International Chemical Safety Cards

OSMIUM TETROXIDE ICSC: 0528
OSMIUM TETROXIDE
Osmic acid anhydride
Osmium oxide
Osmium tetraoxide
O4Os
Molecular mass: 254.2
CAS # 20816-12-0
RTECS # RN1140000
ICSC # 0528
UN # 2471
EC # 076-001-00-5
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible but enhances combustion of other substances.
NO contact with flammable substances.
In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION Risk of fire and explosion when mixed with combustible substances.


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!

  • INHALATION
    		• Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. Visual disturbances. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Skin burns. Pain. Skin discoloration. Blisters.
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		First rinse with plenty of water, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again. Refer for medical attention.
  • EYES
    		• Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Loss of vision. Severe deep burns.
    		Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
    		First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
  • INGESTION
    		• Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse. (See Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
    		Rinse mouth. Give nothing to drink. Rest. Refer for medical attention.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting then remove to safe place. Do NOT absorb in saw-dust or other combustible absorbents. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Separated from combustible and reducing substances, food and feedstuffs. Ventilation along the floor.
    		Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    T+ symbol
    R: 26/27/28-34
    S: (1/2-)7/9-26-45
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Packing Group: I
    Severe marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0528 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    OSMIUM TETROXIDE ICSC: 0528

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS TO PALE YELLOW SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance decomposes on heating producing fumes of osmium. The substance is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials. Reacts with hydrochloric acid to form toxic chlorine gas (see ICSC # 0126). Forms unstable compounds with alkalis.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV (as Os): 0.0002 ppm; 0.0016 mg/m3 (as TWA); 0.0006 ppm; 0.0047 mg/m3 (as STEL) (ACGIH 1997).
    MAK: 0.0002 ppm; 0.002 mg/m3; (1997)


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20░C..

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     Tear drawing. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin, and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Exposure to high concentrations may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the kidneys.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: (see Notes) 130░C
    Melting point: 42░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 4.9
    		 Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25░C: 6
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 27░C: 1.5
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 8.8
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to crustacea.
    N O T E S
    Begins to sublime and distil well below boiling point. 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 spray, 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. Do NOT take working clothes home. Rinse contaminated clothes (fire hazard) with plenty of water.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G64a
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0528 OSMIUM TETROXIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of 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.