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NIOSH

POTASSIUM

ICSC: 0716

Kalium
K
Atomic mass: 39.1
ICSC # 0716 		CAS # 7440-09-7
RTECS # TS6460000
UN # 2257
EC # 019-001-00-2
April 06, 2006 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Highly flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO contact with water, acid(s) or halogens . NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion. on contact with acid(s) , halogens , water .

Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE


•INHALATION Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation.
Closed system and ventilation.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Severe deep burns. loss of vision.
Face shield .
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Cover the spilled material with dry powder.
Fireproof. Keep under mineral oil. Dry. Well closed.
Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container.
F symbol
C symbol
R: 14/15-34
S: (1/2)-5-8-45
UN Hazard Class: 4.3
UN Packing Group: I
Signal: Danger
Flame-Corr
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
ICSC: 0716 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

POTASSIUM

ICSC: 0716

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE TO GREY LUMPS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts violently with water , causing fire and explosion hazard . The substance decomposes rapidly under the influence of air and moisture , forming flammable/explosive gas (Hydrogen - see ICSC0001) .

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV not established.
MAK not established.


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

INHALATION RISK:


EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
See ICSC 0357 (Potassium hydroxide)

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 765.5°C
Melting point: 63.2°C
Density: 0.856
g/cm3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml: (reaction)
Vapour pressure, Pa at 20°C: negligible

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

Potassium is always kept under mineral oil. Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water and carbon dioxide .
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-43S2257a
NFPA Code: H3; F3; R2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0716 POTASSIUM
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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