International Chemical Safety Cards

GERMANE

ICSC: 1244

GERMANE
Germanium hydride
Germanium tetrahydride
GeH₄
Molecular mass: 76.6
CAS # 7782-65-2
RTECS # LY4900000
ICSC # 1244
UN # 2192

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with water spray, alcohol resistant foam.
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	Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Cough.	Closed system and ventilation.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	Redness. Pain.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	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	(further see Inhalation).	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof.

UN Hazard Class: 2.3
UN Subsidiary Risks: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 1244

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

GERMANE

ICSC: 1244

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED GAS , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance may spontaneously ignite on contact with air. The substance decomposes on heating above 350°C and on contact with oxidants, such as nitric acid.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 0.2 ppm; 0.63 mg/m³ (as TWA) (ACGIH 1993-1994).

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 irritates the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the blood , resulting in lesions of blood cells. Exposure may result in death.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -88.5°C
Melting point: -165°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.53

Solubility in water, g/100 ml: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.65
Flash point: Flammable Gas

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

N O T E S

Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. Insufficient data are available on the effect of this substance on human health, therefore utmost care must be taken.

NFPA Code: H4; F4; R3

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.