Calcium nitrite

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

General advice - No special measures required. In the case of accident, or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible). Show the safety data sheet (SDS) to the doctor in attendance. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before re-use. If danger of loss of consciousness, place patient in recovery position and transport accordingly. Apply artificial respiration if necessary. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

If inhaled: Remove to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. If symptoms persist, call a physician. Show the SDS to the doctor in attendance.

GCP concrete admixtures that contain calcium nitrite have a unique hazard if mishandled. These products are stable on their own and when mixed in concrete. However, direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas creating a hazardous situation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, odourless gas that quickly and readily reacts to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a yellow/orange/red/brown gas with a highly pungent, bleach-like odour.

Potential health effects vary significantly and depend on exposure concentration and the individual involved. Short-term exposure to low levels of NOx gas may not cause adverse effects. The potential for adverse effects increases as the airborne concentration and/or duration of exposure increase. Severe over-exposure in a poorly ventilated area can be fatal. GCP is not aware of any NOx gas incident with its products that resulted in serious acute or chronic injury or illness.

On skin contact:

Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If skin irritation or rash occurs, seek medical advice/attention.

On contact with eyes:

Immediately wash affected eyes for several under running water with eyelids held open, consult an eye specialist.

On ingestion:

Rinse mouth and then drink plenty of water. If you feel unwell, seek medical advice (show the label where possible). Do NOT induce vomiting.

Notes to physician: Treat symptomatically.

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media - Water spray, Dry powder, Foam, Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

Specific hazards during firefighting - This material, if dried to a solid powder-like form, will become an oxidizer, which may provide oxygen to combustible materials. Dangerous gases or fumes may occur in case of fire. In case of fire hazardous decomposition products may be produced such as: nitrogen oxides (NOx), CO/CO2.

GCP concrete admixtures that contain calcium nitrite have a unique hazard if mishandled. These products are stable on their own and when mixed in concrete. However, direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas creating a hazardous situation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, odourless gas that quickly and readily reacts to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a yellow/orange/red/brown gas with a highly pungent, bleach-like odour.

Advice for firefighters

Special protective equipment for firefighters - In the event of fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

Further information - Standard procedure for chemical fires. Cool closed containers exposed to fire with water spray. In the event of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes. Do not allow run-off from fire fighting to enter drains or water courses. Fire residues and contaminated fire extinguishing water must be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions:

Use personal protective equipment (for personal protection information, please see the personal protection section). Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid breathing dust.

Environmental precautions:

Do not flush into surface water or sanitary sewer system. Avoid subsoil penetration.

Methods for cleaning up: Pick up and transfer to properly labelled containers. Dispose of as special waste in compliance with local and national regulations. Clean contaminated floors and objects thoroughly while observing environmental regulations.

GCP concrete admixtures that contain calcium nitrite have a unique hazard if mishandled. These products are stable on their own and when mixed in concrete. However, direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas creating a hazardous situation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, odourless gas that quickly and readily reacts to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a yellow/orange/red/brown gas with a highly pungent, bleach-like odour.

Emergency Planning in advance of a NOx gas incident:

Employees should be trained on the topic of calcium nitrite products and potential for NOx gas formation as part their Hazard Communication training. Product SDSs and this hazard alert are important resources. Each facility should provide clear instructions to employees with respect to area evacuation and internal notification procedures if a NOx gas incident is identified. Any employee who inhales NOx gas should be seen immediately by a physician.

Each facility should include response to a NOx gas incident as part of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP). Generally, customers who purchase calcium nitrite products do not have the necessary equipment and trained employees to respond to a NOx gas incident. A qualified response company should be identified and roles, responsibilities and expectations should be defined in the ERP. Contact your GCP sales representative if you would like assistance in locating a qualified response company.

Emergency Response to a NOx gas incident:

Any NOx gas incident should be treated as a serious event. The employee who first identifies the situation should leave the immediate area and follow the guidelines defined in the facility ERP. Qualified incident responders should be deployed to stabilise the material in question to stop NOx gas generation.

Each situation may be unique but there are some general guidelines. Typically, there is an initial release of visible gas when a cross-blend occurs that appears to slow down or stop. The mixture is stable at this point but the reaction can restart later as the material is pumped or otherwise mixed. The cross-blended material has to have the pH raised above 9 to stop the reaction. The addition of a liquid caustic such as a 50% sodium hydroxide solution is the recommended method to raise the pH. There are many factors that impact  the amount of caustic required to stabilize the mixture. As the material is pumped, that may restart the NOx gas reaction so the drums, pumps etc. should be outside as much as practical to allow for good ventilation. All containers need to be cleaned and the washwater disposed.

Handling and storage

Advice on safe handling: Only handle as an aqueous solution. Provide sufficient air exchange and/or exhaust in work areas. Avoid dust formation. Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid breathing dust.

Advice on protection against fire and explosion: Normal measures for preventive fire protection. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.

Storage space and container requirements: Store locked up in original container. Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Protect from frost, heat and sunlight.

Hints on storage assembly: Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.

Storage specifications: Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Store with desiccant. Recommended storage temperature: < 30°C

Unsuitable materials: PVC-containing plastics

Do not mix with acidic materials.

Do not mix with other admixtures.

Do not mix with wash water.

Do not mix with combustible substances.

GCP concrete admixtures that contain calcium nitrite have a unique hazard if mishandled. These products are stable on their own and when mixed in concrete. However, direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas creating a hazardous situation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, odourless gas that quickly and readily reacts to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a yellow/orange/red/brown gas with a highly pungent, bleach-like odour.

Causes of NOx gas and potential airborne concentrations:

Direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas. Numerous variables impact the amount of gas that could evolve and the airborne concentration that could result.

Consolidation of wash-water and direct cross-blends of a calcium nitrite product and another admixture are common causes of NOx gas generation. Typically, small amounts of colored gas can be seen emanating from the container vent or cover. Although the gas is heavier than air, it tends to “hang” near the vent or cap and the rate of evolution tends to be slow. Increased availability of nitrite and lower pH conditions will result in the generation of more NOx gas. Some gas may mix with air, become diluted and drift away from the tank. Calcium nitrite products and acids such as acetic, formic, hydrochloric, etc. must NEVER be mixed. Large volumes of NOx gas will be formed and evolution will likely be rapid. In these situations, building or facility evacuation with impact to the public are very possible.

Prevention of NOx gas incidents:

GCP and our delivery partners readily acknowledge the potential hazards associated with calcium nitrite containing products and have instituted a variety of operational measures and safeguards.

Once calcium nitrite and other GCP products are added to the concrete batch, there is no NOx hazard. GCP INSTRUCTS CUSTOMERS THAT ADMIXTURES SHOULD NOT BE DIRECTLY MIXED TOGETHER IN STORAGE TANKS, TOTES, DRUMS, PAILS AND TRANSFER SYSTEMS. This point is critical in the case of calcium nitrite containing products. Dedicated containers, pumps, hoses and fittings must be used. Recycled materials, wash-water and any waste resulting from a spill must not be mixed. Do not flush any spill to a sump that could also contain low pH materials.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

UN3288

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (Calcium nitrite)

Chemical name:

Calcium nitrite

Language:

English

Labels:

6.1

SpecialProvisions

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

UN number:

Not classified as dangerous in the meaning of transport regulations.

Shipping

Labels:

Not regulated

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

UN3288

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (Calcium nitrite)

Chemical name:

Calcium nitrite

Labels:

6.1

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

UN3288

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

TOXIC SOLID, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (Calcium nitrite)

Chemical name:

Calcium nitrite

Labels:

6.1

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Respiratory protection: In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.

Hand protection: Wear chemical resistant protective gloves (EN 374).

Material: Nitrile rubber/nitrile latex. Break through time: >= 480 min. Material thickness: 0.35 mm

Material: butyl-rubber. Break through time: >= 480 min. Material thickness: 0.5 mm

Reference substance: Take note of the information given by the producer concerning permeability and break through times, and of special workplace conditions (mechanical strain, duration of contact).

Eye protection: Safety glasses with side shields EN 166 or equivalent must be worn.

Skin and body protection: Wear suitable protective equipment (e.g. face shield).

General protective and hygiene measures: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. When using, do not eat, drink or smoke. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Keep away from food, drink and animal feedstuffs. Avoid breathing dust. Avoid contact with

contaminated tools and objects. Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Hands and/or face should be washed before breaks and at the end of the shift.

Engineering measures: Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas. Ensure regular cleaning of equipment and work area.

Stability and reactivity

Stable at ambient temperature and pressure.

Thermal decomposition: > 150 °C

Hazardous reactions: Avoid direct contact with material which could cause the pH of this product to fall below 8.0. Those conditions can result in the formation of Nitrogen oxide (NO, NO2) gas, creating a hazardous situation.

Do not mix with acidic materials.

Do not mix with other admixtures.

Do not mix with wash water.

Do not mix with combustible substances.

Potential for NOx gas formation:

GCP concrete admixtures that contain calcium nitrite have a unique hazard if mishandled. These product are stable on their own and when mixed in concrete. However, direct contact with other admixtures, wash water and any other materials causing the pH to fall below 8.0 can result in the formation of NOx gas creating a hazardous situation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a colorless, odourless gas that quickly and readily reacts to nitrogen dioxide in the presence of air. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a yellow/orange/red/brown gas with a highly pungent, bleach-like odour.

Disposal considerations

Dispose of in accordance with the European Directives on waste and hazardous waste. Waste codes should be assigned by the user, preferably in discussion with the waste disposal authorities. Can be landfilled or incinerated, when in compliance with local regulations. Contact manufacturer/waste centre regarding recycling.

Uncleaned empty packaging: Dispose of as unused product.