CHEMICAL NAME: Cemented Carbide Product with Cobalt Binder. 

Trade Name and Synonyms: All ICC Carbide Grades.

Chemical Family: Refractory Metal Carbide       Molecular Weight: N/A

PHYSICAL DATA

Appearance and Odor: Dark Gray Metal/No Odor

Boiling Point: N/A                 Specific Gravity (H20=1): 11.0 to 15.5 

Vapor Pressure (mm Hg): N/A        Percentage Volatile by Volume: 0 

Vapor Density (Air=1): N/A         Evaporation Rate: N/A 

Solubility in Water: Insoluble     How Best Monitored: Air Sample

HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS

            Material                  % by Weight    OSHA PEL    ACGIH TLV 

Tungsten Car.(limits Tungsten dust)   41-97%*        ---         5 mg/m 3 

Cobalt                                3-10% *        0.1 mg/m3   0.1 mg/m3 

Tantalum Car.(limits Tantalum dust)   0.0-52%*       5 mg/m3     5 mg/m3 

Chromium Car.(limits Chromium(+3)dust)0.0-5.1%*      1 mg/m3     0.5 mg/m3 

Chromium (+3)                         0.0-4.5%*      1 mg/m3     0.5 mg/m3

*Depends on grade specifications

HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Routes of Exposure: 

Grinding cemented carbide product will produce dust of potentially hazardous

ingredients which can be inhaled, swallowed or come in contact with the skin

or eyes.

Effects of Overexposure: 

Inhalation - Dust from grinding can cause irritation of the nose and throat.

It has also has the potential for causing transient or permanent respiratory

disease, including occupational asthma and interstitial fibrosis, in a small

percentage of exposed individuals. It is reported that cobalt dust is the

most probable cause of such respiratory diseases. Symptoms include

productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest-tightness and weight

loss. Interstitial fibrosis (lung scarring) can lead to permanent

disability or death. Certain pulmonary conditions may be aggravated by

exposure. 

Skin Contact - Can cause irritation or an allergic skin rash due to cobalt

sensitization. Certain skin conditions, such as dry skin, may be aggravated

by exposure. 

Eye Contact - Can cause irritation. 

Ingestion - Reports outside the industry suggest that ingestion of

significant amounts of cobalt has the potential for causing blood, heart

and other organ problems.

Emergency and First Aid Procedures: Applicable for dusts or mists. 

Inhalation - If symptoms of pulmonary involvement develop (coughing,

wheezing, shortness of breath, etc.), remove from exposure and seek medical

attention. 

Skin Contact - If irritation or rash occurs, thoroughly wash affected area

with soap and water and isolate from exposure. If irritation or rash

persists, seek medical attention. 

Eye Contact - If irritation occurs, flush with copious amounts of water.

If irritation persists, seek medical attention. 

Ingestion - If substantial quantities are swallowed, dilute with a large

amount of water, induce vomiting and seek medical attention.

Carcinogenic Assessment (NTP Annual Report, IARC Monographs, other):

None of the components of this material have been identified as known

suspected carcinogens by NTP, IARC or OSHA

Chemical Name: Cemented Carbide Product with Cobalt Binder.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point: N/A Test Method Used: --- Flammable Limits: N/A LEL:--- UEL: ---

Hard Cemented Carbide Product is not a fire hazard. Dusts generated in

grinding operations may ignite if allowed to accumulate and subjected to

an ignition source.

Extinguishing Media: For powder, smother with dry sand, dry dolomite, ABC

type fire extinguisher, or flood with water.

Special Fire Fighting Procedures: For a powder fire confined to a small

area, use a respirator approved for toxic dusts and fumes. For a large

fire, fire fighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus.

Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards: Dusts may present a fire or explosion

hazard under rare favoring conditions of particle size, dispersion and

strong ignition source. However, this is not expected to be a problem

under normal handling conditions.

REACTIVITY DATA

Stability: Unstable                Conditions to Avoid: N/A 

           Stable X 

Incompatibility: Contact with dust with strong oxidizers may cause

fire or explosions.

Materials to Avoid: Strong Acids 

Hazardous Decomposition Products: None 

Hazardous Polymerization: May Occur           Conditions to Avoid: N/A 

                          Will not Occur X

SPILL OR LEAKS PROCEDURES

Steps to be Taken In Case Material is Released or Spilled: Ventilate

area of spill. Clean up using methods which avoid dust generation such

as vacuum (with appropriate filter to prevent airborne dust levels

which exceed the PEL or TLV), wet dust mop or wet clean-up. If airborne

dust is generated, use appropriate NIOSH approved respirator.

Waste Disposal Method: Dispose of in accordance with appropriate

government regulations. May be sold as scrap for reclaim.

SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION

Respiratory Protection: Use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator if

airborne dust concentrations exceed the appropriate PEL or TLV. All

appropriate requirements set forth in 29 CFR 1910.134 should be met.

Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation which is adequate to limit

personal exposure to airborne dust to levels which do not exceed the PEL

or TLV. If such equipment is not available, use respirators as specified

above.

Protection Gloves: Protective gloves or barrier cream are recommended

when contact with dust or mist is likely. Prior to applying the barrier

cream or use of protective gloves, wash thoroughly.

Eye Protection: Safety glasses with side shields or goggles are recommended.

Other Protective Equipment: N/A

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage: Maintain good housekeeping

procedures to prevent dust accumulation during grinding. Avoid dust

inhalation and direct skin contact with dust.

Other Precautions: Clean up using methods which avoid dust generation

such as vacuum (with appropriate filter to prevent airborne dust levels

which exceed the PEL or TLV), wet dust mop or wet clean-up. If airborne

dust is generated, use an appropriate NIOSH approved respirator.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling, before eating or smoking. Wash

exposed skin at the end of the work shift. Do not shake clothing, rags

or other items to remove dust. Dust should be removed by washing or

vacuuming (with appropriate filters) the clothing, rags, or other items.

Periodic medical examinations are recommended for individuals regularly

exposed to dust or mist.

Although ICC has attempted to provide current and accurate information

herein, ICC makes no representations regarding the accuracy or

completeness of the information and assumes no liability for any loss,

damage, injury of any kind which may result from or arise out of the use

of or reliance on the information by any person.

N/A Not applicable.

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