Common Name: CALCIUM PHOSPHIDE CAS Number: 1305-99-3 DOT Number: UN 1360 ------------------------------------------------------------ Substance number: 0329 Date: 8/1/87 Revision: ------------------------------------------------------------ HAZARD SUMMARY * Calcium Phosphide can affect you when breathed in. * Phosphine gas is a highly toxic gas released when Calcium Phosphide is wet or has contacted moisture. Consult the NJ DOH Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet on Phosphine. * Calcium Phosphide is a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD. IDENTIFICATION Calcium Phosphide is a reddish-brown crystalline (sugar or sand- like) or a grey granular solid. It is used to kill rodents and in explosives and fireworks. REASON FOR CITATION * Calcium Phosphide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS No occupational exposure limits have been established for Calcium Phosphide. This does not mean that this substance is not harmful. Safe work practices should always be followed. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Dry brush or vacuum material thoroughly from skin immediately after exposure to Calcium Phosphide and follow with large amounts of water. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Calcium Phosphide to potentially exposed workers. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Calcium Phosphide: * Exposure to Calcium Phosphide that has contacted moisture can expose you to Phosphine gas which is highly toxic and dangerous. consult the NJ DOH Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet on phosphine. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Calcium Phosphide and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Calcium Phosphide has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Calcium Phosphide has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long-Term Effects * No chronic (long-term) health effects are known at this time. MEDICAL Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or overexposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Calcium Phosphide should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Calcium Phosphide. * On skin contact with Calcium Phosphide, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Calcium Phosphide, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Calcium Phosphide is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. FIRE HAZARDS * Calcium Phosphide releases highly flammable Phosphine gas on contact with moisture. * DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM EXTINGUISHERS. * Use dry chemical, soda ash, or lime extinguishers. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Calcium Phosphide is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Ventilate area of spill. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Calcium Phosphide as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Calcium Phosphide you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE), STRONG ACIDS (such as HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC), OXYGEN, SULFUR or MOISTURE since violent reactions occur. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where Calcium Phosphide is handled, used, or stored. * Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of Calcium Phosphide. * Wherever Calcium Phosphide is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings. * Do not store large amounts of this material in a room protected by WATER sprinkler systems. * Protect containers against physical damage. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water, after quickly wiping excess Calcium Phosphide from face with dry cloth. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Remove Calcium Phosphide from skin with a dry cloth. Wash with soap and water, rinsing with large amounts of water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility.