ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
CALCIUM HYDRIDE (CaH2)
SYNONYMS
None known.
CHARACTERISTICS
Greyishwhite crystals.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Highly flammable solid. Decomposes upon heating forming
combustible hydrogen gas. Reacts violently with oxidising
agents. Reacts violently and explosively with water, water
vapour or steam.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Calcium hydride is a highly flammable solid and reacts violently
and explosively with many substances including water and steam.
It is a strong corrosive and irritant to skin, eyes, respiratory
tract and gastrointestinal tract. Eye contact will cause
redness, pain and blurred vision, damage may be permanent. Skin
contact causes redness, pain and severe burns, particularly if
the skin is moist. Inhalation causes sore throat, coughing, lung
oedema and laboured breathing. Ingestion causes abdominal pain,
vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious cases of inhalation or ingestion
may be fatal.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from moisture.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Use an
explosion proof shield. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved
laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a
face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Burns will require immediate medical
attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek
medical attention. If vision remains blurred seek immediate
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest in a halfupright position. Seek immediate medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Seek immediate medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from moisture, incompatible
substances and all sources of heat or ignition.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, fire proof clothing and face shield. Work from
behind a body shield. Keep available pulverised dolomite or dry
graphite for fire fighting.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Scoop spill into a dry
plastic bag which has first been purged with inert gas. Remove
to the outside for burning. flood the burned residues with water
to ensure complete destruction of the hydrides.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Mix with dry sand to avoid or stop a fire. Scoop into a
bucket and remove to an open area. Slowly spray with dry butyl
alcohol. Later ad water by fogging until the last of the
hydrides is destroyed. Scoop the solid into a large container.
Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and allow to settle. Decant
and discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water. Send
the sand residue to landfill. If the hydride is a gas, dispose
of it by controlled burning.
OR
2. Burn in an iron pan or an open pit.
ENVIRONMENT
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