International Chemical Safety Cards

BORON TRIFLUORIDE ICSC: 0231

BORON TRIFLUORIDE
Trifluoroborane
(cylinder)
BF3
Molecular mass: 67.8
CAS # 7637-07-2
RTECS # ED2275000
ICSC # 0231
UN # 1008
EC # 005-001-00-X
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible.

Powder, carbon dioxide. NO water. In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: cool cylinder by spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance with water. Fire fighters should wear complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
EXPOSURE
STRICT HYGIENE!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Corrosive. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing.
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Redness. Burning sensation. Pain. ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.
    		Protective gloves. Cold-insulating 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.
    		Face shield 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

    		• Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Remove fumes with fine water spray (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof if in building. Separated from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, alkyl nitrates and lime. Cool.

    T+ symbol
    R: 14-26-35
    S: 9-26-28-36-45
    UN Hazard Class: 2.3
    UN Subsidiary Risks: 8
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0231 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    BORON TRIFLUORIDE ICSC: 0231

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. FORMS WHITE FUMES IN MOIST AIR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas is heavier than air.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance will polymerize unsaturated compounds. The substance decomposes on contact with water and moisture, producing toxic and corrosive fumes including hydrogen fluoride (see ICSC 0283), fluoroboric acid and boric acid. Reacts violently with metals such as sodium, potassium and calcium, and with alkyl nitrates. Attacks many metals in presence of water.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 1 ppm; 2.8 mg/m3 (ceiling values) (ACGIH 1992-1993).
    PDK: 0.1 mg/m3 (USSR 1972).
    OSHA PEL: C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
    NIOSH REL: C 1 ppm (3 mg/m3)
    NIOSH IDLH: 25 ppm


    		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:
     Corrosive. Tear drawing. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of the gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Rapid evaporation of the liquid may cause frostbite.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
     The substance may have effects on the kidneys.
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: -100°C
    Melting point: -127°C
    		Solubility in water: reaction (see Notes)
    Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.4
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms.
    N O T E S
    Boron trifluoride is soluble in cold water, 332 g/100 ml at 0°C. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. 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 are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0231 BORON TRIFLUORIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    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 IDLH values.