MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
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: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
CHEMICAL NAME: Germanium Tetrafluoride
COMMON NAMES/SYNONYMS: Not Available
TDG (Canada) CLASSIFICATION: 2.3
WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: A, E, F, D2B
PREPARED BY: Loss Control (908)464-8100/(905)501-1700
PREPARATION DATE: 6/1/95
REVIEW DATES: 6/7/96
2. Composition, Information on Ingredients
PEL-OSHA1 TLV-ACGIH2
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
2.5 mg/m3 as F 2.5 mg/m3 as F
Germanium Tetrafluoride 100 Not Available
FORMULA: GeF4
CAS: 7783-58-6
RTECS #: Not Available
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 and irritating to the eyes, mucous membranes and skin. Hydrolyzes to hydrofluoric acid
within body tissues. May cause deep seated acid burns and tissue damage. Inhalation may cause
pulmonary edema.
ROUTE OF ENTRY:
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Yes No Yes Yes No
MSDS: G-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 1 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
HEALTH EFFECTS:
Exposure Limits Irritant Sensitization
Yes Yes No
Teratogen Reproductive Hazard Mutagen
No No No
Synergistic Effects
Other pulmonary irritants
Carcinogenicity: -- NTP: No IARC: No OSHA: No
EYE EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the eyes. Mucosal irritation is like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids.
Symptoms include irritation, lacrimation, and hydrofluoric acid burns similar to that of dermal exposure. It is
irritating and corrosive to all living tissue. Burns to the eyes result in lesions and possible loss of vision.
SKIN EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the skin. It hydrolyzes very rapidly, yielding hydrofluoric acid. Skin burns and
mucosal irritation are like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids. Hydrofluoric acid burns exhibit severe
pain, redness, possible swelling and early necrosis. Toxic level exposure to dermal tissue causes hydrofluoric
acid burns and skin lesions resulting in early necrosis and scarring. Burns are progressive while any residual
active fluorides remain.
INGESTION EFFECTS:
Ingestion is unlikely. However, ingestion would cause irritation, pain and burns similar to that of dermal
exposure.
INHALATION EFFECTS:
Corrosive and irritating to the upper and lower respiratory tracts. It hydrolyzes very rapidly, yielding
hydrofluoric acid. Mucosal irritation are like that from exposure to volatile inorganic acids. Symptoms include
cough, labored breathing and excessive salivary and sputum formation.
Chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema result from exposure to the lower respiratory tract and deep lung.
Residual pulmonary malfunction might also occur.
Extended low level systemic absorption of hydrogen fluoride may cause fluorosis, an abnormal calcification
pattern of the skeletal system.
NFPA HAZARD CODES HMIS HAZARD CODES RATINGS SYSTEM
Health: 3 Health: 3 0 = No Hazard
Flammability: 0 Flammability: 0 1 = Slight Hazard
Reactivity: 2 Reactivity: 2 2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard
MSDS: G-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 2 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
4. First Aid Measures
EYES:
PERSONS WITH POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE SHOULD NOT WEAR
CONTACT LENSES. Flush contaminated eye(s) with copious quantities of water. Part eyelids with fingers to
assure complete flushing. Continue for a minimum of 15 minutes.
SKIN:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO
GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE. Flush affected area with copious quantities of water. Remove affected
clothing as rapidly as possible. 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.
INGESTION:
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Do not induce vomiting. In all cases, notify physician
and identify the nature of the hazard and the state of the victim. If conscious, have the victim rinse mouth
liberally with water. Give water to drink ONLY if conscious and under advice of medical personnel. CALL
POISON CONTROL CENTER FOR ADVICE. HAVE CONTAINER HANDY TO GIVE INFORMATION
FROM LABEL.
INHALATION:
PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION IS MANDATORY IN ALL CASES OF OVEREXPOSURE TO
GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE. RESCUE PERSONNEL SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH SELF-
CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS. Conscious persons should be assisted to an uncontaminated area
and inhale fresh air. Unconscious persons should be moved to an uncontaminated area and given mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation and supplemental oxygen. Keep the 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 observation for at least 24 hours.
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Conditions of Flammability: Not flammable
Flash point: Method: Autoignition
None Not Applicable Temperature: None
LEL(%): None UEL(%): None
Hazardous combustion products: None
Sensitivity to mechanical shock: None
Sensitivity to static discharge: None
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS:
Reactions of hydrogen fluoride with metal piping and vessels generates hydrogen creating a potential explosion
hazard.
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:
Not needed. Nonflammable
MSDS: G-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 3 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Water will cause hydrolysis to hydrofluoric acid.
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:
Nonhazardous.
Carbon steel (without non-metallic inclusions) is the preferred material for handling Germanium Tetrafluoride
up to approximately 150oF (65oC). For higher temperatures, Monel 庐, Inconel 庐, nickel or copper should be
used. Cast iron or malleable fittings should not be used. Polyethylene, copper (soft), Kel-F 庐 or Teflon 庐 are
the preferred gasket or "packing" material. Most metals form a passive fluoride film which protects the metal
from further corrosion.
Equipment used in handling Germanium Tetrafluoride should be kept scrupulously dry.
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 (<300 psig) piping or systems.
Protect containers from physical damage. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area away 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 and 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. There should be no sources of ignition in the storage or use areas.
Consult Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1.
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-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 4 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
8. Exposure Controls, Personal Protection
EXPOSURE LIMITS1:
PEL-OSHA2 TLV-ACGIH3
INGREDIENT % VOLUME LD50 or LC50
Route/Species
2.5 mg/m3 as F 2.5 mg/m3 as F
Germanium Tetrafluoride 100 Not Available
FORMULA: GeF4
CAS: 7783-58-6
RTECS #: Not Available
1
As stated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z (revised July 1, 1993)
2
Refer to individual state of provincial regulations, as applicable, for limits which may be more stringent than
those listed here.
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 limits for HF.
Mechanical (General): In accordance with electrical codes.
EYE/FACE PROTECTION:
Gas-tight safety goggles full-face respirator.
SKIN PROTECTION:
Plastic or rubber.
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".
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
PARAMETER VALUE UNITS
Physical state (gas, liquid, solid) : Gas
Vapor pressure at 70oF : 235 psia
Vapor density at STP (Air = 1) : 1.0
Evaporation point : Not Available
o
Boiling point (sublimes) : -34.6 F
o
C
: -37
Freezing point : Not Available
: Not Available
pH : Not Applicable
Specific gravity : Not Available
Oil/water partition coefficient : Not Available
Solubility (H20) : Hydrolyzes
Odor threshold : Not Available
Odor and appearance : Colorless gas with acrid, irritating odor.
MSDS: G-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 5 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
10. Stability and Reactivity
STABILITY:
Stable
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS:
Rapidly reacts with water or water vapor to form hydrofluoric acid which reacts to most metals and organic
materials with evolution of heat and hydrogen gas.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:
Hydrogen fluoride and germanium oxide on hydrolysis.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:
Will not occur.
11. Toxicological Information
No data given in the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS) or Sax, Dangerous Properties
of Industrial Materials, 7th ed.
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
Compressed or Liquefied Gas, toxic, n.o.s. Compressed or Liquified Gas, toxic, n.o.s.
PROPER SHIPPING NAME:
(Germanium Tetrafluoride) (Germanium Tetrafluoride)
2.3 2.3
HAZARD CLASS:
UN 1955 UN 1955
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER:
POISON GAS POISON 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-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 6 of 7
PRODUCT NAME: GERMANIUM TETRAFLUORIDE
15. Regulatory Information
SARA TITLE III NOTIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
SARA TITLE III - HAZARD CLASSES:
Acute Health 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-37
Revised: 6/7/96 Page 7 of 7
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