International Chemical Safety Cards

CALCIUM CARBIDE ICSC: 0406

CALCIUM CARBIDE
Calcium acetylide
Acetylenogen
CaC2
Molecular mass: 64.1
CAS # 75-20-7
RTECS # EV9400000
ICSC # 0406
UN # 1402
EC # 006-004-00-9
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but forms flammable gas on contact with water or damp air. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
NO contact with water.
Special powder, dry sand, NO other agents.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion on contact with water.
Use non-sparking handtools. Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water.
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!

  • INHALATION
    		• Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Sore throat.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Skin burns. Pain.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
    		Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Laboured breathing. Shock or collapse (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
    		Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Eliminate all ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into clean dry containers. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place. Do not use water.
    		Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Dangers). Dry. Well closed.
    		Airtight.
    F symbol
    R: 15
    S: (2)-8-43
    UN Hazard Class: 4.3
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0406 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    CALCIUM CARBIDE ICSC: 0406

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     GRAY CRYSTALS OR BLACK LUMPS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     Shock-sensitive compounds are formed with silver nitrate and copper salts. The substance decomposes violently on contact with moisture and water producing highly flammable and explosive acetylene gas (ICSC # 0089) , causing fire and explosion hazard. Reacts with chlorine, bromine, iodine, hydrogen chloride, lead, fluoride magnesium, sodium peroxide and sulphur, causing fire and explosion hazard. Mixtures with iron (III) chloride, iron (III) oxide and tin (II) chloride ignite easily and burn fiercely.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV not established.


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

    INHALATION RISK:
     Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly especially if powdered.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Melting point: about 2300°C
    Relative density (water = 1): 2.22
    		 Solubility in water: reaction
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
    N O T E S
    Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, producing explosive gas. The substance may contain contaminant resulting in the release of the toxic gas phosphine on contact with water. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. Also consult ICSC # 0089 (acetylene).
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-192
    NFPA Code: H1; F3; R2; No water
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0406 CALCIUM CARBIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    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 IDLH values.