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SODIUM TETRAHYDROBORATEICSC: 1670 (October 2006)
Sodium borohydride
CAS #: 16940-66-2
UN #: 1426
EC Number: 241-004-4

  ACUTE HAZARDS PREVENTION FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION Combustible.  Risk of fire and explosion on contact with acids, alcohol, oxidizing agents or water.  NO open flames.    Use dry sand, dry powder. NO water. NO foam. NO carbon dioxide.   

 AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR! 
  SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID
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). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
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 CLASSIFICATION & 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. 

According to UN GHS Criteria

flam;flamecorrskull;toxic
DANGER
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
Toxic if swallowed
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage 

Transportation
UN Classification
UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Pack Group: I 

STORAGE
Dry. Well closed. Separated from strong acids, alcohols, powdered metals and water. 
PACKAGING
 
SODIUM TETRAHYDROBORATE ICSC: 1670
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

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. 

Formula: NaBH4
Molecular mass: 37.8
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 - ? 


EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. 

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

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

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
 


OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
 

ENVIRONMENT
 

NOTES
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  EC Classification
 

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    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations