Material Safety Data Sheet: Nickel Hydroxide

Identification

Substance Name: Nickel Hydroxide
Chemical Formula: Ni(OH)₂
Synonyms: Nickel(II) dihydroxide, Nickelous hydroxide
CAS Number: 12054-48-7
Recommended Use: Battery electrodes, catalyst, ceramics, pigment
Manufacturer: Industrial supplier identity required for accurate communication
Contact Information: Emergency contact phone number, standard work line or manufacturer’s 24-hour hotline
Emergency Overview: Green powder or crystals, slight odor, health risk upon inhalation or ingestion

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation), Skin sensitization, Carcinogenicity, Specific target organ toxicity
Pictograms: Health hazard, exclamation mark
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: May cause cancer through inhalation, suspected of causing genetic defects, toxic if swallowed or inhaled, may cause allergic skin reaction, causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wear gloves and face protection, wash hands thoroughly after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use
Potential Health Effects: Lung and nasal cancer from chronic exposure, potential for asthma, nausea, contact dermatitis

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Name: Nickel Hydroxide
CAS Number: 12054-48-7
Concentration: Typically over 95% by weight in pure powder
Impurities: Trace metals and water not significant in toxicity unless specified
Molecular Weight: 92.71 g/mol
Ingredient Comment: Commercial batches may contain minute variations depending on manufacturer process controls, but nickel hydroxide content remains dominant and hazardous

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present, get medical attention
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin with water and soap, seek medical advice for persistent irritation
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, help maintain unobstructed breathing, medical attention needed for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel, rinse mouth, get immediate medical attention
Important Note: Rescuers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid secondary contamination

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Fire Hazards: Not combustible, but releases toxic nickel oxide fumes at high temperatures or in fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear proper self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Explosion Hazard: Dust may form explosive mixture with air if finely divided and dispersed
Special Procedures: Cool adjacent containers, avoid breathing smoke or gases, contain runoff to prevent environmental contamination

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate unprotected personnel, wear respiratory protection, gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and waterways, reporting to relevant authorities may be legally required
Cleanup Methods: Shovel or sweep material into properly labeled, sealed containers for disposal, avoid dust generation, ventilate area thoroughly
Decontamination: Wash down spill area after removal; check for surface residues
Disposal: Place waste and cleanup materials in compliance with local hazardous waste guidelines

Handling and Storage

Handling: Operate only in well-ventilated areas, utilize local exhaust ventilation, keep dust levels down, avoid skin or eye contact, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in work areas, wash hands after handling
Packing: Store in tightly sealed containers made of compatible materials such as polyethylene or glass
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location away from acids and strong oxidizers, avoid direct sunlight, segregate from incompatible chemicals, post warning signage as required by regulations
Work Practice: Workers should use dedicated work clothing and properly trained procedures to minimize risk

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL (TWA) for nickel compounds: 1 mg/m³; ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, mechanical containment if powder handling is expected, HEPA filters for air
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection (NIOSH-approved respirator for dust), chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), eye and splash protection (goggles, face shield), long-sleeve lab coat or chemical suit
Workplace Hygiene: Remove or clean contaminated clothing after use, avoid eating or smoking before washing hands and face
Environmental Controls: Monitor airborne emissions and liquid effluents, implement containment where possible

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green crystalline solid or fine powder
Odor: Odorless to slight metallic
Molecular Weight: 92.71 g/mol
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (approx. 230°C)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes at high temperature)
Solubility in Water: Practically insoluble, may react slowly with acids
Vapor Pressure: Not applicable
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
pH: Not measurable in water due to insolubility
Other Data: Stable under normal temperature, forms nickel oxide and water vapor at high temps

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal use and storage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Excessive heat, open flame, acids, strong oxidizing agents
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids (release toxic gases), strong oxidizers, ammonium compounds
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Nickel oxide fumes, water vapor, possibly toxic metallic fumes above decomposition point
Reactivity: Little reactivity with most common building materials or solvents, reacts with acids to produce nickel salts
Polymerization: Will not occur

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Toxic by inhalation and ingestion, possible poisoning symptoms are coughing, wheezing, stomach upset, headache
Chronic Effects: Occupational exposures linked to increased risk of lung and nasal cancers, asthma, contact dermatitis, kidney damage
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 1 carcinogen (carcinogenic to humans) due to chronic inhalation
Mutagenicity: Possible mutation hazard from extended exposure
Sensitization: May cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, especially with repeated exposure
Medical Conditions Aggravated: Preexisting respiratory, skin, or allergic conditions

Ecological Information

Environmental Impact: Persistent and toxic to aquatic life, bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms
Mobility in Soil: Low solubility, but fine powders or dissolved portions may spread in water
Degradability: Not readily biodegradable, remains for long periods in the environment
Aquatic Toxicity: Highly toxic to fish and other aquatic species; LC50 (96h) for fish: values reported as low as 1 mg/L
Bioaccumulation: Readily accumulates in aquatic plants, invertebrates, and fish, not broken down by usual biological activity
Soil Impact: Can persist and gradually build up in soil; reduces productivity if levels become high enough

Disposal Considerations

Waste Treatment: Treat as hazardous chemical waste, subject to local disposal regulations
Methods of Disposal: Dispose material and contaminated packaging at licensed hazardous waste disposal site, specialist waste contractors should handle bulk material
Contaminated Packaging: Clean thoroughly or dispose as hazardous chemical waste
Precautions: Do not discharge to surface water, groundwater, drains or sewers, keep in original packaging or compatible containers until proper disposal
Legal Requirements: Conform with all national and local environmental protection and hazardous waste laws

Transport Information

UN Number: UN3288 (Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s.)
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Nickel Hydroxide)
Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Label: Toxic
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant
Special Precautions: Secure and label all packages, keep away from incompatible materials, avoid rough handling during transit
Transport Mode Restrictions: Confirm with carrier and national regulations before shipping in bulk

Regulatory Information

OSHA: Regulated as hazardous material under occupational safety standards
EPA: Designated hazardous substance under Superfund and Toxic Release Inventory law
IARC: Group 1 carcinogen
TSCA: Listed, subject to reporting and recordkeeping requirements
EU Classification: Carcinogenic, sensitizing, environmental hazard
WHMIS (Canada): Classified toxic, cancer hazard, environmental risk
Additional Regulations: Subject to workplace labeling, hazard communication, and transport restrictions in most industrialized countries, always verify local compliance