Ferrovanadium Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Identification

Product Name: Ferrovanadium
Chemical Formula: FeV
Synonyms: FeV, Iron Vanadium Alloy
CAS Number: 12604-58-9
Use: Alloy additive primarily for strengthening steel
Manufacturer: Available on vendor’s invoice or container label
Emergency Telephone: Refer to supplier’s emergency contact number

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Hazardous to the aquatic environment (Chronic), Eye irritation, Skin irritation
Label Elements: Warning symbol (Exclamation Mark), signal word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, harmful if inhaled, possible risk for workers with respiratory conditions
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust or fumes, use personal protective equipment, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Hazards Not Otherwise Classified: Inhalation of metal dust has been linked to lung, kidney, and liver issues over extended exposure

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Iron (Fe): 65%-85%
Vanadium (V): 15%-35%
Other Elements: Trace amounts of silicon, aluminum, sulfur, phosphorus
Physical Form: Lumpy solid, gray to black in color, metallic odor
Impurities: Sulfides, oxides, silicides, and trace heavy metals can be present depending on production source

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, keep comfortable, seek medical assistance if symptoms develop (coughing, shortness of breath)
Skin Contact: Brush off excess particles, rinse immediately with plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing, seek help for persistent irritation
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, avoid rubbing, consult a physician if redness or pain continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, avoid vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, get immediate medical aid

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, dry sand, or special powder extinguishers, avoid water or foam on molten alloy
Unusual Fire Hazards: High temperatures may release toxic metal oxides, dust may form explosive mixtures with air
Special Protective Equipment: Firefighters should use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Iron oxide fumes, vanadium pentoxide, other metal oxides

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Use appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respirators
Environmental Precautions: Keep alloy from reaching water bodies or sewage systems, as vanadium is toxic to aquatic life
Cleanup Methods: Collect spillage using non-sparking tools, avoid creating dust, store in suitable container for disposal
Containment: Prevent run-off, minimize airborne dust during cleanup

Handling and Storage

Precautions: Handle in well-ventilated areas, control dust using local exhaust, avoid breathing fumes during melting or welding
Safe Handling: Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with ferrovanadium; wash hands after use
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly closed containers, in dry, cool places, away from strong acids, oxidizing agents, moisture
Incompatibilities: Keep away from acids, halogens, strong oxidizers, ammonia
Empty Containers: Residue can be hazardous, handle with care

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: Vanadium dust/fume (as V) OSHA PEL: 0.05 mg/m³ (fume), 0.5 mg/m³ (dust); Iron not regulated as metal
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, minimize open handling
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses or goggles, gloves, long-sleeved attire, particulate respirators when dust or fumes present
Hygiene Measures: Do not take contaminated clothing home, immediate wash up after exposure, maintain good plant hygiene

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Lumpy solid, grayish-black
Odor: Metallic, faint
Melting Point: 1640-1800°C (approximate, based on composition)
Boiling Point: Not well-defined, decomposes
Density: 6.0 – 7.5 g/cm³
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Other: High electrical and thermal conductivity, stable under recommended conditions

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable at ambient temperature and normal handling conditions
Reactivity: Reacts vigorously with strong acids, evolves hydrogen gas
Hazardous Reactions: Can react with strong oxidizers producing heat and gases; avoid mixing with halogens or peroxides
Decomposition Products: Iron oxides, vanadium oxides, potential for fume formation at high temperature
Other Stability Concerns: Moisture accelerates oxidation, handle dry

Toxicological Information

Acute Effects: Inhalation of dust or fume can cause respiratory irritation, cough, headache, irritated eyes
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure to vanadium dust can impair respiratory function, cause lung inflammation, affect kidneys and liver
Skin Sensitization: Prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis
Eye Effects: Irritation, possible conjunctivitis with repeated exposure
Carcinogenicity: Vanadium and its compounds have not been classified as carcinogenic by IARC or NTP

Ecological Information

Aquatic Toxicity: High concentrations of vanadium compounds are toxic to fish and aquatic organisms
Persistence and Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, metal will persist in sediments
Bioaccumulation: Potential for accumulation in aquatic organisms is low, but metals can concentrate in sediments
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, but fine particles may be dispersed by wind or runoff
Other Environmental Hazards: Avoid uncontrolled releases, toxic to the environment over time

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment Methods: Collect waste in sealed containers, label properly, follow local/state/national guidelines
Do Not: Discharge to sewers, watercourses, or ground
Recycling: Metals are often recyclable; consider metal recovery where possible
Disposal of Packaging: Decontaminate containers before recycling or disposal

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport in most jurisdictions
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions: Prevent dust release during transport, avoid contact with acids
Labeling: Ensure containers are labeled per DOT and international standards

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Covered under the Hazard Communication Standard due to vanadium content
EPA: Subject to reporting under SARA Title III for vanadium compounds
REACH Registration: Required in countries under REACH regulations
WHMIS Classification (Canada): D2A (very toxic) and D2B (toxic) for vanadium content
Other Requirements: Users need to comply with any additional local environmental, safety, and occupational health regulations