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Chemical Datasheet

CARBON, ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE ORIGIN

 4.2 - Spontaneously combustible

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 16291-96-6   (charcoal)
  • 1361
  • Spontaneously Combustible
  • CHC
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none none
NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A black powder or granular mixed with a tar or starch and water binder pressed into regular lumps or briquettes. Heats slowly and ignites in air especially if wet.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
none
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Insoluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Incomplete combustion forms toxic carbon monoxide. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
No significant symptoms (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
Explosions have occurred when liquid air contacts organic matter. A cracked tube of activated charcoal immersed in liquid air exploded violently [J. Sci. Inst. 5:24 1928]. Zinc chlorate and charcoal (or finely divided organic material) form mixtures that may ignite or explode. Ignition or explosion may be caused by friction, percussion, or shock [U.S. Army Ordnance Safety Manual 1951].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

No information available.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 133 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Solids]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 133 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Solids]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam.

LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Fire Involving Metal Pigments or Pastes (e.g. "Aluminum Paste") Aluminum Paste fires should be treated as a combustible metal fire. Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers or class D extinguishers. Also, see 170 Polymerizable warning.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 133 Polymerizable warning [Flammable Solids]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.

LARGE SPILL: Wet down with water and dike for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Respirator for dust (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
No treatment required (USCG, 1999)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: 2 at 68°F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: Very high (USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight: 12 (USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

No PAC information available.

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names