MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
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: GERMANE
CHEMICAL NAME: Germane
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Germanium Hydride, Germanium Tetrahydride, Germanomethane,
Monogermane
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.3 (2.1)
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, B6, D1A
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
Germane 99.8 to 99.99 Not Available 0.2 ppm TWA LC50
1380 mg/m3
FORMULA: GeH4
CAS: 7782-65-2 (mouse)
RTECS #: LY1900000
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
Gas can spontaneously combust in air. Inhalation may cause headache, nausea and vomiting. May
also damage red blood cells and the kidneys.
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
No No No Yes No
MSDS: G-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 1 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes No No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No No
Synergistic Effects
None reported
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
None known.
SKIN EFFECTS:
None known.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Ingestion is unlikely.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
The symptoms produced should be similar to that of arsine which are general malaise, headache, nausea,
vomiting, tightness in the chest and pain in the abdomen and loins. Since it has been shown to be a hemolytic
agent, there could also be hemolysis (damage to red blood cells) and renal (kidney) damage.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 4 Health: 4 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 4 Flammability: 4 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 3 Reactivity: 3 2 = Moderate Hazard
WATER REACTIVE 3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
Never introduce ointment or oil into the eyes without medical advice! If pain is present, refer the victim to an
opthalmologist for treatment and follow up.
SKIN:
See Inhalation First Aid, below.
INGESTION:
Ingestion is unlikely. Since there are no reported instances of germane poisoning, treatment is unknown.
Guidelines can be established based on its similarity to arsine.
INHALATION:
Since there are no reported instances of germane poisoning, treatment is unknown. Guidelines can be
established based on its similarity to arsine. Seek immediate medical attention.
MSDS: G-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 2 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: May spontaneously combust in air
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
Not Available Not Applicable Temperature: Not Available
LEL(%): Not Available UEL(%): Not Available
Hazardous combustion products: Germanium compounds
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: Not Available
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Germane is considered a pyrophoric or spontaneously combustible gas; however, its ignition is not frequently
encountered. It is much less reactive than silane. Germane decomposes violently at 536oF (280oC) with a large
pressure and temperature increase. Air or oxygen is not necessary for deflagration to occur at this temperature.
A small amount of air greatly increases its reactivity or tendency to explode.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Use extinguishing media suitable for the combustible materials involved in the fire.
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Shut off flow of gas.
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.
7. Handling and Storage
Electrical Classification:
Class 1, Group not specified. Earth ground and bond all lines and equipment associated with the germane
system. Electrical equipment should be non-sparking or explosion proof.
Since germane is noncorrosive, it can be handled in most common structural materials.
Use only in well-ventilated areas. Valve protection caps must remain in place unless container is secured with
valve outlet piped to use point. Do not drag, slide, or roll container. Use a suitable hand truck for container
movement. Do not heat container by any means to increase the discharge rate of product from the container.
Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous back flow into the cylinder. Use a pressure
reducing regulator when connecting cylinder to lower pressure (<1000 psig) piping or systems. Consult
Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1.
Protect containers from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area from heavily trafficked areas
and emergency exits. Do not allow the temperature to exceed 125oF (52oC). Containers should be stored
upright and firmly secured to prevent falling. Full & empty containers should be segregated. Use "first in-first
out" system to prevent full containers from being stored for excessive periods of time. Post NO SMOKING OR
OPEN FLAME signs in the area. Because germane may be pyrophoric, do not store with other flammable
products.
Never carry a compressed gas cylinder or a container of a gas in cryogenic 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.
MSDS: G-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 3 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
Germane 99.8 to 99.99 Not Available 0.2 ppm TWA LC50
1380 mg/m3
FORMULA: GeH4
CAS: 7782-65-2 (mouse)
RTECS #: LY1900000
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.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS:
Hood with forced ventilation. Local exhaust to prevent accumulation above the exposure limit. Mechanical in
accordance with electrical codes.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Safety goggles or glasses.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Plastic or rubber.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:
A Type C respirator with full face piece equipped with an escape bottle or a self-contained breathing apparatus
should be available for emergency use. Operate this equipment in the positive pressure demand mode.
OTHER/GENERAL PROTECTION:
Safety shoes, safety shower.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure (70 oF) : 638 psia
Vapor density at STP (Air = 1) : 2.66
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point : -127.3 F
o
C
: -88.5
o
Freezing point : -266.76 F
o
: -165.98 C
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Insoluable
Odor threshold : Not Available
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas with pungent odor
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
MSDS: G-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 4 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
Unstable. Decomposes at between 500 and 600oF (280-350oC). Liable to spontaneous combustion; however, its
auto-ignition does not frequently occur.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Incompatible with oxidizing materials and bromine.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Hydrogen and germanium.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
Experimental exposure of mice resulted in behavioral changes, ataxia, muscle contraction and spasticity.
Because of it鈥檚 similarity to arsine and other hydrides, it is assumed to cause hemolysis and renal damage.
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
Germane Germane
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
2.3 2.3 (2.1)
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 2192 UN 2192
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
POISON GAS, FLAMMABLE GAS POISON GAS, FLAMMABLE GAS
SHIPPING LABEL:
Additional Marking Requirement: 鈥淚nhalation Hazard鈥?
Additional Shipping Paper Description Requirement: 鈥淧oison-Inhalation Hazard, Zone A鈥?
MSDS: G-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 5 of 6
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANE
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health Hazard
Chronic Health Hazard
Fire Hazard
Sudden Release of Pressure Hazard
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-35
Revised: 7/1/96 Page 6 of 6
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