Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Reduced Iron

Identification

Product Name: Reduced Iron
Other Names: Sponge Iron, Direct Reduced Iron
Chemical Formula: Fe, predominantly in metallic form
Recommended Use: Steel production, alloy manufacturing, chemical synthesis
Manufacturer: Major steel foundries and metallurgical plants worldwide
Emergency Contact: Consult manufacturer’s regional office or national chemical safety board

Hazard Identification

Physical State: Grey-black powder or porous lumps
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause respiratory irritation, finely divided powder poses combustible dust explosion risk, reacts violently with water and oxidizing acids
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Symbols: Irritant, flammable (dust)
Main Hazards: Fire and explosion hazard in powder form, irritation to eyes and respiratory system, reactivity with water can create hydrogen gas risking explosion or fire

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main Ingredient: Iron (Fe), 85–95%, CAS 7439-89-6
Impurities: Traces of carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus
Additives: None typically present unless specified for proprietary formula
Stabilizers: None usually required; product can oxidize over time if exposed to air

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air, monitor for respiratory distress, seek medical attention for persistent coughing or difficulty breathing
Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and running water, remove contaminated clothing
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if safe, consult a doctor if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, call medical help, do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel
Symptoms to Watch: Burning sensation in eyes, skin redness, coughing, shortness of breath

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry powder or sand, Class D extinguishers for metal fires
Unsuitable Media: Water, foam, CO₂ extinguishers promote hydrogen gas formation and may cause explosive reaction
Hazards from Combustion: Iron oxide fumes, hydrogen gas
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit
Precautions: Evacuate area, cool surrounding equipment, isolate hazard area, suppress dust

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Wear dust mask, safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves
Environmental Precautions: Prevent dust dispersion, avoid infiltration into drains, surface water, and soil
Clean-Up Methods: Use non-sparking tools, sweep dry material gently, place in clearly labeled containers for recovery or disposal
Decontamination: Ventilate area, wash contaminated surface with water only after all iron has been picked up due to risk of hydrogen production

Handling and Storage

Safe Handling: Minimize dust generation, ground equipment, prohibit open flames or sparks, avoid contact with water
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, acids, halogens, humid or wet environments
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, in sealed containers to protect from moisture and oxygen
Special Precautions: Avoid stacking large quantities, ensure fire alarm and emergency shower access

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Workplace Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for iron oxide fume: 10 mg/m³ (as Fe)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosures, explosion-proof systems
Personal Protective Equipment: Dust-proof goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, approved respiratory protection if airborne dust levels exceed exposure limit
Hygiene Measures: No eating or drinking in handling area, wash hands before breaks and at end of shift, remove contaminated clothing

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Grey-black metallic powder or porous lumps
Odor: None
Melting Point: Approximately 1535°C
Boiling Point: 3000°C
Density: 6.8–7.8 g/cm³ (varies by porosity)
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Flash Point: Not applicable (combustible as dust)
Autoignition Temperature: Not established, dust may autoignite under high heat or friction
pH: Not applicable (non-aqueous)

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable in dry, oxygen-free conditions
Reactivity: Strong reaction with water, acids, strong oxidizers; hydrogen gas generated on wetting
Hazardous Reactions: Violent reaction with moist air or moisture releases hydrogen, may ignite spontaneously
Decomposition Products: Iron oxides in presence of air/heat
Conditions to Avoid: Wet, humid environments, exposure to acids or oxidizers, heat sources

Toxicological Information

Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, eye/skin contact, incidental ingestion
Acute Effects: Dust can irritate respiratory tract and eyes
Chronic Effects: Prolonged inhalation of iron oxide may cause siderosis (benign pneumoconiosis), repeated skin contact could lead to dermatitis
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by ACGIH, IARC or NTP
Other Data: Not known to produce systemic toxicity under standard industrial exposure

Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Limited mobility, low solubility; large spills may disrupt aquatic habitats by physical means
Persistence: Remains in elemental state or oxidizes slowly in oxygen-rich environments
Bioaccumulation: No evidence of significant bioaccumulation in aquatic or terrestrial organisms
Other Environmental Hazards: Discharge of dust may impact local air quality and sediment properties

Disposal Considerations

Disposal Methods: Recycle whenever possible; landfill permitted in accordance with local legislation if not contaminated with hazardous substances
Special Precautions: Avoid creating dust during handling, prevent dust runoff into watercourses
Regulatory Requirements: Dispose through licensed waste management facility, handle in compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified
Transport Hazard Class: Not hazardous for transport in bulk solid form if kept dry
Packing Group: None assigned
Special Precautions: Prevent moisture ingress during transportation, use sealed containers for powders, label as “Iron – Keep Dry”
Emergency Action: Refer to country-specific protocol for bulk metals in case of accidental release in transit

Regulatory Information

International Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous material by UN Model Regulations
US OSHA: Covered under general industry standards for metal dust exposure
EU REACH: Registered for use with safety assessment for workplace exposure
Labeling Requirements: “Reduced Iron – Keep Dry – Flammable Dust Risk”
Other Regulatory Status: Ensure compliance with regional and national chemical safety directives in storage, use, and disposal