Carbon black

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Inhalation: Take affected persons into fresh air.  If necessary, restore normal breathing through standard first aid measures.

Skin: Wash skin with mild soap and water.  If symptoms develop, seek medical attention.

Eye: Rinse eyes thoroughly with large volumes of water keeping eyelid open.  If symptoms develop, seek medical attention.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting.  If conscious, give several glasses of water.  Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.  

NOTE TO PHYSICIANS: Treat symptomatically.

Fire-fighting measures

1. FLAMMABLE PROPERTIES

It may not be obvious that carbon black is burning unless the material is stirred and sparks are apparent.  Carbon black that has been on fire should be observed closely for at least 48 hours to ensure no smoldering material is present.

Carbon blacks containing more than 8% volatile materials may form an explosive dust-air mixture.  Manufactured carbon blacks do not exceed 8% volatile materials content (unless otherwise noted by he supplier).

2. EXTINGUISHING MEDIA

Use foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical, nitrogen (N2), or water fog.  A fog spray is recommended if water is used.

DO NOT USE high pressure water stream as this may spread burning powder (burning powder will float and may spread fire).  

3. PROTECTION OF FIREFIGHTERS

Wear full protective fire fighting gear (Bunker gear) including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

4. HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION

Products of combustion include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxides of sulfur.

5. SPECIAL  PRECAUTIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Wet carbon black produces very slippery walking surfaces.

Accidental release measures

1. PERSONAL PRECAUTION

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and respiratory protection.  NOTE: Wet carbon black produces very slippery walking surfaces.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTION

Carbon black poses no significant environmental hazards.  As a matter of good practice, minimize contamination of sewage water, soil, groundwater, drainage systems, or bodies of water.

3. METHODS FOR CLEAN-UP

Small spills should be vacuumed when possible.  A vacuum equipped with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration is recommended.  Dry sweeping is not recommended.  If necesssary, light water spray will reduce dust for dry sweeping, but over-wetting may produce very slippery walking surfaces.  Large spills may be shoveled into containers.  

Handling and storage

1. HANDLING

Avoid dust exposures above the occupational exposure limit.

Use local exhaust ventilation or other appropriate engineering controls to maintain exposures below occupational exposure limit.  Avoid contact with skin and eyes.  If exposed, wash to avoid mechanical irritation and soiling.

Dust may cause electrical shorts if capable of penetrating electrical equipment.  Ensure equipment is tightly sealed.

If hot work (welding, torch cutting, etc.) is required the immediate work area must be cleared of carbon black product and dust.

Some grades of carbon black are sufficiently electrically non-conductive and may allow a build-up of static charge during handling.  Take measures to prevent the build up of electrostatic charge, such as ensuring all equipment is electrically grounded/earthed.

2. STORAGE

Store in a dry place away from ignition sources and strong oxidizers.

Before entering closed vessels and confined spaces containing carbon black test for adequate oxygen, flammable gases and potential toxic air contaminants (e.g., CO). Follow standard safe practices when entering confined spaces.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

Carbon black is not restricted for transport by the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Shipping

SpecialProvisions

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

UN number:

Carbon Black is not restricted for transport by the European Regulations on Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail, by Road or on the Rhine.

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Listed in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code as "carbon black, non-activated, mineral origin"

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Listed by the International Civil Air Organization and by the International Air Transport Association as "carbon black, non-activated, mineral origin"

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

1. ENGINEERING CONTROLS

Use process enclosures and/or exhaust ventilation to keep airborne dust concentrations below the applicable occupational exposure limit.

2. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

2.1 Eye/face protection

Safety glasses or goggles recommended as a matter of good practice

2.2 Skin protection

Wear general protective clothing to minimize skin contact.  Work clothes should not be taken home and should be washed daily.

No special glove composition is required for carbon black.  Gloves may be used to protect hands from carbon black soiling.  Use of a barrier cream may help to prevent skin drying.  Wash hands and other exposed skin with mild soap and water.

2.3 Respiratory protection

Approved air purifying respirator (APR) for particulates should be used where airborne dust concentrations are expected to exceed occupational exposure limits.  Use a positive-pressure, air supplied respirator if there is any potential for uncontrolled release, exposure levels are not known, or in circumstances where APRs may not provide adequate protection.  Use of respirators must include a complete respiratory protection program in accordance with national standards and current best practices.

2.4 General hygiene considerations

Emergency eyewash and safety shower should be in close proximity as a matter of good practice. Wash hands and face thoroughly with mild soap before eating and drinking.

Stability and reactivity

1. CHEMICAL STABILITY

Stable under normal ambient conditions.

2 CONDITIONS TO AVOID

Prevent exposure to high temperatures and open flames.

3. INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS

Strong oxidizers such as chlorates, bromates, and nitrates.

4. HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS

Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, organic products of decomposition, oxides or sulfur (sulfoxides) form if heated above decomposition temperature.

5. POSSIBILITY OF HAZARDOUS REACTION

Will not occur.

Disposal considerations

Product can be burned in suitable incineration plants or disposed of in a suitable landfill in accordance with the regulations issued by the appropriate federal, provincial, state and local authorities.

(EU Waste Code No. 61303 per Council Directive 75/422/EEC).

Container/Packaging: Return reusable containers to manufacturer.  Paper bags may be incinerated, or recycled, or disposed of in an appropriate landfill in accordance with national and local laws.