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Product Name: Germane
Chemical Formula: GeH4
CAS Number: 7782-65-2
Recommended Use: Semiconductor manufacturing, chemical vapor deposition
Supplier: Major gas suppliers and specialty chemical companies
Emergency Contact Number: Local poison center, fire department, or company-provided emergency line
Classification: Flammable gas, Acute toxicity (inhalation), Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Extremely flammable, fatal if inhaled, may cause organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame, static discharge; use only non-sparking tools; use explosion-proof electrical equipment
Pictograms: Flame, Skull and Crossbones, Health Hazard
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact in case of decomposed product
Symptoms: Headache, dizziness, coughing, difficulty breathing, nausea, convulsions, potential delayed lung injury
Chemical Name: Germane
Synonyms: Germanium tetrahydride
Purity: Typically >99%
Additives / Impurities: No intentional additives
Impurity Types: Possible trace amounts of disilane, silane, or phosphine from manufacturing process
Inhalation: Move victim to fresh air immediately, provide oxygen or artificial respiration if breathing is difficult or has stopped, seek medical attention right away
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin for at least 15 minutes with water, obtain medical help for burns or irritation
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids open, avoid rubbing the eyes, get urgent medical attention
Ingestion: Not a typical route of exposure as germane is a gas; do not induce vomiting, get medical attention
Notes for Doctor: Observe for delayed pulmonary edema, provide supportive care for respiratory symptoms, treat as chemical inhalation poisoning
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray for small fires, flooding with water for large fires
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Not advised to use straight streams due to risk of spreading fire
Special Hazards: Extremely flammable and explosive, burns with invisible flame, can react violently with air and oxidizers, may form explosive mixtures
Protective Equipment: Full-body protective suit, self-contained breathing apparatus, protective gloves, eye protection
Specific Methods: Evacuate area, approach fire from upwind, stop gas flow if safe to do so, cool cylinders exposed to heat with water spray, watch for reignition as germane ignites easily
Combustion Products: Germanium oxides, hydrogen gas, toxic and irritating fumes
Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel, eliminate ignition sources, ventilate area, wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into sewers, soil, or water sources, notify authorities if a significant spill occurs
Methods for Clean Up: Shut off leak if it is safe, use water spray or mist to disperse vapor, ventilate affected area, do not touch leaking material without protective gear, keep away from combustible materials
Additional Advice: Trained emergency responders should handle significant leaks, use gas detectors to monitor area
Handling: Work in a closed system with adequate ventilation or fume hood, use only explosion-proof equipment and non-sparking tools, avoid inhalation or direct contact, keep away from incompatible materials (oxidizers, halogens, acids)
Storage: Store in tightly sealed cylinders, upright, in cool, well-ventilated, dry areas away from direct sunlight, heat, ignition sources, and moisture; label area clearly as hazardous
Storage Temperature: Room temperature or below, do not allow cylinder temperature to rise above 50°C
Other Precautions: Secure cylinders against falling, regularly inspect valves and regulators, maintain appropriate signage and access restrictions
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV 0.2 ppm (TWA), OSHA PEL not established for germane specifically
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, automatic gas detection and shutoff systems, continuous air monitoring in use and storage areas
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves, flame-resistant lab coat, splash-proof chemical goggles, face shield, self-contained breathing apparatus for high concentrations or rescue
Respiratory Protection: Full-face air-purifying respirators with appropriate cartridges (hydride or acid gas), supplied-air respirators for unknown concentrations or emergencies
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling, remove contaminated clothing, do not eat or drink in areas where germane is used
Appearance: Colorless gas
Odor: Faint, pungent
Odor Threshold: Not easily detectable at low concentrations
Molecular Weight: 76.63 g/mol
Melting Point: -165°C
Boiling Point: -88.5°C
Density (gas): 2.66 kg/m3 at 0°C
Vapor Pressure: 2,200 kPa at 20°C
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water
Flammability: Extremely flammable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 2.2% (volume in air)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 100% (volume in air)
Autoignition Temperature: 57°C
Decomposition Temperature: Rapid above 250°C or in presence of catalysts
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions and when isolated from air and moisture
Reactive Conditions: May decompose or react violently when exposed to air, oxidizing agents, acids, alkalis, or elevated temperatures
Incompatible Materials: Halogens, oxygen, air, acids, alkali metals, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Germanium oxides, hydrogen gas, possible explosion by-products
Polymerization: Will not polymerize
Acute Toxicity: Extremely toxic by inhalation; LC50 (rat, inhalation, 4hr) = 622 ppm
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: No significant effect from pure gas, but combustion products and breakdown can be irritating or corrosive
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Combustion by-products are irritating
Respiratory Sensitization: Respiratory symptoms including coughing, chest pain, lung damage
Chronic Effects: Potential to cause kidney and blood system damage on prolonged exposure, signs may include hemolysis, methemoglobinemia
Signs of Exposure: Nausea, headache, dizziness, hemoglobinuria, cyanosis, delayed lung injury
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or ACGIH
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No clear evidence, limited studies available
Ecotoxicity: Decomposes rapidly in air, not persistent in the environment, low potential for bioaccumulation
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms if released in bulk quantities
Mobility: High, as a gas disperses quickly in air
Persistence and Degradability: Germane decomposes rapidly in air, forming germanium oxides and hydrogen
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; not likely to accumulate in organisms
Other Harmful Effects: In event of large accidental release, could produce toxic runoff if combined with water
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of unused germane through licensed chemical waste disposal contractors; gas scrubbing with alkaline solutions; careful combustion under controlled conditions possible when managed by trained professionals
Contaminated Packaging: Return empty cylinders to supplier following all safety protocols; do not attempt to refill or clean on-site
Environmental Precautions: Do not release into air, waterways, or soil; comply with local, regional, and national regulations on hazardous waste
Legal Considerations: Requires special handling by certified personnel; always document quantity and treatment process
UN Number: UN2192
Proper Shipping Name: Germane, compressed
Hazard Classes: 2.3 (Toxic gas), 2.1 (Flammable gas)
Packing Group: Not applicable
Labels Required: Toxic Gas, Flammable Gas
Special Precautions: Secure upright during transport, keep cool, ensure containers are tightly sealed with regulator caps in place, only transport in well-ventilated vehicles, never transport with oxidizers or acids
Emergency Response Guide Number: 123
Workplace Regulations: Subject to OSHA Process Safety Management, EPA Risk Management, Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom 2012), and state-specific hazardous chemical laws
SARA Title III: Listed as an extremely hazardous substance, subject to reporting requirements above threshold quantities
TSCA: Listed on Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory
International Regulations: Subject to controls under REACH (Europe), WHMIS (Canada as Class A and B1), and other country-specific hazardous substance inventories
Restrictions: Only certified handlers, storage and usage limitations based on hazard category, transportation restricted under US DOT and international regulations
Labeling: Clearly identified as a toxic, flammable gas with required pictograms and warnings
