Registration Dossier

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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Administrative data

First-aid measures

GENERAL REMARK on Guidance on safe use:

As GaAs in its manufactured massive form is not classified a safety data sheet according to Art. 31 REACH is not necessary. However the following information is mainly related to dusts caused by use of GaAs.

In case of skin contact, wash off subsequently with soap and water.

On contact with the eyes, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

In case of ingestion, take affected person for medical treatment. Show material safety data sheet.

In case of inhalation, move affected person into fresh air and seek medical advice.

Fire-fighting measures

Gallium arsenide is not flammable. Substance decomposes at high temperatures.

Suitable extinguishing media: no specific extinguishing media necessary, coordinate fire-fighting measures to the fire surroundings.

Extinguishing media which must not be used for safety reasons: no exemption

Special exposure hazards arising from the substance or preparation itself, combustion products, resulting gases: Arsenic oxides containing gases and decomposition products can be set free.

Special protective equipment for firefighting: Use breathing apparatus because of arsenic trioxide.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions: Precautions have to be considered if the substance is worked mechanically (dust generation) and in case of chemical reactions. Mechanical treatment/machining should be conducted using wet suppression systems. Facilities should be well ventilated. Suction devices should be installed at machines. Avoid dermal contact.

Environmental precautions: Do not allow to enter fine-grained gallium arsenide and slurries, chemical reaction products the drains.

Methods for cleaning up / taking up: Use pulp or special vacuum cleaner for cleaning up. Disposal of contaminated material under consideration of  legal regulations.

Handling and storage

Hints for safe handling: Avoid dust generation.

Requirements for storage rooms and vessels: Keep material dry, in a closed vessel.

Packaging materials: polyethylene packing foil or polyethylene/polypropylene-vessels, break-proofed package

Storage class: 13 (not flammable solid)

Transport information

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Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

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Exposure controls / personal protection

Information on plant design: If handled under conditions of dust or gas generation, arrangements with local exhaust ventilation have to be used.

Exposure limits at workplace:

- Europe: REACH DNEL (long term inhalation, local and systemic) = 20 µg/m³.

- USA: arsenic = OSHA PEL TWA of 0.01 mg/m³.

Measuring method: Germany: according to "Berufsgenossenschaft Chemie Arbeitsmedizinische Vorsorgeuntersuchungen G16 - Arsen"

Personal protection equipment. Avoid contact with skin, do not eat, drink or smoke while working. Keep away from food. Wear suitable work clothes. Change dirty clothes. Wash hands after work.

Respiratory protection: Wear full-face mask or half-face mask in dependence of work place. Dust formation: particle filter P3 (colour code white). Aerosols: gas filter apparatus B (colour code grey).

Hand protection: suitable gloves: 100% NBR (nitrile rubber, 0.1 mm thick), NR (natural rubber, natural latex, 0.5 mm thick). Gloves should be replaced in case of abrasion.

Eye protection: depending on work place (eye glasses, full-face mask only in case of dust/aerosol formation)

Body protection: depending on work place (smock, overall, protective suit)

Stability and reactivity

Conditions to avoid: Heating on air outside of closed equipment.

Materials to avoid: acids and bases

Hazardous decomposition products: Danger of diarsenic trioxide generation in case of thermic decomposition of arsenic.

Hazardous reactions: Danger of toxic arsenic compound formation in case of chemical reactions. Danger of arsine generation in case of dissolution in acids.

Disposal considerations

Product: Disposal as hazardous waste in accordance with effective regulations. Return to manufacturer possible upon agreement.

Contaminated packaging material: Packing material must be cleaned prior reuse, returned to GaAs wafer supplier or is to be disposed of according to legal regulations.