Emily,
We store our metal powders with other metal salts. If the product is granular it isn't much of a hazard. If it's powdered, than it poses a specific dust based hazard (just like coffee creamer). As a pure metal it will also have different fire extinguisher requirements. We've historically avoided keeping them in the flammables cabinet because confined spaces compound dust issues. I've also never had to store self-igniting dust powders (like sodium or potassium). I'm sure those have an entire handbook about them.
-Mike
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Emily Coombs
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2013 10:03 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Devarda's Alloy
We recently acquired some Dacarda's Alloy and are being faced with whether or not it needs to be stored in a flammables cabinet. We have not yet received an MSDS from the Manufacturer, and even just the NFPA ratings seem to vary incredibly. (Yes we are absolutely looking at the rest of the MSDS, but this provides a quick overview of how differently it is being presented in the different sources.)
From Sigma Aldrich (available from their site, but I am unable to attach here):
NFPA Rating
Health hazard: 0
Fire: 3
Reactivity Hazard: 3
From ScienceLab MSDS
http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923683
Health: 3
Flammability: 1
Reactivity: 1
Specific hazard
From SIRI (not a source I would normally use, but is specifically listing the brand we have)
http://siri.org/msds/mf/baker/baker/files/d0776.htm
Health Rating: 0 - None
Flammability Rating: 1 - Slight
Reactivity Rating: 1 - Slight
Contact Rating: 0 - None
Can anyone shed any light on this particular materials' storage? It has caused some controversy here, and we would appreciate another perspective. Thank you!
Emily Coombs
Chemical Laboratory Manager
Simmons College
(617) 521-2725
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