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GERMANE
ICSC: 1244
Peer-Review Status: 09.06.2011 Validated
Germanium hydride
Germanium tetrahydride 
CAS #: 7782-65-2 RTECS #: LY4900000
UN #: 2192
EINECS #: 231-961-6
 		    Formula: GeH4
Molecular mass: 76.6

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.  NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking.  Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out. In other cases extinguish with carbon dioxide, dry powder. 
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position. 
 
EXPOSURE   STRICT HYGIENE!   
Inhalation Headache. Weakness. Dizziness. Abdominal pain. Confusion. Dark urine. Symptoms may be delayed. See Notes.  Use closed system.  Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin   Protective gloves.   
Eyes   Wear safety spectacles.   
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation.   
EC Classification
 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 2.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
Extremely flammable gas
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
Fatal if inhaled
May cause damage to blood if inhaled 
flam;flamecylinder;gasskull;toxiccancer;health haz

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
NFPA Code: H4; F4; R3.  Fireproof. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible. 

Chemical dangers
The substance may ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Heating may cause violent combustion or explosion. Reacts with halogens and oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.2ppm as TWA; (ACGIH 2010).
MAK (2b (not established but data is available)): (DFG 2010). 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance may cause effects on the blood. This may result in destruction of blood cells and kidney impairment. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated. Exposure far above the OEL could cause death. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
The substance may have effects on the blood. This may result in lesions of blood cells and anaemia. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Boiling point: -88.5°C
Melting point: -165°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.53
Solubility in water: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.65
Flash point: Flammable gas  		 

NOTES
Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is suggested.
Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken.
The symptoms of hemolysis may become manifest after several hours 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations