Product Name: Formic Acid
Chemical Formula: CH2O2
CAS Number: 64-18-6
Synonyms: Methanoic Acid, Aminic Acid
Recommended Use: Preservative, disinfectant, industrial processing
Supplier: [Supplier’s Name, Address, Emergency Contact]
Emergency Telephone: [Number for immediate assistance]
Hazard Class: Corrosive to metals, Skin corrosion/Irritation (Category 1A), Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation)
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Causes severe burns to skin and eyes, toxic if inhaled or swallowed, harmful to aquatic life
Pictograms: Corrosion, Exclamation Mark, Health Hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with eyes and skin, avoid inhalation of vapours or mist, use only in well-ventilated areas, do not eat, drink, or smoke near this material
Chemical Name: Formic Acid
Concentration: 85-99% (industrial grade may vary)
Other Components: Water as balance (<15%)
Impurities: Trace amounts of methanol or formates may occur depending on source and grade
Inhalation: Move person into fresh air, keep comfortable, seek immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing or irritation.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse affected skin area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, seek immediate medical help if irritation or burns occur.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes gently and thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open, remove contact lenses after the first minute if present, get medical treatment right away.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water if conscious, do not induce vomiting, give water to dilute, seek immediate doctor’s care, never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray (use water spray only to cool containers, not for direct extinguishing due to risk of spreading splash)
Unsuitable Media: High volume water jet, can spread corrosive material
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possible formation of toxic vapors under fire conditions
Protective Equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective suit, keep containers cool by spraying with water
Special Procedures: Approach upwind, avoid inhalation of fire gases, withdraw if conditions worsen
Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, provide maximum ventilation, keep unnecessary personnel clear, wear protective equipment including gloves, goggles, and respirator suited for acid vapors
Spill Response: Contain the leak, use inert materials like sand or earth for diking, avoid direct neutralization unless in well-controlled industrial setups
Cleaning Methods: Pump or scoop up liquid into suitable chemical waste containers, wash smaller spills down with excess water after neutralization, never return spill residue to original container
Environmental Precautions: Keep from draining into surface water, soil, or sewers, inform government environmental offices where required
Handling: Use only in areas with local exhaust, avoid breathing vapours or mist, keep away from incompatible materials like bases or strong oxidizers, never open container without using personal protection, ensure all equipment is properly grounded to prevent static discharge
Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, store away from direct sunlight and heat sources, clearly mark area as corrosive chemical zone, use acid-resistant shelving and spill containment, keep away from incompatible materials (chlorides, cyanides, strong reducing agents)
Occupational Exposure Limit: OSHA PEL 5 ppm (9 mg/m³), ACGIH TLV 5 ppm (Time-Weighted Average), Short-term exposure limit: 10 ppm
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, chemical fume hood, maintain eyewash and safety shower stations near work area
Personal Protective Equipment: Nitrile gloves, acid-resistant apron, splash goggles, full face shield, chemical-resistant boots, respirator (NIOSH-approved cartridge for acid gases) if ventilation insufficient
General Hygiene: Wash thoroughly with soap after handling, remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse
Appearance: Colorless, fuming liquid
Odor: Pungent, sour
pH: <1 (very acidic, 1M solution)
Melting Point: 8.4°C (47.1°F)
Boiling Point: 100.8°C (213.4°F)
Flash Point: 69°C (156°F, closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 520°C (968°F)
Flammability: Flammable at high temperatures
Vapor Density: 1.6 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 1.22 g/cm³ (20°C)
Solubility: Completely miscible with water, soluble in alcohol, ether
Vapor Pressure: 43 mmHg (20°C)
Evaporation Rate: Not available
Viscosity: 1.57 mPa·s at 25°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, strong oxidizing agents, contact with metals (aluminum, iron) can cause corrosion and hydrogen release, generates heat on dilution with water
Incompatible Materials: Strong bases, metals, oxidizing agents, cyanides, chlorides, reducing substances
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, irritating and toxic vapors possible in case of fire or decomposition
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 730 mg/kg
Inhalation LC50 (rat): ~7 mg/L/4 hr
Skin Irritation: Severe burns, corrosive, can cause skin necrosis
Eye Irritation: Pain, burns, permanent damage with possible blindness
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure linked to kidney, liver, respiratory health decline, skin sensitization in some occupational settings
Possible Symptoms: Cough, difficulty breathing, headaches, skin redness, blisters, abdominal pain if ingested
Aquatic Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms, rapid reduction in pH of water body can damage aquatic life
Soil Mobility: High; moves quickly, can acidify soil
Persistence and Degradability: Rapidly biodegraded in presence of soil bacteria
Bioaccumulative Potential: Low; not likely to persist in organisms
Ecotoxicity: LC50 (fish, 96h): ~130 mg/L
Other Effects: Spills can cause local rapid drops in pH, affecting water sources, fish, and invertebrates for hours to days
Waste from Residues: Place liquid waste in clearly labeled acid-resistant containers, contact hazardous waste disposal contractor
Disposal Method: Dispose through licensed hazardous waste handler, do not pour down regular drains, neutralization with lime possible in controlled, permitted industrial settings
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse before disposal, treat as hazardous chemical residue, follow local/state/federal regulations
Proper Shipping Name: Formic Acid Solution
UN Number: 1779
Transport Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive), 3 (Flammable if over 85%)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Corrosive, Flammable Liquid
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant label required for bulk shipments
Special Transport Precautions: Protect containers from heat and physical damage, ventilation required, segregate from incompatible chemicals
OSHA: Regulated as hazardous chemical under CFR 29
EPA: SARA Title III (Section 313) – Listed, CERCLA reportable quantity: 5000 lbs (Formic Acid)
TSCA: Listed in inventory
EU: Classified as dangerous substance under Regulation EC No. 1272/2008 (GHS/CLP)
WHMIS (Canada): D1B (Toxic), E (Corrosive)
Inventory Status: Appears on AICS, DSL, ENCS, EINECS, PICCS, SWISS, NZIoC
Other Requirements: Subject to workplace hazard communications, spill and emergency planning under local health and safety codes
