Zinc and Zinc Alloys

Remove victim from exposure to processing fumes or dusts to fresh air. Seek medical attention immediately.

If dust, remove contaminated clothing and wash effected area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Molten Metal – flood contact area to solidify and cool but do not attempt to remove encrusted metal on skin or clothing. Continue to flush for at least 10 minutes. Cover burns, if bigger than a 50 pence piece. Seek further medical attention immediately.

If dust enters eyes flush for 10 – 20 minutes with cold water. Seek medical attention if required.

Not regarded as a normal occupational hazard. Do not induce vomiting – Seek medical attention immediately if large quantities of dust or fume are ingested.

Use suitable extinguishing media for surrounding combustibles. If present in molten form use dry sand.

Do not use water as this may present an explosion hazard.

Finely divided metallic dust form flammable or explosive dust clouds when mixed with air. Bulk dust in a damp state may heat spontaneously and ignite on exposure to air.

In solid state pick up and reuse if not contaminated.

In solid state pick up and reuse if not contaminated.

Store metal in a dry area away from incompatible materials. Ingots suspected of containing moisture should be thoroughly dried before adding to a molten bath. Ensure all ingots are dry prior to use. Do not allow water to come into contact with molten metal. When handling molten alloys, observe relevant HSE regulations for personal protection. Wear gloves when handling ingots manually to avoid minor cuts and abrasions. Observe normal precautions for industrial lifting.

Store in a dry area. Stacks should be well aligned and stable. One tonne pallets or bundles should not be stacked more than four units high. Any stack should consist of only one pallet type.

Wear gloves when handling ingots manually to avoid minor cuts and abrasions.

Do not allow water to come into contact with molten metal. Avoid contact with acids and alkali hydroxides. Avoid mixtures with potassium chlorate or ammonium nitrate. Manage Zinc dust to prevent fire risk from explosive mixtures in air.

Use adequate local or general ventilation to maintain the concentration of zinc and aluminum oxide fumes in the working environment well below recommended occupational exposure limits. Supply sufficient replacement air to make up for air removed by the exhaust system. Where metallic dust particles of zinc and aluminum metals are being collected and transported by a ventilation system, use a non-sparking, grounded ventilation system separate from other exhaust ventilation systems. Locate dust collectors and fans outdoors if possible and provide dust collectors with explosion vents or blow out panels.

Gloves are recommended to prevent prolonged or repeated direct skin contact when this product is processed. Where hot or molten metal is handled, heat-resistant gloves should be worn.

Eye protection should be worn where fume or dust is generated. Where hot or molten metal is handled, full face visor should be worn.

Respiratory protection may be required where oxide fume is generated. Where zinc or aluminium oxide fumes are generated and cannot be controlled to within acceptable levels by engineering means, use appropriate respiratory protection equipment.

Coveralls, shop coat or other work clothing are recommended to prevent prolonged or repeated direct skin contact when this product is processed. Where hot or molten metal is handled, molten metal resistant clothing to protect from hot metal splash should be worn. Foundry or safety type boots are recommended.

Water: Do not release to water. Air: Local Exhaust ventilation may be required. Soil: Do not release to soil.

Zinc is stable at room temperature.

Zinc is stable under normal conditions but can react vigorously with acids and alkali's.

Contact with acids and alkalis will generate highly flammable hydrogen gas. Acidic arsenic or antimony compounds in contact with Zinc metal may evolve highly toxic arsine or stibine gas.

strong oxidising agents such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, sodium potassium or barium peroxide, sodium or potassium chlorate, chromium trioxide and fused ammonium nitrate. Also incompatible with elemental sulphur dust, halogenated hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents and chlorinated rubber.

Thermal oxidation of this metal or dust will generate Zinc oxide fume which on inhalation in sufficient quantity can produce metal fume fever, a transient influenza like illness.

If material cannot be returned to process or salvage, dispose of in accordance with applicable local regulations. Your supplier may be able to recycle this material for you.