totse.com | Material Safety Data Sheet: GB/Sarin (Lethal Nerve Agent)

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U.S. ARMY CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL DEFENSE COMMAND
EDGEWOOD RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT,
AND ENGINEERING CENTER (ERDEC)
ATTN: SCBRD-ODR-S
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD 20101-5423

Emergency telephone #' s: 0700-1630 EST: 410-671-4411/4414
After: 1630 EST: 410- 278-5201, Ask for Staff Duty Officer

Isopropyl ester of methylphosphonofluoridic acid
Methylisopropoxfluorophosphine oxide
Isopropyl Methylfluorophosphonate
O-Isopropyl Methylisopropoxfluorophosphine oxide
Methylfluorophosphonic acid, isopropyl ester
Isopropoxymethylphosphonyl fluoride
Isopropyl methylfluorophosphate
Isopropoxymethylphosphoryl fluoride
GB
Sarin
Zarin

INGREDIENTS NAME FORMULA % BY WEIGHT AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMIT (AEL)
GBC4H10FO2P1000.0001 mg/m3

Avoid using extinguishing methods that will cause splashing or spreading of the GB.

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES: GB will react with steam or water to produce toxic and corrosive vapors. All persons not engaged in extinguishing the fire should be evacuated. Fires involving GB should be contained to prevent contamination to uncontrolled areas. When responding to a fire alarm in buildings or areas containing agents, firefighting personnel should wear full firefighting protective clothing (without TAP clothing) during chemical agent firefighting and fire rescue operations. Respiratory protection is required. Positive pressure, full face piece, NIOSH- approved self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) will be worn where there is danger of oxygen deficiency and when directed by the fire chief or chemical accident/incident (CAI) operations officer. In cases where firefighters are responding to a chemical accident/incident for rescue/reconnaissance purposes, they will wear appropriate levels of protective clothing (See Section VIII).

Do not breathe fumes. Skin contact with nerve agents must be avoided at all times. Although the fire may destroy most of the agent, care must still be taken to assure the agent or contaminated liquids do not further contaminate other areas or sewers. Contact with the agent liquid or vapor can be fatal.

AIRBORNE EXPOSURE LIMITS (AEL): The permissible airborne exposure concentration for GB for an 8-hour workday or a 40-hour work week is an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) of 0.0001 mg/m3. This value is based on the TWA of GB which can be found in "AR 40-8, Occupational Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nerve Agents GA, GB, GD, and VX." To date, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not promulgated a permissible exposure concentration for GB.

GB is not listed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or National Toxicology Program (NTP) as a carcinogen.

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: GB is a lethal cholinesterase inhibitor. Doses that are potentially life threatening may be only slightly larger than those producing least effects.

Effective dosages for vapor are estimated for exposure durations of 2-10 minutes.

Symptoms of overexposure may occur within minutes or hours, depending upon dose. They include: miosis (constriction of pupils) and visual effects, headaches and pressure sensation, runny nose and nasal congestion, salivation, tightness in the chest, nausea, vomiting, giddiness, anxiety, difficulty in thinking and sleeping, nightmares, muscle twitches, tremors, weakness, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, involuntary urination and defecation. With severe exposure symptoms progress to convulsions and respiratory failure.

INHALATION: Hold breath until respiratory protective mask is donned. If severe signs of agent exposure appear (chest tightens, pupil constriction, incoordination, etc.), immediately administer, in rapid succession, all three Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), Mark I injectors (or atropine if directed by physician).

Injections using the Mark I kit injectors may be repeated at 5 to 20 minute intervals if signs and symptoms are progressing until three series of injections have been administered. No more injections will be given unless directed by medical personnel. In addition, a record will be maintained of all injections given. If breathing has stopped, give artificial respiration. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be used when approved mask-bag or oxygen delivery systems are not available. Do not use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when facial contamination exists. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

EYE CONTACT: Immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, then don respiratory protective mask. Although miosis (pinpointing of the pupils) may be an early sign of agent exposure, an injection will not be administered when miosis is the only sign present. Instead, the individual will be taken IMMEDIATELY to a medical treatment facility for observation.

SKIN CONTACT: Don respiratory protective mask and remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash contaminated skin with copious amounts of soap and water, 10% sodium carbonate solution, or 5% liquid household bleach. Rinse well with water to remove decontaminant. Administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), MARK I injectors only if local sweating and muscular twitching symptoms are observed. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. First symptoms are likely to be gastrointestinal. IMMEDIATELY administer Nerve Agent Antidote Kit(s), MARK I injector(s). Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY.

INCOMPATIBILITY: Attacks tin, magnesium, cadmium plated steel, and some aluminum. Slightly attacks copper, brass, and lead; practically no attack on 1020 steels, Inconel & K-monel.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION: Hydrolyzes to form HF under acid conditions and isopropyl alcohol & polymers under basic conditions.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE MATERIAL IS RELEASED OR SPILLED: If leaks or spills occur, only personnel in full protective clothing will remain in area (See Section VIII ). In case of personnel contamination see Section V for emergency and first aid instructions.

RECOMMENDED FIELD PROCEDURES: Spills must be contained by covering with vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, clay, fine sand, sponges, and paper or cloth towels. Decontaminate with copious amounts of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (a minimum 10 wt. %). Scoop up all material and clothing and place in a DOT approved container. Cover the contents with decontaminating solution as above. After sealing, the exterior of the container will be decontaminated and then labeled according to EPA and DOT regulations. All leaking containers will be over packed with vermiculite placed between the interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label according to EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of the material according to waste disposal methods provided below. Dispose of decontaminate according to Federal, state and local regulations. Conduct general area monitoring with an approved monitor to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not exceed the airborne exposure limits (See Sections II and VIII).

If 10 wt.% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is not available then the following decontaminants may be used instead and are listed in the order of preference: Decontaminating Agent, DS (DS2), Sodium Carbonate, and Supertropical Bleach Slurry (STB).

RECOMMENDED LABORATORY PROCEDURES: A minimum of 56 grams of decon solution is required for each gram of GB. Decontaminant and agent solution is allowed to agitate for a minimum of one hour. Agitation is not necessary following the first hour. At the end of the hour, the resulting solution should be adjusted to a pH greater than 11.5. If the pH is below 11.5, NaOH should be added until a pH above 11.5 can be maintained for 60 minutes. An alternate solution for the decontamination of GB is 10 wt.% sodium carbonate in place of the 10% sodium hydroxide solution above. Continue with 56 grams of decon for each gram of agent. Agitate for one hour but allow three hours for the reaction. The final pH should be adjusted to above zero. It is also permitted to substitute 5.25% sodium hypochlorite or 25 wt. % Monoethylamine (MEA) for the 10% sodium hydroxide solution above. MEA must be completely dissolved in water before addition of the agent. Continue with 56 grams of decon for each gram of GB and provide agitation for one hour. Continue with same ratios and time stipulations. Scoop up all material and clothing and place in a DOT approved container. Cover the contents with decontaminating solution as above. After sealing, the exterior of the container will be decontaminated and then labeled according to EPA and DOT regulations. All leaking containers will be over packed with vermiculite placed between the interior and exterior containers. Decontaminate and label according to EPA and DOT regulations. Dispose of according to waste disposal methods provided below. Dispose of decontaminate according to Federal, state and local regulations. Conduct general area monitoring with an approved monitor to confirm that the atmospheric concentrations do not exceed the airborne exposure limits (See Sections II and VIII).

WASTE DISPOSAL METHOD: Open pit burning or burying of GB or items containing or contaminated with GB in any quantity is prohibited. The detoxified GB (using procedures above) can be thermally destroyed by incineration in EPA approved incinerators according to appropriate provisions of Federal, state and local Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Regulations.

NOTE: Some states define decontaminated surety material as an RCRA Hazardous waste.

< 0.0001 mg/m3A full face piece, chemical canister, air purifying protective mask will be on hand for escape. (The M9-, M17-, or M40-series masks are acceptable for this purpose. Other masks certified as equivalent may be used)

> 0.0001 or =0.2 mg/m3A NIOSH/MSHA approved pressure demand full face piece SCBA or supplied air respirators with escape air cylinder may be used. Alternatively, a full face piece, chemical canister air-purifying protective mask is acceptable for this purpose (See DA PAM 385-61 for determination of appropriate level)

>0.2 or unknown mg/m3NIOSH/MSHA approved pressure demand full face piece SCBA suitable for use in high agent concentrations with protective ensemble (See DA PAM 385-61 for examples)

Local Exhaust: Mandatory. Must be filtered or scrubbed to limit exit concentration to < 0.0001 mg/m3. Air emissions will meet local, state and federal regulations.

Special: Chemical laboratory hoods will have an average inward face velocity of 100 linear feet per minute (lfpm) +/- 10% with the velocity at any point not deviating from the average face velocity by more than 20%. Existing laboratory hoods will have an inward face velocity of 150 lfpm +/- 20%. Laboratory hoods will be located such that cross drafts do not exceed 20% of the inward face velocity. A visual performance test using smoke producing devices will be performed in the assessment of the hoods ability to contain agent GB.

Other: Recirculation of exhaust air from agent areas is prohibited. No connection is allowed between agent areas and other areas through the ventilation system. Emergency backup power is necessary. Hoods should be tested at least semiannually or after modification or maintenance operations. Operations should be performed 20 centimeters inside hood face.

EYE PROTECTION: As a minimum chemical goggles will be worn. For splash hazards use goggles and face shield.

OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: For general lab work, gloves and lab coat will be worn with mask readily accessible. In addition, daily clean smocks, foot covers, and head covers will be required when handling contaminated lab animals.

MONITORING: Available monitoring equipment for agent GB is the M8/M9 Detector paper, detector ticket, blue band tube, M256/M256A1 kits, bubbler, Depot Area Air Monitoring System (DAAMS), Automatic Continuous Air Monitoring System (ACAMS), real time monitoring (RTM), Demilitarization Chemical Agent Concentrator (DCAC), M8/M43, M8A1/M43A2, Hydrogen Flame Photometric Emission Detector (HYFED), CAM-M1, Miniature Chemical Agent Monitor (MINICAM) and the Real Time Analytical Platform (RTAP).

Real-time, low-level monitors (with alarm) are required for GB operations. In their absence, an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere must be presumed. Laboratory operations conducted in appropriately maintained and alarmed engineering controls require only periodic low-level monitoring.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING AND STORING: When handling agents, the buddy system will be incorporated. No smoking, eating and drinking in areas containing agents are permitted. Containers should be periodically inspected for leaks either visually or by a detector kit). Stringent control over all personnel practices must be exercised Decontamination equipment will be conveniently located. Exits must be designed to permit rapid evacuation. Chemical showers, eyewash stations, and personal cleanliness facilities must be provided. Wash hands before meals and each worker will shower thoroughly with special attention given to hair, face, neck, and hands, using plenty of soap and water before leaving at the end of the work day.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS: GB must be double contained in liquid and vapor tight containers when in storage or outside a ventilation hood.

For additional information see "AR 385-61, The Army Toxic Chemical Agent Safety Program," "DA PAM 385-61, Toxic Chemical Agent Safety Standards," and "AR 40-8, Occupational Health Guidelines for the Evaluation and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nerve Agents GA, GB, GD, and VX."

DOT MARKING: Poisonous liquid, n.o.s. (Isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) UN2810, Inhalation Hazard

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN TRANSPORTATION: Motor vehicles will be placarded regardless of quantity. Drivers will be given full information regarding shipment and conditions in case of an emergency. AR 50-6 deals specifically with the shipment of chemical agents. Shipments of agent will be escorted in accordance with AR 740-32.

While the Edgewood Research Development, and Engineering Center, Department of the Army believes that the data contained herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of the experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which the Department of the Army or Edgewood Research Development, and Engineering Center assume legal responsibility. They are offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Any use of this data and information must be determined by the user to be in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.