BERYLLIUM NITRATE

Beryllium nitrate is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid. It is soluble in water. It is noncombustible, but it will accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities of the material are involved or the material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires involving this material. It is used in chemical analysis.

• Strong Oxidizing Agent

Soluble in water.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic and irritating beryllium oxide and oxides of nitrogen may form in fire.

Behavior in Fire: May increase intensity of fire when in contact with combustible material (USCG, 1999)

Any dramatic, unexplained weight loss should be considered as possible first indication of beryllium disease. Inhalation causes pneumonitis, nasopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis, dyspnea, chronic cough. Ingestion causes anorexia, fatigue, weakness, malaise. Contact with eyes causes conjunctival inflammation. Contact with skin causes dermatitis and non-healing ulcers. (USCG, 1999)

Mixtures of metal/nonmetal nitrates, such as BERYLLIUM NITRATE, with alkyl esters may explode owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixing a nitrate with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride, or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108-109].

• Nitrate and Nitrite Compounds, Inorganic

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

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)

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 141 [Oxidizers - Toxic]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

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

LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)

Respiratory protection; gloves; freshly laundered clothing; chemical safety goggles (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove to fresh air; take chest x-ray immediately to check for pneumonitis.

INGESTION: induce vomiting; get medical attention.

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention.

SKIN: cuts or puncture wounds in which beryllium may be embedded under the skin should be thoroughly cleansed immediately by a physician. (USCG, 1999)

• BERYLLIUM DINITRATE
• BERYLLIUM NITRATE
• BERYLLIUM NITRATE (BE(NO3)2)
• BERYLLIUM NITRATE TRIHYDRATE