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Material Safety Data Sheet: Potassium Formate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Formate
Chemical Formula: CHKO2
Other Names: Formic acid, potassium salt
CAS Number: 590-29-4
Recommended Use: Used in de-icing, drilling fluids, industrial processing, oilfield operations
Supplier Information: Manufacturer details, emergency telephone number, contact details for regulatory concerns

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Signal Word: Not applicable
Hazard Statements: May cause eye or skin irritation, dust inhalation causes mild respiratory discomfort
Precautionary Statements: Wear gloves and goggles, avoid breathing dust, wash thoroughly after use
Other Hazards: No known chronic health effects, does not support combustion, can be slippery when spilled

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Potassium Formate
Synonyms: Potassium methanoate
Concentration: 98% or higher (technical grade)
Impurities: Trace water, formic acid possible at low levels
Hazardous Components: No additional hazardous components identified

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek medical advice if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area with soap and water
Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek care if respiratory symptoms occur
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, get medical attention for significant exposure
Symptoms: Redness, itchiness, mild respiratory irritation, possible nausea if ingested in large amounts

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Specific Hazards: Does not burn easily, may emit toxic fumes including carbon oxides and potassium oxides during decomposition
Protective Equipment: Wear full protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers, avoid water runoff entering drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear protective clothing, use gloves and eye protection to avoid irritation
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product entry into waterways or drains, contain spill as much as possible
Clean-Up Methods: Sweep, shovel or vacuum material into appropriate containers, wash area with water, ensure adequate ventilation
Disposal: See sections on disposal and regulations for proper waste procedures

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use in a well-ventilated area, avoid generating dust, wash hands before breaks and after handling
Storage Conditions: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry place, store away from acids and strong oxidizers
Incompatible Materials: Avoid strong acids, oxidizers; contact may release formic acid, increasing risk of irritation
Other Precautions: Label storage containers clearly, keep away from food and drink

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No established values, keep exposure to dust as low as possible
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, minimize airborne dust
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety glasses or goggles, chemical resistant gloves, dust mask if airborne dust is present
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid eating, drinking or smoking near material
Environmental Controls: Prevent uncontrolled releases to soil and water, remember to comply with local environmental guidelines

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White, crystalline solid or granules
Odor: Slight formic acid scent
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH (10% solution): 9.5 to 10
Melting Point: About 165°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Density: 1.910 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile at room temperature
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): Not available
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Flash Point: Not flammable

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions
Reactivity: Reacts with acids producing formic acid fumes, may react with strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides, potassium oxides, formic acid vapors possible at elevated temperatures
Conditions to Avoid: High moisture, strong heat, contact with strong acids or oxidizers
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Likely Routes of Exposure: Skin and eye contact, inhalation of dust, accidental ingestion
Acute Toxicity: Low oral and dermal toxicity (LD50 oral rat: ~4000 mg/kg), not classified as toxic
Irritation: May cause mild skin or eye irritation
Sensitization: No data indicating skin or respiratory sensitization
Long-Term Effects: No evidence of reproductive or carcinogenic risk from chronic exposure
Symptoms: Temporary redness, soreness, cough if inhaled as dust, gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed in large amounts

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not highly toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50 fish: >100 mg/L)
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable in the environment
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Mobility: Fully soluble in water, moves with water through soil
Other Adverse Effects: Large releases could alter local pH, affecting sensitive aquatic species, minimize releases to waterways

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Dispose of as non-hazardous waste, follow local, regional, and national regulations
Container Disposal: Empty containers can be rinsed and recycled or disposed of as general waste
Precautions: Avoid dumping into sewers, waterways, or soils; treat large spills before disposal
Recycling: Use original packaging for unused surplus where possible, ensure full cleaning before recycling containers

Transport Information

UN Number: Not regulated for transportation
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Formate
Transport Hazard Class: Not restricted
Packing Group: Not assigned
Environmental Hazards: Not environmentally hazardous for transport
Special Transport Precautions: Keep containers upright, protect from physical damage, prevent moisture contact during transport

Regulatory Information

Inventory Status: Listed in major chemical inventories (TSCA, EINECS, DSL)
Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Complies with OSHA, REACH, and other relevant international regulations
Labeling Requirements: No specific hazard labels required, recommend standard industrial chemical labeling
Workplace Classification: Generally regarded as non-hazardous, subject to good workplace practice standards
Other Regulatory Details: Local environmental release limits may apply, national guidelines for chemical handling should be followed