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:     Nickel Chloride Hexahydrate

Formula:              NiCl₂ A 6H₂O

CAS Number:       7791-20-0

II.   HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

Hazardous Component:  Nickel Chloride 

Percent (%):                  0-100

OSHA/PEL:                     1 mg(Ni)/m³

ACGIH/TLV:                   0.1 mg(Ni)/m³ (soluble compounds)

HMIS Rating:

Health:                          4

Flammability:               0   

Reactivity:                    0

III.   PHYSICAL DATA

Boiling Point:                    N/E

Melting Point:                   N/E

Specific Gravity:              N/E

Solubility in H₂O:             Soluble

Appearance and Odor:    Green powder and pieces, no odor.

IV.   FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS DATA

Flash Point:  N/A

Flammability:  Non-flammable

Autoignition Temperature:  N/A

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

Extinguishing Media:  Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding material and type of fire.

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

Unusual Fire & Explosion:  When heated to decomposition, this material may emit toxic fumes of chlorine.

V.   HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION

Effects of Exposure:

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

Nickel is a confirmed carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, tumorigenic and teratogenic data.  Poison by ingestion, intratracheal, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and intravenous routes.  An experimental teratogen.  Ingestion of soluble salts causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Hypersensitivity to nickel is common and can cause allergic contact dermatitis, pulmonary asthma, conjunctivitis and inflammatory reactions around nickel containing medical implants and prosthesis.

Chlorides toxicity vary widely.  Sodium chloride (table salt) has very low toxicity, while carbonyl chloride (phosgene) is lethal in small doses.  (Sax, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials)

Acute Effects:

Inhalation:  Severe irritant and corrosive.  May cause irritation to the upper respiratory tract, mucous membranes and nasal cavities.  May cause pulmonary asthma attacks.

Ingestion:  Severe irritant and corrosive.  Large doses may cause intestinal disorders, convulsions and asphyxia.

Skin:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

Eye:  Severe irritant and corrosive.

Chronic Effects:

Inhalation:  Prolonged or repeated inhalation may cause pneomitis.

Ingestion:  May cause nickel toxicity.

Skin:  May sensitize the skin (nickel itch).  May cause allergic dermatitis, eczematous dermatitis and may be accompanied a week later with superficial skin ulcers, which may discharge and become crusted.

Eye:  May cause conjunctivitis.

Target Organs:  May affect the nasal cavities, respiratory system, lungs, blood and skin.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure:  Pre-existing respiratory disorders, pulmonary functions, asthma and skin disorders.

Carcinogenicity:  NTP:  Yes     IARC:  Yes     OSHA:  Yes

EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES:

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

INGESTION:  Do not induce vomiting.  Seek medical attention immediately.

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

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

VI.   REACTIVITY DATA

Stability:  Stable

Conditions to Avoid:  Water/moisture

Incompatibility (Material to Avoid):  Water/moisture, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition Products:  Fumes of chlorine, hydrogen chloride.

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 and provide ventilation.  Sweep up or vacuum up using a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) air filter and place in a container for proper disposal.  Take care not to raise dust.

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

VIII.   SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection:  Wear NIOSH-approved dust-mist-fume cartridge respirator.

Ventilation:  Handle in a dry, controlled environment.  Handle in an inert gas such as argon.  Use local exhaust to maintain below recommended TLV levels.  General exhaust is not recommended.

Protective Gloves:  Rubber gloves

Eye Protection:  Safety goggles

Other Protective Clothing or Equipment:  Wear protective clothing to prevent contamination of skin and clothes.

IX.   SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to Be Taken in Handling and Storage:  Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.  Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before eating.

Other Precautions:  Nickel chloride is hygroscopic.  Handle and store in a controlled environment and an inert gas such as argon.

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:

Hazard Class:                    8

Identification Number:     UN1759

Packing Group:                 II

Proper Shipping Name:    Corrosive solids, n.o.s., (Nickel chloride)

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.

Prepared by:          S. Dierks

Dated:                  April 2007