Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure and how to work safely with the chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. It contains hazard evaluations on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to that material. The SDS contains much more information about the material than the label and it is prepared by the supplier. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.

Always be familiar with the hazards of a product BEFORE you start using it. You should look at a SDS, match the name of the chemical on your container to the one on the SDS, know the hazards, understand safe handling and storage instructions, as well as understand what to do in an emergency.

Download Molybdenum SDS As a PDF

PHYSICAL DATA Boiling Point: 4825°C Specific Gravity (H2O=1): 10 Vapor Pressure (MM HG): NA Vapor Density (Air=1): NA Percent Volatile by Volume: 0 Evaporation Rate: NA Solubility in Water: Insoluble How Best Monitored: Air Sample

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS Material Percent by Weight OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV Molybdenum >99% 10 MG/M3 10 MG/M3 (Limits are for insoluble compounds as MO)
HEALTH HAZARD DATA Routes of exposure: Dust, mist and/or fumes generated during physical or metallurgical treatment may be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin or eyes. Effects of overexposure: Molybdenum dust and fumes (formed above 400° C) can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. There are no recognized long term effects attributed to industrial exposure to molybdenum. In general, Molybdenum and its compounds are considered to be of low toxicity. Emergency and first aid procedures: Applicable for dust, mist and fumes. Inhalation: If irritation occurs, remove from exposure. Seek medical attention. Skin contact: If irritation occurs, thoroughly wash affected area with mild soap and water and prevent further contact. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Eye contact: If irritation occurs, flush with copious amounts of water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. Ingestion: If substantial quantities are swallowed, give person (if conscious) a large quantity of water to drink, induce vomiting and seek medical attention. Carcinogenic assessment (NTP annual report, other): None of the components of this material have been identified as known or suspected carcinogens by NTP or OSHA.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA Flash point: NA Flammable limits: NA Extinguishing media: fine dust generated during grinding operations may ignite if allowed to accumulate and subjected to an ignition source. Cover burning material with an inert powder, such as dry sand or limestone, to exclude oxygen. Special fire fighting procedures: For a powder fire confined to a small area, use a respirator approved for toxic dusts and fumes. For a large fire involving this material, firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus. Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Dust may present a fire or explosion hazard under favoring conditions of particle size, dispersion and strong ignition source. However, this is not expected to be a problem under normal handling conditions. ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration TWA: Time Weighted Average
REACTIVITY DATA Stability: (stable conditions to avoid): NA Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Avoid contact of dust with strong oxidizers and acids. Hazardous decomposition products: Molybdenum trioxide fumes may form when the metal is exposed to high temperatures. Hazardous polymerization: Will not occur. Conditions to avoid: NA
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES Steps to be taken in case material is released or spilled: Applicable for grinding dust. Ventilate area or spill. Clean-up using methods which avoid dust generation such as vacuuming (with appropriate filter to prevent airborne dust levels which exceed the PEL or TLV), wet dust mop or wet clean-up. If airborne dust is generated, use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator. Waste disposal method: Dispose of in accordance with appropriate government regulations. May be sold as scrap for reclaim.
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION Respiratory protection: Use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator if airborne dust concentrations exceed the appropriate PEL or TLV. All appropriate requirements set forth in 29 cfr 1910.134 should be met. Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation which is adequate to limit personal exposure to levels which do not exceed the PEL or TLV. If such equipment is not available, use respirators as specified above. Protective gloves: Gloves are recommended when contact is likely. Eye protection: Safety glasses or goggles are recommended.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS Precautions to be taken in handling and storage: Maintain good housekeeping procedures to prevent accumulation of dust. Use clean-up methods which minimize dust generation such as vacuuming or wet clean-up. If airborne dust is generated, use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator. Other precautions: Wash thoroughly after handling and before eating or smoking and at the end of the work shift. Do not shake clothing or other items to remove dust. Use a vacuum. Avoid dust inhalation and direct skin contact. Although Rembar has attempted to provide current and accurate information herein, Rembar makes no representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any loss, damage or injury of any kind which may result from or arise out of the use of or reliance on the information by any person.
Employers must make sure that all controlled products have an up-to-date (less than three years old) SDS when it enters the workplace. The SDS's must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the controlled product and to the health and safety committee or representative. If a controlled product is made in the workplace, the employer has a duty to make an SDS for any of these products. Employers may computerize the SDS information as long as all employees have access to and are trained on how to use the computer terminals, the terminals are kept in working order, and that the employer makes a hard copy of the SDS available to the employee or safety and health committee/representative upon request. The purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to inform industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals of the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals. Most materials packaged for consumer use are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The SDS should include precautions for normal use, handling, storage, disposal, and spill cleanup. It should not include recommendations for protective measures that are more strict than needed. OSHA states, in the inspection procedures for the HCS,10 "Some SDSs include recommendations for protective measures that are for 'worst case scenarios,' e.g., recommending supplied air suits for products of relatively low toxicity. The HCS requires that accurate information be provided on the SDSs. This applies as much to 'overwarning' on the SDS and label as well as the absence of information ('underwarning')." Each Safety Data Sheet shall be in English, and shall contain at least the following information:
  1. 1. The identity (product name) used on the label, and chemical and common name(s) of ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except carcinogens shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,
  2. 2. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;
  3. 3. Relevant physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);
  4. 4. Relevant physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;
  5. 5. Relevant health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
  6. 6. The primary route(s) of entry into the body;
  7. 7. The OSHA permissible exposure limit and ACGIH Threshold Limit Value. Additional applicable exposure limits may be listed;
  8. 8. Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;
  9. 9. Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;
  10. 10. Appropriate control measures, such as engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;
  11. 11. Emergency and first aid procedures;
  12. 12. The date of preparation of the Safety Data Sheet or the last change to it; and;
  13. 13. The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • If no relevant information is found for any given category, it should be marked to indicate that no applicable information was found.
  • If significant new information becomes available regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the Safety Data Sheet within three months.
  • A Safety Data Sheet must be provided with the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical, and with the first shipment after a Safety Data Sheet is updated.
  • Safety Data Sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated employee representatives and to OSHA representatives.
Download Molybdenum SDS As a PDF
Download Tungsten SDS As a PDF Tungsten Material Data Sheet

PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 5900°C
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): 19.3
Vapor Pressure (MM HG): NA @ 25°C
Vapor Density (Air=1): NA
Percent Volatile by Volume: 0
Evaporation Rate: NA
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
How Best Monitored: Air Sample
Odor: None

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Tungsten Oxide > 99% OSHA TWA - 5(insoluble), ACGIH TWA - 5(insoluble), ACGIH STEL - 10(insoluble)
(ALL EXPOSURE LIMITS IN MG/M3, VALUES FOR AIRBORNE TUNGSTEN POWDER AND DUST)
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Routes of exposure: INHALATION, INGESTION, SKIN OR EYE CONTACT (FOR DUSTS, MISTS, POWDER AND FUMES).
Effects of overexposure: INDUSTRIALLY TUNGSTEN DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN IMPORTANT HEALTH HAZARD. EXPOSURE IS RELATED CHIEFLY TO THE DUST ARISING OUT OF THE CRUSHING AND MILLING OPERATIONS. CHRONIC.
Inhalation: INHALATION OF THE DUST MAY CAUSE LUNG DAMAGE IN HUMANS.
Eye Contact: IF IRRITATION OCCURS, FLUSH WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF WATER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINUTES, AND CALL A PHYSICIAN.
Skin Contact: WASH WITH SOAP AND WATER. IF IRRITATION OR RASH OCCURS, ISOLATE FROM EXPOSURE. IF RASH PERSISTS, SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Inhalation: IF LARGE AMOUNTS OF DUST ARE INHALED, MOVE THE EXPOSED PERSON TO FRESH AIR. IF NECESSARY, PERFORM ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
Ingestion: IF INGESTED, GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. GIVE LARGE QUANTITIES OF WATER AND INDUCE VOMITING. DO NOT MAKE AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON VOMIT.
Carcinogenic assessment (NTP annual report, other): Not listed.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
THE POWDERED METAL MAY IGNITE ON CONTACT WITH AIR OR OXIDANTS (e.g. F2; CIF3; NOx; IF5; Pb02; NO2; AND N2O)
STABILITY: STABLE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: NA
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: WILL NOT OCCUR
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: NONE
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION: TUNGSTEN ITSELF DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN IMPORTANT HEALTH HAZARD. EXPOSURE IS RELATED CHIELFY TO ANY DUST CREATED. THE FEEDING OF 2, 5 AND 10% OF DIET AS TUNGSTEN METAL OVER A PERIOD OF 70 DAYS HAS SHOWN NO MARKED EFFECT UPON THE GROWTH OF RATS, AS MEASURED IN TERMS OF GAIN IN WEIGHT. HEAVY EXPOSURE TO THE DUST OR THE INGESTION OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF THE SOLUBLE COMPOUNDS PRODUCES CHANGES IN BODY WEIGHT, BEHAVIOR, BLOOD CELLS, CHOLINE ESTERASE ACTIVITY AND SPERM IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION: NONE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS: THIS MATERIAL MUST BE DISPOSED OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY AND ALL APPLICABLE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS. MATERIAL INTENDED FOR DISPOSAL MAY BE SOLD AS SCRAP FOR RECLAIM.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION: CERTAIN PARTICLE SIZE POWDERS MAY BE CLASSED AS CLASS 4, DIVISON 4.1, FLAMMABLE SOLID.
REGULATORY INFORMATION: NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES : IF MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED, VENTILATE THE AREA OF THE SPILL. CLEAN UP USING METHODS WHICH AVOID THE GENERATION OF DUSTS. SUCH METHODS INCLUDE WET MOPPING OR VACUUMING (ASSURING THAT THE VACUUM IS EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER FILLER TO PREVENT AIRBORNE DUST LEVELS WHICH EXCEED THE PEL OR TLV). IF AIRBORNE DUST IS GENERATED, USE THE APPROPRIATE NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION. HANDLING AND STORAGE : TUNGSTEN IS, IN GENERAL, A SAFE MATERIAL TO HANDLE AND USE UNDER ALMOST ALL COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED ENVIRONMENTS. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE OBSERVED IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE THE DUST CREATED. THE GENERATION OF DUST OR MISTS MAY PRESENT A HEALTH HAZARD IF THE EXPOSURE LIMITED, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ARE EXCEEDED. MAINTAIN GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PROCEDURES TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND THE GENERATION OF AIRBORNE DUST PARTICLES. AVOID DUST INHALATION AND DIRECT SKIN CONTACT WITH THE DUST. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING OR SMOKING. WASH EXPOSED SKIN AT THE END OF THE WORK SHIFT.
SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: USE AN APPROPRIATE NIOSH APPROVED RESPIRATOR IF AIRBORNE DUST CONCENTRATIONS EXCEED THE APPROPRIATE PEL OR TLV. ALL REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN 29CFR1910.134 MUST BE MET.
PROTECTIVE GLOVES: PROTECTIVE GLOVES OR BARRIER CREAMS ARE RECOMMENDED WHEN CONTACT WITH DUST OR MIST IS LIKELY. WASH THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO APPLYING BARRIER CREAMS OR USING PROTECTIVE GLOVES.
VENTILATION: USE LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION WHICH IS ADEQUATE TO LIMIT PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO AIRBORNE DUST TO LEVELS WHICH DO NOT EXCEED THE APPROPRIATE PEL OR TLV. IF SUCH EQUIPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE, USE RESPIRATORY PROTECTION AS SPECIFIED ABOVE.
EYE PROTECTION: SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS OR GOGGLES ARE RECOMMENDED.
OTHER EQUIPMENT: NONE UNDER NORMAL OPERATING AND HANDLING CONDITIONS.

Employers must make sure that all controlled products have an up-to-date (less than three years old) SDS when it enters the workplace. The SDS's must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the controlled product and to the health and safety committee or representative. If a controlled product is made in the workplace, the employer has a duty to make an SDS for any of these products. Employers may computerize the SDS information as long as all employees have access to and are trained on how to use the computer terminals, the terminals are kept in working order, and that the employer makes a hard copy of the SDS available to the employee or safety and health committee/representative upon request. The purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to inform industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals of the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals. Most materials packaged for consumer use are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The SDS should include precautions for normal use, handling, storage, disposal, and spill cleanup. It should not include recommendations for protective measures that are more strict than needed. OSHA states, in the inspection procedures for the HCS,10 "Some SDSs include recommendations for protective measures that are for 'worst case scenarios,' e.g., recommending supplied air suits for products of relatively low toxicity. The HCS requires that accurate information be provided on the SDSs. This applies as much to 'overwarning' on the SDS and label as well as the absence of information ('underwarning')." Each Safety Data Sheet shall be in English, and shall contain at least the following information:
  1. 1. The identity (product name) used on the label, and chemical and common name(s) of ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except carcinogens shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,
  2. 2. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;
  3. 3. Relevant physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);
  4. 4. Relevant physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;
  5. 5. Relevant health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
  6. 6. The primary route(s) of entry into the body;
  7. 7. The OSHA permissible exposure limit and ACGIH Threshold Limit Value. Additional applicable exposure limits may be listed;
  8. 8. Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;
  9. 9. Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;
  10. 10. Appropriate control measures, such as engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;
  11. 11. Emergency and first aid procedures;
  12. 12. The date of preparation of the Safety Data Sheet or the last change to it; and;
  13. 13. The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • If no relevant information is found for any given category, it should be marked to indicate that no applicable information was found.
  • If significant new information becomes available regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the Safety Data Sheet within three months.
  • A Safety Data Sheet must be provided with the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical, and with the first shipment after a Safety Data Sheet is updated.
  • Safety Data Sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated employee representatives and to OSHA representatives.
Download Tungsten SDS As a PDF
Download Tantalum SDS As a PDF

PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point: 9797°C
Specific Gravity (H2O=1): 16.69
Vapor Pressure 1kpa @ 3024°C
Vapor Density NA
Percent Volatile by Volume: 0
Evaporation Rate: NA
Solubility in Water: Insoluble
Solvent Solubility: Soluble in hydrofluoric acid, fused alkalies, fuming, sulfuric acid, and a mixture of hydrofluoric and nitric acids; insoluble in other acids and alkalis.
Odor: No data available

HEALTH HAZARD DATA
NFPA RATINGS: (SCALE 0-4): HEALTH=1 - FIRE=3 - REACTIVITY=1
EC CLASSIFICATION (CALCULATED): No Classification Assigned.
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: May be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid breathing dust. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only with adequate ventilation.
Eye Contact: May cause irritation on short term effect. There is no information available on significant adverse long term effect.
Skin Contact: May cause irritation on short term effect. No information available on long term effect.
Inhalation: There is no information available on significant adverse short term effects. May cause long term lung damage.
Ingestion: No information available on significant adverse short term effects. No information available on significant adverse long term effects.
TARGET ORGAN EFFECTS: Lungs, eyes, skin.
Carcinogenic assessment: Does not contain any substances listed by OSHA, NTP, IARC, ACGIH, or EU.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: Asthma, respiratory disorder.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: No special environmental precautions required.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
MINIMUM IGNITION TEMPERATURE: 630° C (dust cloud); 300° C (dust layer).
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Use extinguishing agents appropriate for surrounding fire. Do not apply water to burning material.
FIREFIGHTING: Move container or forms from fire area if you can do it without risk. Avoid breathing fumes from burning material.
FIREFIGHTING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Full firefighting turn-out gear (bunker gear). Any supplied-air respirator with full facepiece and operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with a separate escape supply. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece.
LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: < 200 g/m3 (powder)
UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT: No data available.
FLASH POINT: No data available.
OSHA Flammability Classification: Not determined.
SPECIFIC HAZARDS: Negligible fire and ecplosion hazarad in bulk form. Dust/air mixture may ignite or explode. May ignite or explode when ecposed to heat or flames.
HAZARDOUS COMBUSTION PRODUCTS: Miscellaneous thermal decomposition products.
RISK OF DUST EXPLOSION: Powdered material may form explosive dust-air mixtures.
ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
TWA: Time Weighted Average
EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE LIMITS: Tantalum metal and oxide dusts (as Ta): 5 mg/m3 OSHA TWA, 5 mg/m3 ACGIH TWA, 5 mg/m3 NIOSH recommended TWA: 10 mg/m3 NIOSH recommended STEL, 5 mg/m3 DFG MAK TWA (total dust); 50 mg/m3 DFG MAK 30 minute peak, average value, 1 time/shift
VENTILATION: Provide local exhaust ventilation to meet published exposure limits. Ventilation equipment should be explosion-proof if explosive concentrations of dust, vapor or fumes are present.
EYE PROTECTION: Wear safety glasses with side-shields or dust-resistant safety goggles to prevent contact with this substance.
EMERGENCY EYE WASH: Where there is any possibility that an employee's eyes may be exposed to this substance, the employer should provide an eye wash fountain within the immediate work area for emergency use.
CLOTHING: Protective clothing not required under normal conditions.
GLOVES: Protective gloves are not required but recommended.
RESPIRATOR: The following respirators and maximum use concentrations are recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards; NIOSH criteria documents or by the U.S. Department of Labor, 29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z. The specific respirator selected must be based on contamination levels found in the work place, must not exceed the working limits of the respirator and be jointly approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (NIOSH-MSHA).
TANTALUM: For dust and mist:
25 mg/m3- Any dust and mist respirator.
50 mg/m3- Any dust and mist respirator, except single-use and quarter-mask respirators.
125 mg/mg- Any powered air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter.
For dust, mist and fumes:
50 mg/m3- Any dust, mist and fume respirator. Any supplied-air respirator. Any self-contained breathing apparatus.
125 mg/m3- Any supplied-air respirator operated in continuous flow mode.
250 mg/m3- Any air-purifying full-face piece respirator with a high efficiency particulate filter. Any powered air-purifying respirator with a tight fitting face piece and a high-efficiency particulate filter. Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full face piece. Any supplied-air respirator with a full face piece. Any supplied-air respirator with a tight-fitting face piece operated in a continuous flow mode.
2500 mg/m3- Any supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
Escape- Any air-purifying full face piece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Any appropriate escape-type self-contained breathing apparatus.
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Occupational Spill: Sweep up and place in suitable metal containers for reclamation or later disposal. If appreciable dust or fine particulate is present in residue, consider cleanup using vacuum cleaner rated for use with cobustible/flammable dusts.
HANDLING & STORAGE
Observe all federal, state and local regulations when storing this substance. Store finely-divided material in original shipping container or in metal containers. Store finely-divided material away from oxidizers and mineral acids.
STABILITY & REACTIVITY
STABILITY: Stable.
REACTIVITY: Stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
CONDITIONS TO AVOID: Avoid heat, flames,sparks and other sources of ignition. Avoid dust formation. Incompatible with: halogens, oxidizing materials, acids.
TANTALUM INCOMPATIBILITIES: BROMINE TRIFLUORIDE: Incandescent reaction.
FLUORINE: Ignites on contact.
LEAD CHROMATE: May react explosively.
MINERAL ACIDS; Incompatible
OXIDIZERS (STRONG): Fire and explosion hazard.
SULFUR TRIOXIDE: Incompatible.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION: Thermal decomposition may release toxic and/or hazardous gases.
POLYMERIZATION: Hazardous polymerization has not been reported to occur under normal temperatures and pressures.
STATIC DISCHARGE EFFECTS: Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
TUMORIGENIC DATA: 3760 mg/kg implant-rat TDLo.
CARCINOGEN STATUS: None.
ACUTE TOXICITY LEVEL: No data available.
TARGET EFFECTS: No data available.
HEALTH EFFECTS: INHALATION ACUTE EXPOSURE:
Insufflation of the metal powder in humans was without adverse effects.
INHALATION CHRONIC EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged exposure to tantalum alloys may have caused a mild fibrosis and chronic rhinitis in exposed workers and may play a role in producing "hard metal pneumoconiosis" in workers exposed to tantalum as well as other metals.
SKIN CONTACT:
ACUTE EXPOSURE: May cause irritation.
EYE CONTACT:
ACUTE EXPOSURE: Dusts may cause slight irritation.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Implantation of the metal into rabbit eyes for longer than a year has been reported to cause no significant adverse effects.
INGESTION:
ACUTE EXPOSURE: Large oral doses of tantalum compounds were well tolerated by rats indicating poor absorption.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE: Animal studies indicate absorption may occur.
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RATING (0-4): No data available.
ACUTE AQUATIC TOXICITY: No data available.
DEGRADABILITY: No data available
LOG BIOCONCENTRATION FACTOR (BCF): No data available.
LOG OCTANOL/WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENT: No data available.
DISPOSAL INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER: Information in this section pertainx to the product as shipped in its intended composition as described in this MSDS. Contamination or processing may change waste characteristics and requirements. Regulations may also apply to empty containers, liners or rinsate. State/provincial and local regulations may be different from federal regulations.
All federal, state and local regulations are to be followed when disposing of this substance.
Unused and uncontaminated product: can be burned in suitable incineration plants or disposed of in a suitable landfill in accordnace with the regulations issued by the approprirate federal, provincial, state and local authorities.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 SHIPPING NAME-UN NUMBER:
Metal Powders, flammable, n.o.s (tantalum) -UN3089
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 HAZARD CLASS OR DIVISION: 4.1
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 PACKING GROUP: II
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 AND SUBPART E LABELING REQUIREMENTS: FLAMMABLE SOLID.
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 PACKAGING AUTHORIZATIONS: EXCEPTIONS: 49CFR 173.151
NON-BULK PACKAGING: 49 CFR 173.212
BULK PACKAGING: 49 CFR 173.240.
US DOT 49 CFR 172.101 QUANTITY LIMITATIONS: PASSENGER AIRCRAFT OR RAILCAR: 15 kg.
CARGO AIRCRAFT ONLY: 50kg.
Not classified as dangerous in the meaning of transport regulations.
REGULATORY INFORMATION
US REGULATIONS: TSCA INVENTORY STATUS Y
TSCA 12(b) EXPORT NOTIFICATION Not Listed
CERCLA SECTION 103 (40CFR302.4) N
SARA SECTION 302 (40CFR355.30) N
SARA SECTION 304 (40CFR355.40) N
SARA SECTION 313 (40CFR372.65) N
SARA HAZARD CATEGORIES, SARA SECTIONS 311/312 (40CFR370.21):
ACUTE Y
CHRONIC N
FIRE Y
REACTIVE N
SUDDEN RELEASE N
OSHA PROCESS SAFETY (29CFR1910.119) N
STATE REGULATIONS:
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 N

Employers must make sure that all controlled products have an up-to-date (less than three years old) SDS when it enters the workplace. The SDS's must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the controlled product and to the health and safety committee or representative. If a controlled product is made in the workplace, the employer has a duty to make an SDS for any of these products. Employers may computerize the SDS information as long as all employees have access to and are trained on how to use the computer terminals, the terminals are kept in working order, and that the employer makes a hard copy of the SDS available to the employee or safety and health committee/representative upon request. The purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to inform industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals of the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals. Most materials packaged for consumer use are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The SDS should include precautions for normal use, handling, storage, disposal, and spill cleanup. It should not include recommendations for protective measures that are more strict than needed. OSHA states, in the inspection procedures for the HCS,10 "Some SDSs include recommendations for protective measures that are for 'worst case scenarios,' e.g., recommending supplied air suits for products of relatively low toxicity. The HCS requires that accurate information be provided on the SDSs. This applies as much to 'overwarning' on the SDS and label as well as the absence of information ('underwarning')." Each Safety Data Sheet shall be in English, and shall contain at least the following information:
  1. 1. The identity (product name) used on the label, and chemical and common name(s) of ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except carcinogens shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,
  2. 2. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;
  3. 3. Relevant physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);
  4. 4. Relevant physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;
  5. 5. Relevant health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
  6. 6. The primary route(s) of entry into the body;
  7. 7. The OSHA permissible exposure limit and ACGIH Threshold Limit Value. Additional applicable exposure limits may be listed;
  8. 8. Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;
  9. 9. Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;
  10. 10. Appropriate control measures, such as engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;
  11. 11. Emergency and first aid procedures;
  12. 12. The date of preparation of the Safety Data Sheet or the last change to it; and;
  13. 13. The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • If no relevant information is found for any given category, it should be marked to indicate that no applicable information was found.
  • If significant new information becomes available regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the Safety Data Sheet within three months.
  • A Safety Data Sheet must be provided with the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical, and with the first shipment after a Safety Data Sheet is updated.
  • Safety Data Sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated employee representatives and to OSHA representatives.
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Download Niobium SDS As a PDF

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Niobium (Columbium): OSHA - Not established, Concentration: (%); ACGIH - Not established, Greater than 99%

REACTIVITY DATA
STABILITY: Stable, however, powder or dust in fine size may ignite during intensive mechanical treatment.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur.
INCOMPATIBILITIES: Reacts violently with fluorine, chlorine and bromine trifluoride. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire/explosions.
INSTABILITY CONDITIONS: Keep away from sparks or ignition sources.
DECOMPOSITION TEMPERATURE: Not established.
DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Not known.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA
FLASH POINT: Not Applicable
AUTO-IGNITION TEMPERATURE: Not established
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Dry powder type agents specifically designed for metal powder fires.
SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: Do not apply water to burning material. Full emergency equipment with self-contained breathing apparatus must be worn by firefighters. During a fire, irritating and toxic gases and aerosols may be generated by thermal decomposition and combustion. UNUSUAL FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARDS: This product consists of pieces of metal. Dust and fumes generated from this product (through grinding, cutting, sawing, welding, sanding, etc.) may be a fire and explosion hazard when exposed to high temperatures or ignition sources. particle size and dispersion in air determine reactivity.
ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
NIOSH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
TWA: Time Weighted Average
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact.
HUMAN EFFECTS & SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE:
ACUTE EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE: Material is a non-reactive solid. Mechanical irritation (i.e. abrasion) to the eyes, skin or respiratory tract may occur due to exposure to dusts formed in the mechanical treatment (i.e. cutting, sawing) of this material.
CHRONIC EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE: None known.
CARCINOGENICITY: This product is not listed by NTP, IARC or regulated as a carcinogen by OSHA.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS: None known.
EXPOSURE LIMITS: Although no exposure limit, in general, has been established for this product, the ACGIH-TLV for Particulates Not Otherwise Classified (PNOC) of 10 mg/m3 TWA is recommended.
EMERGENCY & FIRST AID PROCEDURES
FIRST AID FOR EYES: Flush eyes with plenty of clean water. Contact a physician if irritation is present and persists.
FIRST AID FOR SKIN: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash affected areas with soap and water. Contact a Physician if irritation is present and persists.
FIRST AID FOR INHALATION: Remove to fresh air.
FIRST AID FOR INGESTION: Dilute with large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Contact a Physician.
EMPLOYEE PROTECTION RECOMMENDATIONS
EYE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles are recommended.
SKIN PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS: Chemically resistant gloves and clothing are recommended to minimize skin contact. Employees should wash their hands and face before eating, drinking or using tobacco products.
RESPIRATOR REQUIREMENTS: Work ambient concentrations should be monitored and if the recommended exposure limit is exceeded, a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust respirator should be worn.
VENTILATION REQUIREMENTS: Use local exhaust ventilation adequate to keep exposure levels below the TLV for nuisance dust.
ADDITIONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES: Emergency showers and eye wash stations should be available. Educate and train employees in the safe use and handling of this product.
SPILL & LEAK PROCEDURES
SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES: Utilize recommended protective clothing and equipment. Spills should be swept up and placed in containers. Avoid generation of dust. If dust is generated, use appropriate respiratory protection. Spill area can be washed with water. Collect wash water for approved disposal. Keep from entering water or ground water.
WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: May be reclaimed or sold for scrap. Disposal must be in compliance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & STORAGE DATA
TEMPERATURE (MIN/MAX): Not established.
SHELF LIFE: Not established.
SPECIAL SENSITIVITY: None known.
HANDLING/STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: Solids require handling and storage appropriate for weight, size and shape of the material involved.
SHIPPING INFORMATION
TECHNICAL NAME: Niobium metal. PRODUCT LABEL: Niobium (Columbium) metal. HAZARD CLASS OR DIVISION: DOT (HM-181) Domestic Surface: non-regulated. HAZARD CLASS DIVISION NUMBER: IMO/IMDG Ocean: non-regulated. HAZARD CLASS DIVISION NUMBER: ICAO/IATA Air: non-regulated.
ANIMAL TOXICITY DATA
No animal toxicity information available.
FEDERAL REGULATORY INFORMATION
OSHA STATUS: This product is hazardous under the criteria of the Federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200.
TSCA STATUS: On TSCA Inventory
CERCLA REPORTABLE QUANTITY: None.
SARA TITLE III: SECTION 302 EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES: None.
SECTION 311/312 HAZARD CATEGORIES: Fire Hazard.
SECTION 313 TOXIC CHEMICALS: None.
RCRA STATUS: If discarded in its purchased form, this product would not be a hazardous waste either by listing or by characteristic. However, under RCRA, it is the responsibility of the product user to determine at the time of disposal, whether a material containing the product or derived from the product should be classified as a hazardous waste. (40 CFR 261.20-24).
OTHER REGULATORY INFORMATION
The following chemicals are specifically listed by individual states: other product specific health and safety data in other sections of the MSDS may also be applicable for state requirements. For details on your regulatory requirements you should contact the appropriate state agency.

Employers must make sure that all controlled products have an up-to-date (less than three years old) SDS when it enters the workplace. The SDS's must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the controlled product and to the health and safety committee or representative. If a controlled product is made in the workplace, the employer has a duty to make an SDS for any of these products. Employers may computerize the SDS information as long as all employees have access to and are trained on how to use the computer terminals, the terminals are kept in working order, and that the employer makes a hard copy of the SDS available to the employee or safety and health committee/representative upon request. The purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is to inform industrial purchasers and users of hazardous chemicals of the reasonably foreseeable physical and chemical hazards that may arise from the use of those chemicals. Most materials packaged for consumer use are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The SDS should include precautions for normal use, handling, storage, disposal, and spill cleanup. It should not include recommendations for protective measures that are more strict than needed. OSHA states, in the inspection procedures for the HCS,10 "Some SDSs include recommendations for protective measures that are for 'worst case scenarios,' e.g., recommending supplied air suits for products of relatively low toxicity. The HCS requires that accurate information be provided on the SDSs. This applies as much to 'overwarning' on the SDS and label as well as the absence of information ('underwarning')." Each Safety Data Sheet shall be in English, and shall contain at least the following information:
  1. 1. The identity (product name) used on the label, and chemical and common name(s) of ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except carcinogens shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,
  2. 2. The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard when present in the mixture;
  3. 3. Relevant physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);
  4. 4. Relevant physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;
  5. 5. Relevant health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
  6. 6. The primary route(s) of entry into the body;
  7. 7. The OSHA permissible exposure limit and ACGIH Threshold Limit Value. Additional applicable exposure limits may be listed;
  8. 8. Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;
  9. 9. Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks;
  10. 10. Appropriate control measures, such as engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective equipment;
  11. 11. Emergency and first aid procedures;
  12. 12. The date of preparation of the Safety Data Sheet or the last change to it; and;
  13. 13. The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible party preparing or distributing the Safety Data Sheet, who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
  • If no relevant information is found for any given category, it should be marked to indicate that no applicable information was found.
  • If significant new information becomes available regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new information shall be added to the Safety Data Sheet within three months.
  • A Safety Data Sheet must be provided with the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical, and with the first shipment after a Safety Data Sheet is updated.
  • Safety Data Sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated employee representatives and to OSHA representatives.
Download Niobium SDS As a PDF