Material Safety Data Sheet

Issue date: July 2004

Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia

Fluoboric Acid 40-50% Solution

 

 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

COMPANY DETAILS:

 

Kendon Chemical & MNFG. Co. Pty Ltd

71 McClure Street

Thornbury, Vic, 3071

Phone: 03 9497 2822

Fax: 03 9499 7225

 

Product Name: FLUOBORIC ACID

 

Synonyms: Hydrogen Tetrafluoroborate; Tetrafluoroboric Acid

 

Manufacturer's Product Code(s):

 

Use: Metal plating bath, production of fluoborates, metal cleaning, etc.

 

UN Number: 1775

Proper Shipping Name: FLUOROBORIC ACID SOLUTION 40-50%

Dangerous Goods Class: 8

Subsidiary risk: Not Applicable

Packing Group: II

Hazchem Code: 2X

 

SUSDP Poison Schedule: S6

 

 

 

2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

SUBSTANCE NAME                                                                           Proportion            CAS Number

 

Fluoroboric Acid                                                                                   40-50%                   16872-11-0

Boric Acid (Free)                                                                                    1.5-2%                  10043-35-3

Water                                                                                                      50-60%                   7732-18-5

 

 

 

3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Hazardous according to the criteria of Worksafe Australia

 

Hazard Category: Toxic, Corrosive

 

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

 

Swallowed:

Will cause severe burns to the mouth, mucous membranes, throat, oesophagus and stomach. May result in difficult breathing, stomach pain and circulatory shock. Toxic if swallowed.

Due to acid in the stomach, hydrofluoric acid will be released with systemic fluoride poisoning likely with severe and potentially fatal hypocalcemia.

 

Eye:

Vapours will irritate the eyes and cause tearing. The liquid will cause severe burns to the eyes with possible permanent corneal damage and blindness.

 

Skin:

Will cause severe irritation and will cause burns to the skin (if not removed promptly), with effects including: redness, blistering, localised pain and dermatitis.

 

Inhaled:

Will cause severe irritation to the nose, throat and respiratory system with effects including: coughing wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath. Inhalation may result in spasm, inflammation and edema of the larynx and brochi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Extremely destructive to tissue of the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

 

Chronic:

Prolonged or repeated skin contact may lead to skin death (necrosis). Exposure to fluorides is associated with fluorosis. Kidney damage, asthma and rheumatism symptoms may occur if exposure standards are exceeded. Chronic effects include excessive calcium precipitation by the fluoride ion in the bones, ligaments and tendons.

 

 

 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Swallowed:

If swallowed, DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek urgent medical assistance. GIve large quantities of milk or water. Give at least 30 mL of milk of magnesia or aluminium hydroxide gel in equal amount of water to react with and reduce the fluoride present. If these are not available, the whites of 2 to 3 eggs may be used.

 

Eye:

If material is splashed into eyes, flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, ensuring eye lids are held open. Immediately transport to hospital or doctor. Examine the eyes for possible corneal damage.

 

Skin:

If material is splashed onto the skin, remove any contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with water and soap. Seek medical attention.

 

Inhaled:

Remove victim to fresh air. Apply resuscitation if victim is not breathing - DO NOT USE DIRECT MOUTH - TO - MOUTH METHOD if victim ingested or inhaled substance; use alternative respiratory method or proper respiratory device -

 

First Aid Facilities:

Eye wash fountain, safety shower and normal wash room facilities.

 

Advice to Doctor:

Treat symptomatically. Symptoms of fluoride overexposure may include salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, laboured breathing. Fluoride ion can reduce serum calcium levels possibly causing fatal hypocalcemia. Prolonged exposure to fluoride dusts, vapours or mists results in perforation of the nasal septum. Chronic effects include excessive calcium precipitation by the fluoride ion in the bones, ligaments and tendons.

 

 

 

 

5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Fire/Explosion Hazard

 

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:  Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, water spray or water fog.

Bund the area to stop runoff. Minimise the use of  water.

 

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:  Emits toxic fumes under fire conditions.

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) required for fire-fighting personnel.

Use water spray to spray to cool fire-exposed surfaces and to protect personnel.

 

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS: If tanks, drums or containers of this material are heated, they may rupture and project corrosive liquids over a wide area.

 

 

Flammability

Not combustible. If involved in a fire may generate toxic and corrosive fumes.

 

 

 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

EMERGENCY ACTION:

Keep unnecessary people away; Isolate hazard area and deny entry.

 

SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURE:

Ensure there are no flares, smoking or flames in hazard area which can cause decomposition and form toxic fumes. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Contain and prevent from spreading and entering drains.

 

SMALL SPILLS:

Neutralize with lime, soda ash or crushed limestone. Take up with sand, dirt or vermiculite. Place into plastic, clean, labelled drum(s)  for later disposal.

 

LARGE SPILLS:  Notify Emergency Services (Police or Fire Brigade). Tell them location, nature and any information that would be helpful. Contain spill. If possible safely stop flow of spill. Bund area. Trained personnel should wear personal protective equipment as highlighted in this MSDS.

Pump into clean, labelled tanks. Treat any residues as for SMALL SPILLS. Consult an expert regarding disposal of this product.

 

 

 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

Store in a cool place and out of direct sunlight.  Store away from sources of heat, strong alkalis, acids, combustibles and oxidizing agents. Store in original packages as approved by manufacturer. Check all fittings, valves, reticulation (piping) and any ancillary equipment for leaks.

 

Toxic and corrosive fumes may be released. A supplied air respirator or a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for emergencies should be available and checked regularly. For further information please refer to the Engineering Controls of this MSDS.

 

 

 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Exposure Standards

***************************

Fluorides (as F) (which can be formed)

[TWA] 2.5 mg/m³ (Worksafe Australia)

[

***************************

Borate, tetra, sodium salt (which can be formed)

[TWA] 1 mg/m3 (Worksafe Australia)

***************************

 

Engineering Controls

Corrosive and toxic liquid. Single significant exposure may cause severe injury. Maintain adequate ventilation at all times. Prevent accumulation of fumes in hollows or sumps.

 

Engineering controls include process or personnel enclosure  (fully enclosed systems), mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), and control of process conditions. Corrosion resistant materials will be needed for liquid splashes, mists and fumes.

 

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in preventing or controlling exposure, then suitable personal protective equipment, which is known to perform satisfactorily, should be used.

 

 

Personal Protection Equipment

 

CLOTHING: Wear impervious apron and long sleeved clothing or splash suit as appropriate (e.g. from PVC, Nitrile, Neoprene, Natural rubber.

GLOVES: Wear impervious gloves (e.g. PVC, Nitrile, Neoprene, Natural rubber gloves).

EYES: Wear chemical goggles or faceshield to protect eyes.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Avoid breathing of gases. Select and use respirators in accordance with AS/NZS 1715/1716. When the concentration of airborne contaminants reach the exposure standards then the use of a half-face respirator with acid vapour cartridge is recommended. For high concentration use a atmosphere-supplied, positive pressure demand self-contained or airline breathing apparatus supplied air respirator complying with the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 is recommended.  Filter capacity and respirator type depends on exposure levels.

If entering spaces where the airborne concentration of a contaminant is unknown then the use of a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with positive pressure air supply complying with AS/NZS 1715 / 1716, or any other acceptable International Standard is recommended.  The use of fully-encapsulating, gas-tight suits is also recommended.

 

 

 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance:                                        Colourless liquid with a pungent odour

Boiling Point:                                     130 °C approx. (decomposes).

Freezing Point:                                   -75°C approx.

Vapour Pressure:                              5-10 mm Hg at 20 °C

Vapour Density:                                 3.0 (air = 1) approx.

Specific Gravity:                                 1.4 at 20°C

Flash Point:                                         None applicable

Flammability Limits:                         None applicable

Solubility:                                            Completely soluble in water.

                                                               Miscible with ethanol.

 

Other Properties

pH                                                           <1

Colourless solution miscible with water in any ratio to produce strong acid.

Formula:                                               HBF4      (Fluoroboric acid ingredient)

Molecular Weight:                             87.8         (Fluoroboric acid ingredient)

 

 

 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

STABILITY:

Stable under normal conditions of use.

 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:

At boiling it decomposes to choking, toxic corrosive mist containing fluoroboric acid, boron trifluoride and hydrogen fluoride in contact with strong acids.

 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:

Will not occur.

 

INCOMPATIBILITIES:

Strong alkalis, oxidizing agents, metals cause and reaction giving off heat and toxic fumes.

 

CONDITIONS TO AVOID:

Heat sources, and flames that may cause decomposition releasing toxic, corrosive fumes.

 

 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Product:

Acute Oral Toxicity (rat):                    200 mg/kg

 

Fluoroboric Acid:

Acute Oral Toxicity (rat):                    100 mg HBF4/kg

               

 

 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Toxic to animals due to its corrosive and toxic effects. This substance may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.

 

 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste by an approved waste agency. The waste should be neutralised with lime in order to immobilise the fluoride as Calcium Fluoride.

 

Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

Advise corrosive, toxic nature. Must be chemically treated to an inert material prior to disposal in landfill.

 

 

 

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

UN Number: 1775

Proper Shipping Name: FLUOROBORIC ACID SOLUTION 40-50%

Dangerous Goods Class: 8

Subsidiary risk: Not applicable

Packing Group: II

Hazchem Code: 2X

 

Emergency information(Transport):

Dangerous Goods - Initial Emergency Response Guide (SAA/SNZ HB76:1997)

For TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE Guide No: 37

 

 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Workplace Hazardous Substance

HAZARD CATEGORY:   CORROSIVE, TOXIC

 

RISK PHRASES

R34  Causes burns.

R25  Toxic if swallowed.

 

SAFETY PHRASES

S1/2  Keep locked up and out of reach of children.

S7/9  Keep container tightly closed and in a well ventilated place.

S36/37/39  Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

S60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

 

S26  In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

S27  Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.

S28 After contact with skin wash immediately with plenty of water and apply calcium gluconate gel to the affected area.

S45  In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible).

 

Poison Schedule: S5

 

Scheduled due to Boric Acid >1% & Fluorides <3%

 

 

 

 

 

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Contact Point

Technical Department                                     After Hours

03 9497 2822                                                  mobile: 0418-530-461

 

Disclaimer

The information herein is to the best of our knowledge, correct and complete. It descibes the safety requirements for this product and should not be construed as guaranteeing specific properties. Since methods and conditions are beyond our control we do not accept liability for any damages resulting from the use of, or reliance on, this information in inappropriate contexts.

 

Reviewers Initials / Yr / Mth: JS0006