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:     Ruthenium

Formula:              Ru

CAS Number:       7440-18-8

II.  HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:   Ruthenium 

Percent (%):                    0-100 

OSHA/PEL:                        N/E 

ACGIH/TLV:                       N/E

HMIS Rating (Powder):

Health:                              1

Flammability:                   3

Reactivity:                        1

HMIS Rating (Solid):

Health:                               0

Flammability:                    0

Reactivity:                         0

III.  PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                     3900 ^oC

Melting Point:                    2310 ^oC

Specific Gravity:               12.30 g/cc 

Solubility in H₂O:               Insoluble

Appearance and Odor:     Grey powder or pieces, no odor

IV.  FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

Explosive Limits:  Lower:  N/A         Upper:  N/A

Extinguishing Media:  DO NOT USE WATER.  Use class D or other metal extinguishing agent.

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

Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazard:  Not a fire or explosion hazard in solid form.  Flammable in the form of dust when exposed to flame.  May emit toxic fumes of ruthenium and ruthenium oxide when heated to decomposition.  May react violently with ruthenium oxide.  When heated above 1000 ^oF, ruthenium may emit ruthenium tetroxide  fumes, which may cause an explosion when in contact with organic substances.

V.  HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Most ruthenium compounds are poisons or moderately toxic.  They resemble osmium compounds in that when heated in air, they evolve fumes which are injurious to the eyes and lungs and can produce nasal ulcerations.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory system.

Ingestion:  No acute health effects recorded.

Skin:  May cause irritation.

Eye:  May cause irritation.

Chronic Effects:  Prolonged or repeated contact may cause irritation.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  No         IARC:  No             OSHA:  No

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  Give 1-2 glasses of milk or water and induce vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.  Never induce vomiting or give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

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

EYE:  Flush eyes with lukewarm water, including under upper and lower eyelids, for at least 15 minutes.  Seek medical attention.

VI.  REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  None

Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid):  Aqua regia, potassium chlorate and strong oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Ruthenium and ruthenium oxides

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 clothing specified in section VIII.  Isolate spill area, provide ventilation and extinguish sources of ignition.  Vacuum up spill using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a closed container for disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.  Use non-sparking tools.

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

VIII.  SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator

Ventilation:  Use local exhaust to maintain concentration of exposure at low levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Lab coat and apron

IX.  SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Wash thoroughly after handling.  Keep container tightly closed.  Avoid inhalation of dust.  Store in a cool dry place.  Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.  Avoid generating or breathing dust.  Use only with adequate ventilation.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area.

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.

DOT Regulations:

Ingot, Pieces, Shot:

        Hazard Class:                  None

Powder:

       Hazard Class:                    4.1

       Identification Number:     UN3089

       Packing Group:                 II

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

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

Date:                    May 2006