flammable solid.  If involved in a fire do not use water, carbon dioxide or halogenated extinguishers.  Use dry powder extinguishing agents, dry sand or dry ground dolomite.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures:  Firefighters must wear full face, self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards:  May emit toxic fumes upon decomposition.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

To the best of our knowledge the chemical, physical and toxicological properties of osmium have not been thoroughly investigated and recorded.

Osmium is considered poisonous and should be handled with caution.  Effects include ocular disturbances, respiratory difficulties and heavy metal poisoning.  Oxidation of osmium compounds may form the volatile and highly irritating osmium tetroxide.  Exposure may cause bronchitis and dermatitis.

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Irritating to mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.  May cause asthmatic condition, bronchitis.

Ingestion:  May cause gastrointestinal irritation.  No other effects known.

Skin:  Causes irritation, dermatitis, ulceration of the skin.

Eye:  Causes severe eye irritation, ocular disturbances, conjunctivitis.  May cause blindness.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Bronchitis

Ingestion:  None known

Skin:  Dermatitis

Eye:  May cause blindness.

Other Health Hazards:  Adverse health effects are due mainly to OsO₄

Target Organs:  May cause kidney damage, route of overexposure not known.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  None known

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No               IARC:  No             OSHA:  No            EPA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

INHALATION:  Remove victim to fresh air, keep warm and quiet, give oxygen if breathing is difficult.  Seek immediate medical attention.

INGESTION:  Seek immediate medical attention.

SKIN:  Remove contaminated clothing, brush material off skin.  Wash affected area with soap and water.  Seek medical attention.

EYE:  Immediately flush eyes, including under eyelids, with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Extreme heat.

Incompatible Materials:  ClF₃, OF₂, halogens, phosphorus, oxygen, oxidizers, acids, organic solvents, NH₄.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Oxides of osmium.  Osmium dust reacts violently with ClF₃ and OF₂.  On heating in air it gives off poisonous fumes of osmium tetroxide.

Hazardous Polymerization:  Will not occur

VII.  SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES

Steps to Be Taken in Case Material Is Released or Spilled:  Wear appropriate respiratory and protective equipment specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Scoop up or vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Use non-sparking tools.

Waste Disposal Method:  Dispose of in accordance with State, Federal and Local regulations.

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved high efficiency particle respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a controlled, enclosed environment in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain low levels of exposure.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber for all contact.

Eye/Face Protection:  ANSI approved safety goggles.

Other Protective Equipment:  Lab coat and apron, flame and chemical resistant coveralls.

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Keep container tightly closed.  Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area.  Wash thoroughly after use.

Other Precautions:  Handle and store under dry protective gas.  Keep ignition sources away.  Protect against electrostatic charges.  Fumes can combine with air to form an explosive mixture.  Store away from air.  Store away from halogens.  Store away from oxidizing agents.

Work Practices:  Implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce and maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  Use good housekeeping and sanitation practices.  Do not use tobacco or food in work area.  Wash thoroughly before eating and smoking.  Do not blow dust off clothing or skin with compressed air.  Maintain eyewash capable of sustained flushing, safety drench shower and facilities for washing.

Danger:  Flammable, irritates lungs and eyes.

DOT Regulations:

Hazard Class:                     4.1

Identification Number:      UN3089

Packing Group:                  II

Proper Shipping Name:     Metal powder, flammable, n.o.s., (osmium)

The above information is believed to be correct, but does not purport to be all inclusive and shall be used only as a guide.  ESPI shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or from contact with the above product.

Issued by:                 S. Dierks

Revised/Verified:       November 2011