International Chemical Safety Cards

PHOSPHINE

ICSC: 0694

Phosphorus trihydride
Hydrogen phosphide
PH₃
Molecular mass: 34.00

ICSC #    0694
CAS #     7803-51-2
RTECS # SY7525000
UN #        2199
EC #         015-181-00-1
August 10, 1997 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with hot surfaces.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		STRICT HYGIENE!	IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION	Cough. Nausea. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Abdominal pain. Headache. Dizziness. Dullness. Ataxia. Pain and tightness in the chest. Tremors. Shortness of breath. Vomiting. Convulsions.	Breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES		Safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Fireproof.

F+ symbol
T+ symbol
N symbol
R: 12-17-26-34-50
S: 1/2-28-36/37-45-61-63
UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0694

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

International Chemical Safety Cards

PHOSPHINE

ICSC: 0694

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T

D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on heating or on burning producing toxic fumes including phosphorus oxides . Reacts violently with air, oxygen, oxidants such as chlorine and nitrogen oxides, metal nitrates, halogens and other many substances, causing fire and explosion hazard. Attacks many metals.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.3 ppm as TWA, 1 ppm as STEL; (ACGIH 2005).
EU OEL: 0.1 ppm, 0.14 mg/mł as TWA; 0.2 ppm, 0.28 mg/mł as STEL (EU 2006).
OSHA PEL†: TWA 0.3 ppm (0.4 mg/m³)
NIOSH REL: TWA 0.3 ppm (0.4 mg/m³) ST 1 ppm (1 mg/m³)
NIOSH IDLH: 50 ppm See: 7803512

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the respiratory tract . Inhalation of the gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, heart, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys , resulting in impaired functions . Exposure above the OEL may result in unconsciousness or death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Chronic poisoning may cause toothache, swelling of the jaw, phossy jaw, spontaneous fractures of bones and anaemia. Effects are cumulative.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -87.7°C
Melting point: -133°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water, ml/100 ml at 17°C: 26
Vapour pressure, kPa at 20°C: 4186

Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.17
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 38°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 1.8-?

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

The technical product often ignites spontaneously at room temperature because of the presence of other phosphorus hydrides (especially P2H4) as impurities. Odourless when pure at concentrations up to 200 ppm, a highly toxic level. Technical product has a garlic-like odour due to impurities. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state. Card has been partly updated in October 2005 & 2006. See sections: Occupational Exposure Limits, EU classification, Emergency Response.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-20G2TF

NFPA Code: H3; F4; R2.
Card has been partially updated in August 2007: see Occupational Exposure Limits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0694	PHOSPHINE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.