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SODIUM TETRAHYDROBORATE
ICSC: 1670
Peer-Review Status: 12.10.2006 Validated
Sodium borohydride 
CAS #: 16940-66-2 RTECS #: ED3325000
UN #: 1426
EINECS #: 241-004-4
 		    Formula: NaBH4
Molecular mass: 37.8

TYPES OF
HAZARD /
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS      PREVENTION      FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Combustible.  NO open flames.  Use dry sand, dry powder. NO water. NO foam. NO carbon dioxide. 
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acids, alcohol, oxidizing agents or water.     
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!  IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Sore throat. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath.  Use local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin Redness. Pain. Skin burns.  Protective gloves. Protective clothing.  First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.  Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Blue haze and halo. 
Ingestion Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Abdominal pain. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.  Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.  Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer immediately for medical attention. 

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: chemical protection suit and particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry, plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.   
EC Classification
 
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: I 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
Toxic if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage 
flam;flamecorrskull;toxic

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-43GW2-I.  Dry. Well closed. Separated from strong acids, alcohols, powdered metals and water. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
WHITE CRYSTALLINE POWDER. 

Physical dangers
No data. 

Chemical dangers
Decomposes on heating and on contact with acids, powdered metals, water and moisture. This produces flammable/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). The substance is a strong reducing agent. It reacts violently with oxidants. This generates fire and explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV (NOT-ESTABLISHED):. 

Routes of exposure
Serious by all routes of exposure. Serious local effects on contact with skin. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Decomposes at >250°C
Density: 1.07 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25°C: 55
Auto-ignition temperature: ~220°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.02 - ?  		 

NOTES
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. 

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