FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 12
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
FORMIC ACID
SYNONYMS
C-O2-H2, CHOOH, "aminic acid", "formylic acid", "hydrogen carboxylic acid", "methanoic
acid"
PROPER SHIPPING NAME
FORMIC ACID with more than 85% acid by mass
PRODUCT USE
Used as a decalcifier and reducer in dyeing wool fast colours. Used in tanning to dehair
and plump hides, in rubber latex coagulation and old rubber regeneration, in
electroplating, in sizes and in chemical analysis.
SUPPLIER
Company: Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
Address:
70 Quantum Close
Dandenong South
Victoria 3175
Telephone: 03 8795 8000
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 03 8795 8099
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of NOHSC,
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 12
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
AS5 NZS4
RISK SAFETY
Flammable. Keep locked up.
Harmful if swallowed. Do not breathe gas/ fumes/ vapour/ spray.
Causes severe burns. Avoid contact with eyes.
Risk of serious damage to eyes. Wear suitable protective clothing.
Cumulative effects may result following To clean the floor and all objects contaminated
exposure*. by this material use water.
* (limited evidence). Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
In case of accident or if you feel unwell
IMMEDIATELY contact Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre (show label if possible).
This material and its container must be disposed
of as hazardous waste.
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
formic acid 64-18-6 >98
water 7732-18-5 <2
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor.
路 If swallowed do NOT induce vomiting.
路 If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if
possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration.
路 Observe the patient carefully.
路 Never give liquid to a person showing signs of being sleepy or with reduced awareness;
i.e. becoming unconscious
路 Give water to rinse out mouth, then provide liquid slowly and as much as casualty can
comfortably drink.
路 Seek medical advice.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
路 Immediately hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water.
路 Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and
moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
路 Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor,
or for at least 15 minutes.
路 Transport to hospital or doctor without delay.
路 Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled
personnel.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 12
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SKIN
If skin contact occurs:
路 Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.
路 Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
路 If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
路 Lay patient down. Keep warm and rested.
路 Prostheses such as false teeth, which may block airway, should be removed, where
possible, prior to initiating first aid procedures.
路 Apply artificial respiration if not breathing, preferably with a demand valve
resuscitator, bag-valve mask device, or pocket mask as trained. Perform CPR if necessary.
路 Transport to hospital, or doctor.
If exposure has been severe and/or symptoms marked, observation in hospital for 48 hours
should be considered due to possibility of delayed pulmonary oedema.
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
For acute or short term repeated exposures to strong acids:
路 Airway problems may arise from laryngeal edema and inhalation exposure. Treat with 100%
oxygen initially.
路 Respiratory distress may require cricothyroidotomy if endotracheal intubation is
contraindicated by excessive swelling
路 Intravenous lines should be established immediately in all cases where there is
evidence of circulatory compromise.
路 Strong acids produce a coagulation necrosis characterised by formation of a coagulum
(eschar) as a result of the dessicating action of the acid on proteins in specific
tissues.
INGESTION:
路 Immediate dilution (milk or water) within 30 minutes post ingestion is recommended.
路 DO NOT attempt to neutralise the acid since exothermic reaction may extend the
corrosive injury.
路 Be careful to avoid further vomit since re-exposure of the mucosa to the acid is
harmful. Limit fluids to one or two glasses in an adult.
路 Charcoal has no place in acid management.
路 Some authors suggest the use of lavage within 1 hour of ingestion.
SKIN:
路 Skin lesions require copious saline irrigation. Treat chemical burns as thermal burns
with non-adherent gauze and wrapping.
路 Deep second-degree burns may benefit from topical silver sulfadiazine.
EYE:
路 Eye injuries require retraction of the eyelids to ensure thorough irrigation of the
conjuctival cul-de-sacs. Irrigation should last at least 20-30 minutes. DO NOT use
neutralising agents or any other additives. Several litres of saline are required.
路 Cycloplegic drops, (1% cyclopentolate for short-term use or 5% homatropine for longer
term use) antibiotic drops, vasoconstrictive agents or artificial tears may be indicated
dependent on the severity of the injury.
路 Steroid eye drops should only be administered with the approval of a consulting
ophthalmologist).
[Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical Toxicology].
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Dry chemical powder.
路 Alcohol stable foam.
Water spray or fog.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 12
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Carbon dioxide.
FIRE FIGHTING
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 May be violently or explosively reactive.
路 Wear full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water course.
路 If safe, switch off electrical equipment until vapour fire hazard removed.
路 Use water delivered as a fine spray to control fire and cool adjacent area.
路 Avoid spraying water onto liquid pools.
路 DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
路 Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
路 If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
路 Liquid and vapour are flammable.
路 Moderate fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
路 Vapour forms an explosive mixture with air.
路 Moderate explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
路 Vapour may travel a considerable distance to source of ignition.
路 Heating may cause expansion or decomposition leading to violent rupture of containers.
路 On combustion, may emit toxic fumes of carbon monoxide (CO).
FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid contamination with oxidising agents i.e. nitrates, oxidising acids, chlorine
bleaches, pool chlorine etc. as ignition may result.
HAZCHEM: 2X
Personal Protective Equipment
Gas tight chemical resistant suit.
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
Clean up all spills immediately.
Wear protective clothing, impervious gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid breathing vapours and contact with skin and eyes.
Remove all ignition sources.
Wipe up and absorb small quantities with vermiculite or other absorbent material.
Allow absorbed spillage to evaporate in an open top container, away from habitation.
MAJOR SPILLS
路 Clear area of personnel and move upwind.
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 May be violently or explosively reactive.
路 Wear full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water course.
路 No smoking, naked lights or ignition sources.
路 Increase ventilation.
路 Stop leak if safe to do so.
路 Water spray or fog may be used to disperse vapour.
路 Contain or absorb spill with sand, earth or vermiculite.
路 Use only spark-free shovels and explosion proof equipment.
路 Collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling.
路 Collect solid residues and seal in labelled drums for disposal.
路 Wash area and prevent runoff into drains.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 12
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
路 After clean up operations, decontaminate and launder all protective clothing and
equipment before storing and re-using.
路 If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise emergency services.
PROTECTIVE ACTIONS FOR SPILL
PROTECTIVE ACTION ZONE
half
evacuation
downwind
direction
distance
down wind distance
wind isolation
distance
direction
half
evacuation downwind
INITIAL direction distance
ISOLATION
ZONE
From IERG (Canada/Australia)
Isolation Distance 25 metres
Downwind Protection Distance 250 metres
IERG Number 36
FOOTNOTES
1 PROTECTIVE ACTION ZONE is defined as the area in which people are at risk of harmful exposure. This zone
assumes that random changes in wind direction confines the vapour plume to an area within 30 degrees on
either side of the predominant wind direction, resulting in a crosswind protective action distance equal
to the downwind protective action distance.
2 PROTECTIVE ACTIONS should be initiated to the extent possible, beginning with those closest to the spill
and working away from the site in the downwind direction. Within the protective action zone a level of
vapour concentration may exist resulting in nearly all unprotected persons becoming incapacitated and
unable to take protective action and/or incurring serious or irreversible health effects.
3 INITIAL ISOLATION ZONE is determined as an area, including upwind of the incident, within which a high
probability of localised wind reversal may expose nearly all persons without appropriate protection to
life-threatening concentrations of the material.
4 SMALL SPILLS involve a leaking package of 200 litres (55 US gallons) or less, such as a drum (jerrican or
box with inner containers). Larger packages leaking less than 200 litres and compressed gas leaking from
a small cylinder are also considered "small spills".
LARGE SPILLS involve many small leaking packages or a leaking package of greater than 200 litres, such as
a cargo tank, portable tank or a "one-tonne" compressed gas cylinder.
5 Guide 153 is taken from the US DOT emergency response guide book.
6 IERG information is derived from CANUTEC - Transport Canada.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed
for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
formic acid 30 ppm
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take
protective action is:
formic acid 10 ppm
other than mild, transient adverse effects without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
formic acid 10 ppm
The threshold concentration below which most people will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
formic acid 5 ppm
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 12
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
Handle and open container with care.
路 Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
路 Wear protective clothing when risk of overexposure occurs.
路 Use in a well-ventilated area.
路 Prevent concentration in hollows and sumps.
路 DO NOT enter confined spaces until atmosphere has been checked.
路 Avoid smoking, naked lights or ignition sources.
路 Avoid generation of static electricity.
路 DO NOT use plastic buckets.
路 Earth all lines and equipment.
路 Use spark-free tools when handling.
路 Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
路 When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
路 Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
路 Avoid physical damage to containers.
路 Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
路 Work clothes should be laundered separately.
路 Use good occupational work practice.
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
路 Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure
safe working conditions.
DO NOT add water to product, dilute according to suppliers instructions.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
DO NOT repack. Use only containers as originally supplied by manufacturer.
DO NOT use aluminium, galvanised or tin-plated containers.
Container to have vented cap.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Segregate from alkalies, oxidising agents and chemicals readily decomposed by acids, i.e.
cyanides, sulfides, carbonates.
Avoid any contamination of this material as it is very reactive and any contamination is
potentially hazardous.
Formic acid reacts explosively with hydrogen peroxide, furfuryl alcohol,
thallium nitrate, nitromethane.
Formic acid reacts with concentrated sulfuric acid to produce carbon
dioxide.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Handle and open container with care.
Rotate all stock to prevent ageing. Use on FIFO (First In-First Out) basis.
WARNING: Decomposition may occur after prolonged storage.
Pure formic acid slowly decomposes releasing toxic carbon monoxide and may
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 12
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
pressurise containers. Water in less concentrated acid improves stability.
Extreme care needed in opening containers of unknown age.
_____________________________________________________
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
+ + + + + +
_____________________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA ppm TWA mg/m鲁 STEL ppm STEL mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____ _____ _____ _____
Australia formic acid 5 9.4 10 19
Exposure (Formic acid)
Standards
The following materials had no OELs on our records
鈥? water: CAS:7732- 18- 5
EMERGENCY EXPOSURE LIMITS
Material Revised IDLH Value (mg/m3) Revised IDLH Value (ppm)
formic acid 30 [Unch]
MATERIAL DATA
Odour Threshold Value: 20-40 mg/m3 (detection)
NOTE: Detector tubes for formic acid, measuring in excess of 1 ppm, are
available commercially.
Th TLV-TWA is thought to be protective against the risk of respiratory
and eye irritation and possible skin irritation.
INGREDIENT DATA
WATER:
No exposure limits set by NOHSC or ACGIH.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
路 Chemical goggles.
路 Full face shield may be required for supplementary but never for primary protection of
eyes
路 Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 12
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a
review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account
of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal
and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure,
begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens
should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be
removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
Butyl rubber gloves. or Neoprene rubber gloves.
PVC boots.
When handling corrosive liquids, wear trousers or overalls outside of boots, to avoid
spills entering boots.
The selection of appropriate respiratory protection (organic vapour
respirator with a full facepiece - with dust and mist filter in case of
fuming liquid, supplied-air respirator, self-contained breathing apparatus)
should be based upon the actual or potential airborne contaminants and
their concentrations present.
OTHER
Acid-resistant overalls.
路 Impervious protective clothing.
PVC apron.
Ensure there is ready access to a safety shower.
路 Eyewash unit.
GLOVE SELECTION INDEX
Glove selection is based on a modified presentation of the:
" Forsberg Clothing Performance Index" .
The effect(s) of the following substance(s) are taken into account in the
computer- generated selection: formic acid
Protective Material CPI *.
__________________________________________
BUTYL A
NATURAL RUBBER A
NEOPRENE A
NEOPRENE/NATURAL A
NITRILE A
PVC A
SARANEX- 23 A
NATURAL+NEOPRENE C
PE C
__________________________________________
* CPI - Chemwatch Performance Index
A: Best Selection
B: Satisfactory; may degrade after 4 hours continuous immersion
C: Poor to Dangerous Choice for other than short term immersion
NOTE: As a series of factors will influence the actual performance of the glove,
a final selection must be based on detailed observation. -
* Where the glove is to be used on a short term, casual or infrequent basis,
factors such as "feel" or convenience (e.g. disposability), may dictate a choice
of gloves which might otherwise be unsuitable following long-term or frequent use.
A qualified practitioner should be consulted.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of
personal protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 12
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
DO NOT add water to product, dilute according to suppliers instructions.
Use in a well-ventilated area.
Local exhaust ventilation usually required. If risk of overexposure exists, wear approved
respirator. Correct fit is essential to obtain adequate protection. Supplied-air type
respirator may be required in special circumstances. Correct fit is essential to ensure
adequate protection.
An approved self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required in some situations.
Provide adequate ventilation in warehouse or closed storage area. Air contaminants
generated in the workplace possess varying "escape" velocities which, in turn, determine
the "capture velocities" of fresh circulating air required to effectively remove the
contaminant.
Type of Contaminant: Air Speed:
solvent, vapours, degreasing etc., evaporating 0.25- 0.5 m/s (50- 100 f/min.)
from tank (in still air).
aerosols, fumes from pouring operations, 0.5- 1 m/s (100- 200 f/min.)
intermittent container filling, low speed
conveyer transfers, welding, spray drift,
plating acid fumes, pickling (released at low
velocity into zone of active generation)
direct spray, spray painting in shallow booths, 1- 2.5 m/s (200- 500 f/min.)
drum filling, conveyer loading, crusher dusts,
gas discharge (active generation into zone of
rapid air motion)
grinding, abrasive blasting, tumbling, high 2.5- 10 m/s (500- 2000 f/min.)
speed wheel generated dusts (released at high
initial velocity into zone of very high rapid
air motion).
Within each range the appropriate value depends on:
Lower end of the range Upper end of the range
1: Room air currents minimal or favourable to 1: Disturbing room air currents
capture
2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of nuisance 2: Contaminants of high toxicity
value only.
3: Intermittent, low production. 3: High production, heavy use
4: Large hood or large air mass in motion 4: Small hood- local control only
Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the opening
of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the square of distance
from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the air speed at the extraction
point should be adjusted, accordingly, after reference to distance from the contaminating
source. The air velocity at the extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 1-2
m/s (200-400 f/min) for extraction of solvents generated in a tank 2 meters distant from
the extraction point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits
within the extraction apparatus, make it essential that theoretical air velocities are
multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or used.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 10 of 12
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Clear corrosive and combustible liquid with pungent, penetrating odour. Miscible with
water, alcohol, ether and glycerol. 99% material freezes @ 8 deg C. Use care in remelting.
The pure substance with little or no water is described as " glacial formic acid" .
Concentrated (90%) but not glacial acid has improved stability. Physical properties, flash
point etc varies with concentration.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Liquid.
Mixes with water.
Corrosive.
Acid.
Molecular Weight: 46.03 Boiling Range (掳C): 100.8
Melting Range (掳C): 8.4 Specific Gravity (water=1): 1.22 @ 20 deg.C
Solubility in water (g/L): Miscible pH (as supplied): Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 2.2 Vapour Pressure (kPa): 4.5 @ 20 deg.C
Volatile Component (%vol): Not available. Evaporation Rate: 0.4 (CCl4 = 1)
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): 1.6 Flash Point (掳C): 68.89 OC @ 90%
Lower Explosive Limit (%): 12 Upper Explosive Limit (%): 57
Autoignition Temp (掳C): 480 Decomposition Temp (掳C): Not available
State: Liquid Viscosity: Not available
Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
Presence of heat source and ignition source.
路 Presence of incompatible materials.
路 Product is considered stable under normal handling conditions.
路 Prolonged exposure to heat.
路 Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
SWALLOWED
Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.
The liquid is corrosive if swallowed and is capable of causing burns to mouth, throat,
oesophagus, with extreme
discomfort, pain.
Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.
EYE
The liquid is. corrosive to the eyes and is capable of causing pain and severe
conjunctivitis. Corneal injury may develop, with possible permanent impairment of vision,
if not promptly and adequately treated.
Direct eye contact with acid corrosives may produce pain, tears, sensitivity to light and
burns. Mild burns of the epithelia generally recover rapidly and completely. Severe burns
produce long-lasting and possibly irreversible damage. The appearance of the burn may not
be apparent for several weeks after the initial contact. The cornea may ultimately become
deeply opaque resulting in blindness.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 11 of 12
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Solutions of low-molecular weight organic acids cause pain and injury
to the eyes.
The material may produce severe irritation to the eye causing pronounced inflammation.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.
SKIN
The liquid is. corrosive to the skin and is capable of causing severe burns.
and contact may cause tissue destruction.
if contact is prolonged.
Skin contact with acidic corrosives may result in pain and burns; these may be deep with
distinct edges and may heal slowly with the formation of scar tissue.
The material may cause skin irritation after prolonged or repeated exposure and may
produce on contact skin redness, swelling, the production of vesicles, scaling and
thickening of the skin.
INHALED
The vapour is. highly discomforting to the upper respiratory tract.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact and by inhalation of
vapours especially at higher temperatures.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to acids may result in the erosion of teeth, swelling
and/or ulceration of mouth lining. Irritation of airways to lung, with cough, and
inflammation of lung tissue often occurs. Chronic exposure may inflame the skin or
conjunctiva.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
unless otherwise specified data extracted from RTECS - Register of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.
TOXICITY IRRITATION
Oral (rat) LD50: 1100 mg/kg Skin (rabbit): 610 (open) - Mild
Inhalation (rat) LC50: 15000 mg/m鲁/15m Eye (rabbit): 122 mg - SEVERE
WATER:
unless otherwise specified data extracted from RTECS - Register of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.
No significant acute toxicological data identified in literature search.
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
log Kow: -1.55- -0.22
BOD 5 if unstated: 0.02-0.27
ThOD: 0.35
BCF: 0.22
Degradation Biological: sig
processes Abiotic: RxnOH*
In the atmosphere, formic acid reacts with photochemically produced
hydroxyl radicals (half-life 34 days).
Formic acid is highly soluble in water, it is non-persistent (half-life
2-20 days).
Leaches into some soils where it is expected to be biodegradable.
Does not concentrate in food chain.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
Recycle wherever possible.
Incinerate residue at an approved site.
Used containers should be left upside down with bungs out.
Decontaminate empty containers with a lime slurry.
FORMIC ACID
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005 CHEMWATCH 1779
NC317TCP Version No:3
CD 2007/3 Page 12 of 12
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Labels Required: CORROSIVE
HAZCHEM: 2X
UNDG:
Dangerous Goods Class: 8 Subrisk: None
UN Number: 1779 Packing Group: II
Shipping Name:FORMIC ACID with more than 85% acid by mass
Air Transport IATA:
ICAO/IATA Class: 8 ICAO/IATA Subrisk: None
UN/ID Number: 1779 Packing Group: II
Special provisions: None
Shipping Name: FORMIC ACID
Maritime Transport IMDG:
IMDG Class: 8 IMDG Subrisk: 3
UN Number: 1779 Packing Group: II
EMS Number: F- E, S- C Special provisions: None
Shipping Name: FORMIC ACID with more than 85% acid by mass
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: AS5 NZS4
REGULATIONS
formic acid (CAS: 64-18-6) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia Illicit Drug Reagents/Essential Chemicals - Category III
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Appendix E (Part 2)
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Appendix F (Part 3)
Australia Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons (SUSDP) - Schedule 5
IMO MARPOL 73/78 (Annex II) - List of Noxious Liquid Substances Carried in Bulk
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) - High Production Volume List
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and
authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification
committee using available literature references.
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission
from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 28-Nov-2005
Print Date: 20-Dec-2007
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