Material Safety Data Sheet

Issue date: July 2004

Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia

Potassium Fluoborate >99%

 

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: POTASSIUM  FLUOBORATE

 

Synonyms: Potasium Tetrafluoroborate

 

Manufacturer's Product Code(s):

 

Use: Flux for soldering and brazing, electrochemical processes, an electrolyte for metal plating.

 

UN Number: 3288

Proper Shipping Name: TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (POTASSIUM FLUOROBORATE)

Dangerous Goods Class: 6.1

Subsidiary risk:

Packing Group: III

Hazchem Code: 2X

 

Schedule Poison: S5

 

 

2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

SUBSTANCE NAME                                                      Proportion        CAS Number

 

Potassium Fluoborate                                                        >99%                14075-53-7

Fluoroboric Acid                                                              <0.1%               16872-11-0

Boric Acid                                                                      <0.01%             10043-35-3

 

 

 

3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Hazardous according to the criteria of Worksafe Australia

 

Hazard Category: Toxic, Irritant

 

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

Swallowed:

Will cause severe irritation 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:

Will cause severe irritation to the eyes, with effects including: tearing, pain, and stinging. Depending upon duration of exposure, eye damage may occur.

 

Skin:

Will cause irritation to the skin, with effects including; redness, itchiness, and possible dermatitis.

 

Inhaled:

Dusts may cause irritation to the nose, throat and respiratory system with effects including: coughing, choking. In severe cases, 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:

This product may cause severe eye irritation and depending upon duration of exposure, some form of permanent eye damage may occur. Prolonged or repeated skin contact may lead to dermatitis. 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. Prolonged or repeated skin contact will lead to necrosis (death) of the skin.

 

 

 

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 crystals enter the eyes, flush with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, ensuring eye lids are held open. Immediately transport to hospital or doctor.

 

Skin:

If skin contact occurs, 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.

 

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. Contain powder and prevent from spreading and entering drains.

 

SMALL SPILLS:

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

 

LARGE SPILLS:  Notify Emergency Services (Police or Fire Brigade). Tell them location, nature and any information that would be helpful. Contain spill. Trained personnel should wear personal protective equipment as highlighted in this MSDS if dust clouds are formed.

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. Check all containers for leaks. 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

EExposure Standards

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

Fluorides (as F) (which can be formed)

[TWA] 2.5 mg/m³ (Worksafe Australia)

[TWA] 2.5 mg/m³ (American Conference of Govt. Industrial Hygienists)

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

 

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

[TWA] 1 mg/m3 (Worksafe Australia)

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

 

 

Engineering Controls

 

Corrosive, toxic solid. Single significant exposure may cause severe injury. Maintain adequate ventilation at all times.

 

Mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), and control of process conditions. Corrosion resistant materials may be needed where acid liquid splashes, mists and fumes may be formed. It may be necessary to consider process or personnel enclosure  (fully enclosed systems).

 

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 dusts or mists. Select and use respirators in accordance with AS/NZS 1715/1716. When vapours or mists exceed the exposure standards then the use of an 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance:                             Colourless crystalline powder with no odour

Melting Point:                           530°C approx. (decomposes).

Vapour Pressure:                      Low at 50°C

Vapour Density:                        Not applicable.

Specific Gravity:                       2.5

Flash Point:                              None applicable

Flammability Limits:                 None applicable

Solubility:                                Slightly soluble in water (4 g/L at 20°C, 60 g/L at 100°C)

 

Other Properties

 

Bulk Density:                            1100 kg/m3 approx.

pH                                           4-7 (saturated solution)

Formula:                                   KBF4

Molecular Weight:                     125.9

 

 

 

 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

STABILITY:

Stable under normal conditions of use. May decompose on exposure to moist air or water.

 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:

Decomposes to choking, toxic corrosive fume containing boron oxides, fluoroborates acid, boron trifluoride and  fluoride, and may form hyrogen 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. Contact with moist air or water.

 

 

 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Acute Oral Toxicity (rat): 50-200 mg/kg (Solids Packing Group III toxicity range & Hazardous Substances Toxic Range)

 

Acute Intraperitoneal Toxicity (rat)              : 240 mg/kg (RTECS)

Acute Intraperitoneal Toxicity (mouse)         : 590 mg/kg (RTECS)

Acute Intraperitoneal Toxicity (rabbit) : 380 mg/kg (RTECS)

 

 

 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Toxic to animals. May harm micro-organisms in treatment plants. 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. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options.

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

UN Number: 3288

Proper Shipping Name: TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (POTASSIUM FLUOROBORATE)

Dangerous Goods Class: 6.1

Subsidiary risk: Not applicable

Packing Group: III

Hazchem Code: 2X

 

Emergency information(Transport):

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

For TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES - Guide No: 34

 

 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Workplace Hazardous Substance

HAZARD CATEGORY:   TOXIC, IRRITANT

 

RISK PHRASES

R25 Toxic if swallowed

R36/38  Irritating to eyes and skin.

 

SAFETY PHRASES

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

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