FREEDOM ALLOYS, INC.

I.          PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Synonyms:

Chemical Family:

      Nickel Beryllium Alloy

        Alloy

      Beryllium Nickel Alloy

24 Hour Emergency Assistance:

Address:

      Call Freedom Alloys at:  (800) 373-3251

       Freedom Alloys, Inc.

        www.freedomalloysusa.com

       155 Railroad Plaza

                Email: information@freedomalloysusa.com

       Royersford, PA  19468

plant Telephone:  (610) 792-3202

Telefax:  (610) 792-3142

Revised:  01/01//03

Replaces:  MSDS FA1100 (07/01/02)

II.        COMPOSITION OF INGREDIENTS

Beryllium

CHROMIUM

NICKEL

FA230

2.30

0.50

Balance

41C

2.75

0.50

Balance

42C

2.75

12.00

Balance

43C

2.75

6.00

Balance

44C

2.00

0.50

Balance

46C

2.00

12.00

Balance

Master 6%

6.00

---

Balance

Beryllium

CHROMIUM

NICKEL

CAS#

7440-41-7

7440-47-3

7440-02-0

NIOSH RTECS #

DS1750000

GB4200000

QR5950000

EXPOSURE LIMITS

(mg/m³)³

OSHA PEL

0.002 (TWA)

.005 (Ceiling)

.025 (Peak)

1 (TWA)

1 (TWA)

ACGIH TLV

.002 (TWA)

.5 (TWA)

1 (TWA)

1.        Nominal percent content of elemental constituents for alloy designations as shown.  No Lead, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, or Mercury has been added to this product per CONEG requirements.

2.        Carbon = 0.4-0.5

3.        Many substances do not have a unique exposure limit.  The absence of an exposure limit does not lessen consideration for exposure risk.  In the absence of specific information, professional judgment may be required.

Note:  This product is subject to the Hazard Communication Requirements of OSHA.

density (lb/inch³)

melting point (°f)

FA230

0.296

2100 - 2300

41C

0.296

2100 - 2300

42C

0.296

2100 - 2300

43C

0.296

2100 - 2300

44C

0.296

2100 - 2300

46C

0.296

2100 - 2300

Master 6%

0.260

2100 - 2300

III.       HEALTH HAZARD

Exposure to the constituents of this product by inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact may occur when heating or abrading the surface of this material in a manner, which generates particulate (i.e., heat treating, abrasive cutting, welding, grinding, sanding, polishing, milling, crushing, melting, casting, dross handling, pickling, chemical cleaning, etc.).

Exposure may also occur during repair or maintenance activities on contaminated equipment such as: furnace rebuilding, maintenance or repair of air cleaning equipment, structural renovation, welding, etc.

Particulate depositing on hands, gloves, and clothing, can be transferred to the breathing zone and inhaled during normal hand to face motions such as rubbing of the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing, etc.

Primary Routes Of Exposure

INHALATION:  Inhalation of metal dust, fume or powder may cause irritation of the nose, throat, lungs, and mucous membranes.  Inhalation of this particulate may cause metal fume fever (high temperature, metallic taste, nausea, coughing, general weakness, muscle aches, and exhaustion), bronchitis, chills, decreased pulmonary function, and asthma-like symptoms.  Chromium may cause asthma and shortness of breath as well as headache, coughing, fever, weight loss, and pneumoconiosis. 

Nickel can cause headaches, dizziness, and difficult breathing.  Inhalation of nickel compounds is associated with nasal and lung damage and cancer. Symptoms may include coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath.

INGESTION:  Hand, clothing, food and drink contact with metal dust, fume or powder can cause ingestion of the particulate during hand-to-mouth activities such as eating, drinking, smoking, nail biting, etc.  Chromium may cause liver damage.  Nickel may cause gastrointestinal irritation.

SKIN:  Skin contact with this material may cause, in some sensitive individuals an allergic response if elements such as beryllium, cobalt, copper and nickel are present.  In the form of metal dust or powder, skin contact or abrasion may also cause irritation, pain or dermatitis.  Nickel is a contact allergen and sensitizer.

EYES:  Particulate metal (dust, fume or powder) may be dangerous to the eye and surrounding tissue.  Airborne particulates (chips, dust or powder) are always a potential problem as well as inserting fingers into the eye socket if the hand or clothing is contaminated with metal particulate.  Chromium may cause conjunctivitis.

Effects Of Overexposure

ACUTE:  The metal dust and fumes of the constituents of this product can cause irritation to the skin, eye and mucous membranes.  Contact with beryllium and aluminum may cause allergic skin reactions.  As dust, powder or fume, exposure, which abrades the skin, can cause irritation and dermatitis.  Injury to the eyes is generally a result of particulate irritation or mechanical injury to the cornea or conjunctiva by dust or particulate.  Excessive inhalation of this product can cause upper respiratory tract irritation (i.e., cough, bronchitis, chills, “fume fever” and asthma-like symptoms).

CHRONIC:  Beryllium:  Respiratory disease with symptoms ranging from shortness of breathe and cough to permanent disability due to loss of lung function, fibrosis or subsequent effects on the heart may be caused by excessive exposure to dust or fumes containing beryllium.  Beryllium metal and certain compounds have been linked to nasal, bronchial and lung cancers.  Inhalation of beryllium in excess concentrations can cause a serious chronic lung disease: Berylliosis also known as Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD).  Signs and symptoms of berylliosis are cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, weakness and fatigue.  Chronic health effects specific to an element(s) may be difficult to detect due to the numerous elemental constituents in this alloy. 

Chromium:  Inhalation of chromium may cause respiratory tract inflammation and lung damage. 

Nickel:  Nickel and certain nickel compounds are considered carcinogenic and noted for producing nasal and lung cancer.  Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause sensitization dermatitis and possible destruction and/or ulceration. Prolonged exposure to excessive concentrations of nickel may cause chronic pulmonary disorders. 

Carcinogenic References

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists beryllium as a Group 1-Know Human Carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) lists beryllium as reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen.  ACGIH lists beryllium as an A1-Confirmed Human Carcinogen.  Detailed information from these sources may be obtained from the following: IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk to Humans http://www.iarc.fr/.  NTO information can be found at http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/.  ACGIH Information can be found at http://www.acgih.org/home.htm. 

IARC lists chromium as a Group 3 - Unclassifiable as to Carcinogenicity to humans.  ACGIH list elemental chromium as an A4 - Not Classifiable as a human Carcinogen.

IARC lists nickel as a Group 2B - Possibly Carcinogenic to humans.   NTP lists nickel as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.  The ACGIH lists nickel as an A5 - Not suspected as a human carcinogen and insoluble nickel compounds as an A1 - Confirmed human carcinogen.

Medical Conditions Aggravated By Exposure

Individuals who may have had allergic reaction or sensitivity to metals such as copper and beryllium, may encounter skin rash or dermatitis if skin contact with this product occurs.  Persons with impaired pulmonary function, airway diseases and conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, etc. may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of dust or fume are inhaled.  If prior damage or disease to the Neurological (nervous), Circulatory, Hematological (blood) or Renal (kidney) systems has occurred, proper screening or examinations should be conducted on individuals who may be exposed to further risk if handling and use of this material causes excessive exposure.

IV.       FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation

Breathing difficulty caused by inhalation of dust or fume requires removal to fresh air.  If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration and obtain medical assistance at once.

Ingestion

Swallowing metal powder or dust can be treated by having the affected person swallow large quantities of water and attempting to induce vomiting if conscious.  Obtain medical assistance at once.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious individual.

Skin

Skin cuts and abrasions can be treated by standard first aid (i.e., cleansing, disinfecting and covering the wound).  Skin contamination with dust or power can be removed by thoroughly washing with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.  If irritation persists, obtain medical assistance.  Material accidentally implanted or injected under the skin must be removed.

Eyes

Dust or powder should be flushed from the eyes with a copious amount of clean water for at least 15 minutes.  If irritation persists, obtain medical assistance.  Contact lenses should not be worn if working with metal dusts and powders.

V.        FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Flash Point

Not applicable to solids.

Flammable (Explosive) Limits

Not applicable to solids.

Extinguishing Media

Smother powder fires with dry sand, graphite powder, sodium chloride, or a class “D” fire extinguisher.  DO NOT USE water or a carbon dioxide extinguisher.

Special Firefighting Procedures

Wear a NIOSH approved pressure-demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective equipment to protect against airborne constituents.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

Molten metal and water can be an explosive combination.  If the possibility of moisture contamination or entrapment exists, ensure solids or ingots are thoroughly dry prior to being placed in the furnace. 

VI.       ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Steps To Be Taken If Product Is Released Or Spilled

In solid form, this material poses no special clean-up problems.  If this material is in powder or dust form, clean up should be conducted with a vacuum system utilizing a high efficiency particulate air filtration system.  Caution should be taken to minimize airborne generation of powder or dust and avoid contamination of air and water.  If in a molten form, contain the flow using dry sand or salt flux as a dam.  Do not use shovels or hand tools to halt the flow of molten metal.  Allow the spill to cool before remelting as scrap.  Properly label all materials collected in waste container.

VII.     SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS – HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling Precautions

This product must be handled according to the size, shape and quantity of the material involved.  Solid metal may require use of hoists, cranes, etc.  Powders should be moved or transported to minimize spill or release potential.  Wear gloves when handling parts with loose surface particulate or sharp edges.

Storage Precautions

In solid form, this material poses no special storage requirements.  Store metal and metal powder in a dry area.  Cover and reseal partially empty container.  Do not store adjacent to mineral acids.  Fine metal powder should be kept away from flames and sources of ignition.

VIII.    PERSONAL PROTECTION/EXPOSURE CONTROL

Work Practices

Establish effective work practices and procedures that prevent particulate from coming in contact with worker’s skin, hair, or personal clothing.  Ensure procedures are written clearly and communicate the facility’s requirements for protective clothing and personal hygiene.  Never use compressed air to clean work clothing or other surfaces. 

Fabrication processes may leave a residue of particulate on the surface of parts, products or equipment that could result in employee exposure during subsequent material handling activities.  As necessary, clean loose particulate from parts between processing steps.  As a standard hygiene practice, wash hands before eating or smoking.

Ventilation

Local exhaust ventilation should be used to control exposure to airborne dust and fume whenever possible to maintain potential exposure, to airborne fumes, dust, etc., below the PEL.  Inspect ventilation equipment periodically to ensure it is functioning properly.  Train employees on the use and operation of ventilation.  Use qualified professionals to design and install ventilation systems.

Respiratory Protection

When airborne levels exceed or have the potential to exceed allowable limits as listed in Section II, use NIOSH approved respirators as specified by an Industrial Hygienist or qualified Safety Professional.  Respirator users must be medically qualified to use a respirator.  Fit testing and respirator training must be satisfactorily completed by all personnel prior to respirator use.  Users of tight fitting respirators must be clean-shaven so a tight seal may form around the users face.  Exposure to unknown concentrations of particulate requires the wearing of a pressure-demand airline respirator or pressure-demand SCBA. 

Protective Gloves

Wear gloves to prevent metal cuts and skin abrasions particularly during handing of wrought forms, solid metal sheet, strip or tube.  Wear gloves to prevent contact with particulate.

Eye Protection

Wear safety goggles, welder’s helmet or face shield when the risk of eye injury is present particularly during machining, grinding, welding, powder handling, etc.

Other Protective Equipment

Protective clothing such as uniforms, disposable coveralls, safety shoes, etc. may be required during metal handling operations as appropriate to the circumstances of exposure.  Uniforms should be used preferably for one day if exposed to particulate then laundered as appropriate.

Housekeeping

To remove particulate from surfaces, utilize vacuum and wet cleaning methods.  Ensure electrical systems are de-energized prior to beginning wet cleaning.  Use vacuum cleaners with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA).  Do not use compressed air, brooms, or conventional vacuum cleaners to remove particulate from surfaces as this activity can result in elevated exposures to airborne particulate. 

Air Sampling

Conduct air sampling in the employee breathing zone, work area, and department to determine exposure to airborne particulate using an Industrial Hygienist or other qualified professional.  Make air sample results available to employees.

Welding

Use local exhaust ventilation and pressure-demand airline respirators in accordance with OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.252 when welding materials containing beryllium (i.e., welding or cutting indoors, outdoors, or in confined spaces involving beryllium containing base or filler metals). Ensure workers in the immediate vicinity of the welding or cutting operations are protected as necessary by local exhaust ventilation or airline respirators.

Medical Surveillance

Lung function tests, chest x-rays, and routine physical examinations may be useful to determine effects of dust or fume exposure.

IX.       PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL PROPERTY

Freezing Point:  Not Applicable

Vapor Pressure (mmHg):  Not Applicable

Melting Point:  See Section II

Vapor Density (AIR=1):  Not Applicable

Boiling Point:  Not Applicable

Solubility in Water = None

Sublimes @:  Not Applicable

% Volatiles by Volume:  None

Evaporation Rate:  Not Applicable

Radioactivity:  Not Applicable

Appearance and Odor:  Solid, brass color and no discernible odor.

X.      STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

General Reactivity

This alloy is a stable material under normal conditions of use, storage, and transportation.

Incompatibility

Avoid contact with mineral acids and oxidizing agents which may generate hydrogen gas; the evolution of hydrogen maybe an explosion hazard.  Chlorinated hydrocarbons and powdered aluminum may cause an explosive reaction.

Hazardous Decomposition Products

Various elemental metals and metal oxides may be generated from melting or dross handling operations.  Refer to Section II for PELs.

Will not occur.

XI.  Toxicology

1.      Type Of Test

LD50 – Lethal dose 50

Route Of Exposure

Intravenous

Species Observed

Rodent – rat

Dose/Duration

496 ug/kg (beryllium)

Toxic Effects

Liver – hepatitis, zonal

Reference

lainaw Laboratory Investigation. (Williams & Wilkins Co., 428 E. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21202) V.I-1952-Volume (issue)/page/year: 15, 176, 1966

2.      Type Of Test

TDLo – Lowest published toxic dose

Route Of Exposure

Intratracheal

Species Observed

Rodent – rat

Dose/Duration

13 mg/kg (beryllium)

Toxic Effects

Tumorigenic – equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration – tumors

Blood – lymphoma, including Hodgkin's disease

Reference

   ENVRAL Environmental Research.  (Academic Press, Inc., 1 E.  

 First St., Duluth, MN 55802) V.1-1967-Volume (issue)/page/year:    

 21, 63, 1980

3.      Type Of Test

TDLo – Lowest published toxic dose

Route Of Exposure

Intratracheal

Species Observed

Rodent – rat

Dose/Duration

20 mg/kg (beryllium)

Toxic Effects

Tumorigenic – equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria Musculoskeletal – tumors

Reference

LLANCAO Lancet. (7 Adam St., London WC2N 6AD, UK) V.1- 

1823- Volume (issue)/page/year: 1, 463, 1950

XII.     ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Recycle Information

This material can be recycled. Please contact Freedom Alloys, Inc. for specific recycling information.

XIII.    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION / DISPOSAL INFORMATION

Waste Disposal Method

Prior to disposal, consider if the material has recovery value.  State or federal regulations may require specific labeling, packing, storage, transportation and disposal procedures.

Environmental Hazards

In solid form, this material poses no special environmental problems.  Metal powders or dusts may have significant impact on air and water quality.  Airborne emissions, spills and releases to the environment (discharge to streams, sewer systems, ground water, surface soil, etc.) should be controlled immediately.  If potential for a spill or release exists, it is advisable to develop an emergency spill response plan. 

XIV.    TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

United States Federal Regulations

There are no U.S. Department of Transportation hazardous material regulations which apply to the packaging and labeling of this product as shipped by Freedom Alloys.

XV.      ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

United States Federal Regulations

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)

Air contaminants, 29 CFR 1910.1000

Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200

United States Federal Regulations

Environmental Protection Agencey (epa)

Ambient Air Emissions- Foundries melting beryllium alloys may be subject to the National Emission Standard for Beryllium as promulgated by EPA (40 CFR 61, subpart C).  The majority of process air emission sources will require an air permit from a local and/or state air pollution control agency.  Utilizing air-cleaning equipment is recommended to achieve the permissible emission. 

SARA TITLE III Reporting Requirements- This product contains substances which are subject to the reporting requirement of Section 313 of the emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372.

Toxic Substance Control Act- This material is a mixture.  Component(s) of this material is/are listed on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances.

Additional State Regulations

Beryllium

·         Is listed on the following states right to know lists: CA, NJ, FL, PA, MN, MA.

·         The following statement is made to comply with the California State Drinking Water Act: Warning: This product contains Beryllium, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.

·         California No Significant Risk Level: CAS #7440-41-7: No significant risk level= 0.1μg/day

cHROMIUM

·         Is listed on the following states right to know lists: CA, NJ, FL, PA, MN, MA.

·         California No Significant Risk Level: Not listed.

nickel

·         Is listed on the following states right to know lists: CA, NJ, FL, PA, MN, MA.

·         The following statement is made to comply with the California State Drinking Water Act: Warning: This product contains Nickel, a chemical known to the state of California to cause cancer.

·         California No Significant Risk Level: Not listed.

Additional Canadian Regulations

XVI.    OTHER INFORMATION

The following label must accompany this product during shipment.

Nickel Beryllium, CASTING ALLOYS

FA230; 41C; 42C; 43C; 44C; 46C; Master 6%

The following is the label text which accompanies this product during shipments:

FREEDOM ALLOYS, INC.

155 RAILROAD PLAZA  ·  ROYERSFORD, PA  19468  ·  1-800-373-3251

DANGER!!!

INHALATION OF DUST OR FUME MAY CAUSE SERIOUS LUNG INJURY, SKIN, EYE AND MUCOUS MEMBRANE IRRITATION MAY OCCUR FROM EXPOSURE TO METAL FUME, POTENTIAL CANCER HAZARD BASED PRINCIPALLY ON ANIMAL DATA.

·        The casting alloy identified above may contain, in varying concentrations, the following elemental constituents, beryllium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese and nickel.  For specific concentrations of these and other elements present, refer to the Material Safety Data sheet (MSDS) for these products.

·        Inhalation of metal dust or fume generated by the use of these alloys may cause adverse health effects such as reduced lung function, nasal and mucous irritation.  Inhalation of beryllium in excess concentrations can cause a serious lung disease:  berylliosis.  Exposure to dust or fume generated by the use of these alloys may also cause eye irritation, skin rash and effects on other organ systems.

·        Beryllium, chrome, nickel and some of their compounds are listed as potential carcinogens by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as well as the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).  The following information is a summary at findings reported to date:

                                       Element or Certain Compounds evaluated or both

                                          (Identified by Element Shown)

                Determination/Evaluation                   Beryllium        Chromium       Nickel

    Evidence of carcinogenicity to humans:     Limited             Sufficient          Limited

    Evidence of carcinogenicity to animals:     Sufficient          Sufficient          Sufficient

·        Avoid breathing dust or fume.  If the use of this material produces dust or fume, use appropriate ventilation control, personal protective equipment, or both.  For additional information refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this product.

The above information is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us.  The purchase should consult other applicable industry or scientific data related to the constituents continued herein.  We make no warranty expressed or implied with respect to such information and we assume no liability resulting from its use.