Phosphine

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Inhalation: Quickly move the person away from the contaminated area. Make the affected person rest. Always obtain medical attention immediately. If person is not breathing, immediately call for emergency medical support then, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation including artificial respiration, preferably with a bag-valve-mask device if possible. Rescuers within the areas of potentially unsafe levels of this product (the "HOT ZONE") should employ appropriate personal protective equipment such as SCBA during the rescue of the victim.

Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Wash immediately and thoroughly for a prolonged period (at least

15 minutes).  Remove all contaminated clothing and footwear.  Obtain medical attention immediately.

Eye contact: Immediately rinse with plenty of running water for a prolonged period, (at least 15 minutes) whilst keeping the eyes wide open. Always obtain medical advice immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Ingestion: Not specifically applicable.

Fire-fighting measures

Specific hazards: On heating or during combustion: Toxic and highly flammable gases are released (explosion hazard). Dense white fumes are given off which may obscure the area.

Protection of fire-fighters: Self-contained breathing apparatus. Complete protective clothing.

Extinguishing media: All extinguishing agents can be used (water, foam, powders, carbon dioxide, sand ...).

Further information: In the presence of water, forms acidic solutions.

Specific fire fighting methods: Do NOT attempt to fight the fire without suitable protective equipment. Cut off the supply of the product. Allow the fire to burn itself out. Be careful, the product may re-ignite. Cool down the containers/equipment exposed to heat with a water spray. Do not dispose of fire-fighting water in the environment.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions: Do NOT attempt to take action WITHOUT suitable protective equipment.

Do not breathe gas. Do NOT approach from DOWNWIND. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

If spillage occurs on the public highway, indicate the danger and notify the authorities (police, fire brigade ).

Full protective clothing and equipment: self-contained breathing apparatus.

Exposure-controls/personal protection: Evacuate the danger area. Only qualified personnel equipped with suitable protective equipment may intervene. Remove all sources of ignition. Stop the leak as quickly as possible (using non-sparking tools). Mechanically ventilate the spillage area, whilst avoiding the formation of explosive concentrations.  

Environmental precautions: Prevent the product from spreading into the environment.

Recovery: Flammable product. Take all necessary precautions. Earth the containers and the equipment. Use flame-proof equipment.

Cleaning/Decontamination: Ventilate the area thoroughly, especially low lying areas (basements, workpits etc).

Handling and storage

Handling:

Precautionary Measures:

Do not breathe gas. Keep container tightly closed. Use with adequate ventilation. Keep cylinder out of sun and away from heat. Keep cylinder in an upright position and protect from falling. This gas deadens the sense of smell. Do not depend on odor to detect presence of gas.

Special Handling Statements:

Before dispensing product, purge equipment with an inert gas. Cylinders must be handled in accordance with industry standards for compressed gases. Refer to the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Pamphlet P-1 "Safe Handling of Compressed Gases In Containers". Phosphine gas may react with certain metals and cause corrosion, especially at higher temperatures and relative humidity. Metals such as brass, copper and other copper alloys and precious metals are susceptible to corrosion.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:

Cylinders should be stored in an assigned area which should be cool, dry, well ventilated and fire resistant. It is recommended that both full and used cylinders be stored outdoors in a dedicated and properly designed and labeled storage area, away from other building ventilation intakes. This area should be secured, locked and have a well-drained, firm and level surface, preferably reinforced concrete. Cylinders must be stored in an upright position and secured or protected from falling. Cylinders should never be stored where the temperatures will exceed 52 C (125 F). The indoor storage of toxic gases is prohibited in some jurisdictions. The storage of these gases in occupied spaces is not recommended. Indoor storage in a separate building with no other occupancy is suitable.

The building should be adequately ventilated and equipped with a continuous monitoring and alarm system.

Storage Temperature: Store at <52 °C

Reason: Safety.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

UN2199

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

PHOSPHINE

Language:

English

Labels:

2.1, 2.3

Special provisions / remarks

Special provisions:

632

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

UN2199

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

PHOSPHINE

Language:

English

Labels:

2.1, 2.3

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

UN2199

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

PHOSPHINE

Labels:

2.1, 2.3

Marine pollutant

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

FORBIDDEN

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

FORBIDDEN

Chemical name:

FORBIDDEN

Labels:

FORBIDDEN

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Forbidden for transport by air (passenger and cargo).

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Engineering Measures:

Utilize a closed system process where feasible.

Where this material is not used in a closed system, good enclosure and local exhaust ventilation should be provided to control exposure.

Respiratory Protection:

In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If exposed to vapour or spray, wear selfcontained breathing apparatus. Continuously monitoring phosphine concentration in the workplace is recommended. Emergency procedure should be established for phosphine leaks.

Eye protection:

Wear eye/face protection. Provide eye wash fountain and safety shower in close proximity to points of potential exposure.

Skin Protection:

Not an expected route of exposure. Gas is not known to be absorbed through skin. Steel toed safety shoes are recommended for anyone handling compressed gas cylinders.

Hand protection:

Wear impermeable gloves. Replace gloves immediately when torn or any change in appearance (dimension, colour, flexibility etc) is noticed.

The chemical resistance depends on the type of product and amount of product on the glove. Therefore gloves need to be changed when in contact with chemicals. Due to many conditions (e.g. temperature, abrasion) the practical usage of a chemical protective glove in practice may be much shorter than the permeation time determined through testing.

Additional Advice:

Food, beverages, and tobacco products should not be carried, stored, or consumed where this material is in use. Before eating, drinking, or smoking, wash face and hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Stability and reactivity

CHEMICAL STABILITY

Stability: Stable

Conditions To Avoid: None known

POSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS REACTIONS

Polymerization: Will not occur

Conditions To Avoid: None known

Incompatible materials: Air, oxidizing agents.

Hazardous Decomposition

Products:

dihydrogen gas, phosphorus, diphosphine, Combustion produces phosphoric acid.

Disposal considerations

Waste Treatment Methods

The Company encourages the recycle, recovery and reuse of materials, where permitted. If disposal is necessary, do not incinerate and do not de-gas the packaging in the atmosphere. All local and national regulations should be followed.