Beryllium

  • Glucinium
Formula Be
Structure
Description A grayish-white hard light metal.
Uses Structural material in space technology, in gyroscopes, computer parts, inertial guidance systems, as additive in solid-propellant rocket fuels, beryllium-copper alloys.

Registry Numbers and Inventories.
CAS 7440-41-7
EC (EINECS/ELINCS) 231-150-7
EC Index Number 004-001-00-7
EC Class Carcinogenic Category 2; Very toxic; Toxic; Irritant; Sensitising
RTECS DS1750000
RTECS class Tumorigen; Mutagen
UN (DOT) 1567
Merck 12,1201
Beilstein/Gmelin 16256 (G)
RCRA P015
Swiss Giftliste 1 G-1998
Canada DSL/NDSL DSL
US TSCA Listed
Austrailia AICS Listed
New Zealand Listed
Korea ECL Listed

Odor Threshold Odor threshold Odorless
Properties.
Formula Be
Formula mass 9.01
Melting point, °C 1278
Boiling point, °C 2970
Density 1.85 g/cm3 (20 C)
Solubility in water Insoluble
Thermal expansion 9.8E-6/K (20 C)
Heat of fusion 9.8 kJ/mol

Hazards and Protection.
Storage Keep from contact with oxidizing materials. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Keep away from organic halogens. Keep away from acids. Do not store near alkaline substances. Keep away from strong bases.
Handling Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only in a well ventilated area. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Protection Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent skin exposure.
Respirators Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Always use a NIOSH or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator when necessary.
Small spills/leaks Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Remove all sources of ignition. Provide ventilation.
Stability Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.
Incompatibilities Oxidizing agents, phosphorus, lithium, caustics, carbontetrachloride, chlorinated hydrocarbons, Contact with acids causes evolution of flammable hydrogen gas..
Decomposition Melting and dross handling or powdering operations can emit airborne dusts or fumes.

Fire.
Fire fighting Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. Dust can be an explosion hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Extinguishing media: Do NOT use carbon dioxide. Do NOT use halogenated agents. Use approved class D extinguishing agents or smother with dry sand, clay, or sodium bicarbonate. DO NOT USE WATER!
Fire potential Slightly flammable. Moderate in form of dust or powder.
Hazards Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.
Combustion products Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
NFPA Health 3
  Flammability 1  
  Reactivity 0  

Health.
Exposure limit(s) NIOSH REL: Ca Not to exceed 0.0005 mg/m3 See Appendix A OSHA PEL: TWA 0.002 mg/m3 C 0.005 mg/m3 0.025 mg/m3 [30-minute maximum peak] IDLH Ca [4 mg/m3 (as Be)]
Carcinogin G-A1, I-1, N-1, CP65
Poison_Class 1*
Exposure effects Chronic exposure to beryllium may cause berylliosis,a hypersensitivity pulmonary reaction. Symptoms may include delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity, depressed helper/suppressor T cell ratios
   Ingestion May cause gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
   Inhalation Causes respiratory tract irritation. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever, which is characterized by flu-like symptoms with metallic taste, fever, chills, cough, weakness, chest pain, muscle pain and increased white blood cell count. If heated, dust or fume may cause respiratory tract irritation.
   Skin Causes skin irritation. May cause contact dermatitis.
   Eyes Causes eye irritation. May cause conjunctivitis and corneal inflammation.

First aid
 
   Ingestion If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical aid immediately.
   Inhalation Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.
   Skin Get medical aid immediately. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
   Eyes Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.

Transport.
UN number 1567
Response guide 134
Hazard class 6.1
Packing Group II  
USCG CHRIS Code BEM  
Std. Transport # 4923523