MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
1. Chemical Product and Company Identification
BOC Gases, BOC Gases
Division of Division of
The BOC Group, Inc. BOC Canada Limited
575 Mountain Avenue 5975 Falbourne Street, Unit 2
Murray Hill, NJ 07974 Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3W6
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (908) 464-8100 TELEPHONE NUMBER: (905) 501-1700
24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER: 24-HOUR EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER:
CHEMTREC (800) 424-9300 (905) 501-0802
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN NO: 20101
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
CHEMICAL NAME: Fluorine
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Fluorine, Compressed
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.3 (5.1)
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, D1A, C, E, D2B, F
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 7/1/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Fluorine > 98.0 0.1 ppm TWA 1 ppm TWA LC 50
FORMULA: F2 2 ppm TWA 185 ppm/1H
CAS: 7782-41-4 (rat)
RTECS #: LM6475000
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-95 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
3. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
Corrosive to exposed tissues. Inhalation of vapors may result in pulmonary edema and chemical
pneumonitis. Fluorine penetrates deeply into body tissues and will continue to exert toxic effects
unless neutralized. Nonflammable. Reacts violently and decomposes to hydrofluoric acid on contact
with moisture.
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes Yes Yes Yes No
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No Yes
Synergistic Effects
None Reported
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the eyes. Contact with the liquid or vapor causes painful burns and ulcerations.
Burns to the eyes result in lesions and possible loss of vision.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Fluorine is corrosive and irritating to the skin and all living tissue. It hydrolyzes very rapidly yielding
hydrofluoric acid so that skin burns are like that from exposure to acid. Toxic level exposure to dermal tissue
causes hydrofluoric acid burns and skin lesions resulting in early necrosis and eventual scarring. Hydrofluoric
acid burns exhibit severe pain, redness, possible swelling and early necrosis. Burns are progressive while any
residual active fluoride remain.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Ingestion is unlikely as fluorine is a gas at room temperature.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The irritation extends to the chest causing
lacrimation, cough, labored breathing, excessive salivary and sputum formation. Excessive irritation to the lungs
causes acute pneumonitis and pulmonary edema, which could be fatal. Chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary
edema may result from exposure to the lower respiratory tract and deep lung. Residual pulmonary malfunction
might also occur.
Extended low level systemic absorption of fluorine may cause fluorosis, an abnormal calcification pattern of the
skeletal system.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 4 Health: 4 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 0 Flammability: 0 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 2 Reactivity: 2 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
PERSONS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE SHOULD NOT WEAR CONTACT LENSES. Flush
contaminated eyes immediately with copious quantities of water. Part eyelids to assure complete flushing.
Continue for a minimum of 30 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
SKIN:
Remove contaminated clothing as rapidly as possible. Flush affected area with copious quantities of water.
Dermal burns may be treated with a calcium gluconate gel or slurry in water or glycerine. This compound binds
the active fluorides in an insoluble form and limits burn extension and relieves pain. Seek immediate medical
attention.
INGESTION:
None required as ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE. RESCUE
PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.
Conscious persons should be assisted to an area with fresh uncontaminated air. Unconscious victims should be
moved to an area with fresh uncontaminated air. Quick removal from the contaminated area is most important.
If breathing has stopped administer artificial resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Further treatment should
be symptomatic and supportive. Keep victim warm and quiet. Assure that mucus or vomited material does not
obstruct the airway by positional drainage. Delayed pulmonary edema may occur. Keep patient under medical
supervision for at least 24 hours.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Nonflammable, Oxidizer
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
None Not Applicable Temperature: None
LEL(%): None UEL(%): None
Hazardous combustion products: Hydrogen Fluoride, Oxygen Difluoride
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Combustion products from a fire with fluorine as an oxidizer are generally extremely toxic and reactive. The
products usually include hydrogen fluoride and oxygen difluoride.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Fires with fluorine as the oxidizer can only be extinguished by shutting off the source of fluorine. Do not use
water, carbon dioxide, or other extinguishing media; these will only add more fuel to the fire.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Evacuate all personnel from affected area. Use appropriate protective equipment. If leak is in user鈥檚 equipment,
be certain to purge piping with inert gas prior to attempting repairs. If leak is in container or container valve,
contact the appropriate emergency telephone number listed in Section 1 or call your closest BOC location.
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
7. Handling and Storage
Most metals form a passive fluoride film with low pressure fluorine that protects the metals from further
corrosion. The reaction with metals and fluorine is relatively slow at room temperature, but becomes vigorous
and self-sustaining if the temperature is elevated. Monel 庐 and nickel are preferred for higher temperature
applications. Teflon 庐 is the preferred gasket material.
Keep equipment scrupulously dry. Many of the metal fluorides are water soluble so that the passive film
corrosion protection may be destroyed if wetted with water.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with
valve protection outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide or roll cylinders. Use a suitable hand truck for
cylinder movement. Use a pressure reducing regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<500 psig)
piping or systems. Do not heat cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the
cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder.
Protect cylinders from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area of non-combustible construction
away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature where cylinders are
stored to exceed 130oF (54oC). Cylinders should be stored upright and firmly secured to prevent falling or
being knocked over. Full & empty cylinders should be segregated. Use a "first in-first out" inventory system to
prevent full cylinders being stored for excessive periods of time.
Process valves should be opened and closed with remote controlled extensions passing through a suitable
barricade for additional protection. Double valving should be employed to facilitate the reduction in pressure
from high pressure sources of fluorine.
For additional storage and handling recommendations, consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1.
Never store the compressed gas or liquid form in an enclosed space such as a car trunk, van or station wagon. A
leak can result in a fire, explosion, asphyxiation or a toxic exposure.
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Fluorine > 98.0 0.1 ppm TWA 1 ppm TWA LC 50
FORMULA: F2 2 ppm TWA 185 ppm/1H
CAS: 7782-41-4 (rat)
RTECS #: LM6475000
1
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
2
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
3
As stated in the ACGIH 1994-1995 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents.
IDLH: 25 ppm
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Hood with forced ventilation. Use local exhaust ventilation to prevent accumulation above the exposure limit.
Mechanical (Gen.): In accordance with electrical codes.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Gas-tight safety goggles and face shield or full-face respirator.
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
SKIN PROTECTION:
Plastics or rubber gloves.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
Positive pressure air line with full-face mask and escape bottle or self-contained breathing apparatus should be
available for emergency use.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION
Safety shoes, safety shower, eyewash "fountain", neoprene apron.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure : Gas, above crit. temp psia
Vapor density at STP (Air = 1) : 1.31
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -306.6 F
o
C
: -188.1
o
Freezing point : -363.5 F
o
: -219.7 C
pH : Not Available
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Reacts violently
Odor threshold : Not Available
Odor and appearance : Pale yellow gas with choking ozone-like odor.
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Fluorine is the most powerful oxidizer known. It reacts with virtually all inorganic and organic substances,
except some inert gases, perfluorinated hydrocarbons and some metals which have been "passivated".
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Hydrofluoric acid and oxygen difluoride.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
11. Toxicological Information
Extended low level systemic absorption of fluorine may cause fluorosis, an abnormal calcification pattern of the
skeletal system.
12. Ecological Information
No data given.
13. Disposal Considerations
Do not attempt to dispose of residual waste or unused quantities. Return in the shipping container PROPERLY
LABELED, WITH ANY VALVE OUTLET PLUGS OR CAPS SECURED AND VALVE PROTECTION CAP
IN PLACE to BOC Gases or authorized distributor for proper disposal.
14. Transport Information
PARAMETER United States DOT Canada TDG
Fluorine, Compressed Fluorine, Compressed
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2.3 2.3 (5.1)
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1045 UN 1045
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
POISON GAS, OXIDIZER POISON GAS, OXIDIZER
SHIPPING LABEL:
Additional Marking Requirement: 鈥淚nhalation Hazard鈥?
Additional Shipping Paper Description Requirement: 鈥淧oison-Inhalation Hazard, Zone A鈥?
15. Regulatory Information
Fluorine is listed under the accident prevention provisions of section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act (CAA) with a
threshold quantity (TQ) of 1,000 pounds.
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
The presence of fluorine in quantities in excess of the threshold planning quantity (TPQ) of 500 pounds requires
certain emergency planning activities to be conducted.
Releases of fluorine in quantities equal to or greater than the reportable quantity (RQ) of 10 pounds are subject
to reporting to the National Response Center under CERCLA, Section 304 SARA Title III.
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Chronic Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
Reactivity Hazard
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: FLUORINE
SARA TITLE III - SECTION 313 SUPPLIER NOTIFICATION:
This product contains the following toxic chemicals subject to the reporting requirements of section 313 of the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986 and of 40 CFR 372:
CAS NUMBER INGREDIENT NAME PERCENT BY VOLUME
7782-41-4 Fluorine > 98.0
This information must be included on all MSDSs that are copied and distributed for this material.
16. Other Information
Compressed gas cylinders shall not be refilled without the express written permission of the owner. Shipment of
a compressed gas cylinder which has not been filled by the owner or with his/her (written) consent is a violation
of transportation regulations.
DISCLAIMER OF EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES:
Although reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this document, we extend no warranties and make
no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, and assume no
responsibility regarding the suitability of this information for the user鈥檚 intended purposes or for the
consequences of its use. Each individual should make a determination as to the suitability of the information for
their particular purpose(s).
MSDS: G-34
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 7 of 7
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