| Materials Safety City Technology has Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all products which detail the chemical hazards and properties of the components used within each sensor. The MSDS cover the following:
Health and Safety Guidelines Electrochemical Gas Sensors General Electrochemical gas sensors are supplied as sealed units and in normal usage represent no chemical hazard in the sense of the “Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations” and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Chemical hazard can however arise if they are misused or abused when leakage may occur. Leakage may also occur in the event of a manufacturing fault. In order to avoid potential problems the following notes should be observed on storage, usage, handling and the disposal of unwanted sensors. Oxygen CiTiceLs Oxygen sensors contain a 4-molar potassium acetate solution which is corrosive. Normally this material would only leak out as a result of either mechanical damage (crushing or piercing) or by electrical misuse for example by attempting to input electrical charge. These sensors also contain small amounts of lead, lead oxide, platinum, silver, carbon and antimony some of which are toxic and/or mutagenic. If the user comes into contact with the oxygen sensor contents the affected area should be washed with a copious supply of water. Obtain medical advice. As these sensors contain some highly toxic compounds, irrespective of physical condition they should be disposed of according to local waste management requirements and environmental legislation. They should not be burnt as they may evolve toxic fumes. Toxic Gas CiTiceLs The majority of toxic gas sensors contain sulphuric acid electrolyte and the chemical hazard is mainly related to the corrosive nature of this compound. These sensors also contain platinum, ruthenium, gold, silver, carbon some of which are toxic. Any skin or eye contact with the contents of these sensors should be washed immediately with copious amount of water. Obtain medical advice. Design and Use Electrochemical gas sensors are sealed units containing an aqueous electrolyte and a combination of other substances as detailed above. Provided these sensors are used only for their intended application they do not represent a chemical hazard. The sensors must not be exposed to temperatures outside the range -50°C to 60°C. Toxic gas sensors should not be exposed to organic vapours which may cause physical damage to the body of the sensor, for example 1, 2 dichloroethane. Storage For maximum shelf life sensors should be stored in the containers in which they are supplied in clean dry areas between 0°C and 20°C. They must not be stored in areas containing organic solvents or in flammable liquid stores. Damage Should any sensor be so severely damaged that leakage of the contents occurs then the following procedures should be adopted.
All sensors contain toxic compounds irrespective of physical condition. They should be disposed of according to local waste management requirements and environmental legislation. They should not be burnt since they may evolve toxic fumes. |