Material Safety Data Sheet – Nickel Sulfate

Identification

Product Name: Nickel Sulfate
Chemical Formula: NiSO₄·6H₂O
CAS Number: 10101-97-0
Synonyms: Nickelous sulfate hexahydrate, Nickel II sulfate
Recommended Use: Electroplating, battery manufacturing, chemical research, catalyst production
Manufacturer/Supplier: Contact local distributor
Emergency Contact: Local emergency services or poison control center

Hazard Identification

GHS Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation), Skin sensitization, Carcinogenicity, Specific target organ toxicity
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed, may cause sensitization by skin contact, may cause cancer through inhalation, suspected of causing genetic defects
Pictograms: Skull and crossbones, exclamation mark, health hazard
Precautionary Statements: Avoid contact with skin, do not breathe dust or spray, wash hands after handling, wear protective clothing and eye protection, use only in well-ventilated areas

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name: Nickel Sulfate Hexahydrate
Concentration: 98-100%
CAS Number: 10101-97-0
Impurities: Trace metals possible (iron, cobalt)
Molecular Weight: 262.85 g/mol

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove to fresh air, keep warm, give oxygen if breathing is difficult, seek immediate medical attention
Skin Contact: Wash area thoroughly with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical advice for persistent irritation or allergic reaction
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, remove contact lenses after the first few minutes, obtain medical attention
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, obtain medical help right away

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO₂, foam, or water spray
Special Hazards: Nickel and sulfur oxides may form in combustion, avoid inhaling gases
Protective Equipment: Full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus required for firefighters
Firefighting Instructions: Keep upwind, cool nearby containers with water spray, avoid runoff into drains

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Evacuate area, ventilate, wear respiratory protection, avoid dust formation, use chemical-resistant gloves and goggles
Environmental Precautions: Prevent product from entering drains or waterways, collect spillage with inert material (sand, earth), inform authorities if large releases threaten environment
Cleaning Method: Sweep or shovel solid into labeled containers, avoid creating dust, dispose of according to disposal requirements, decontaminate the site with water and detergent

Handling and Storage

Handling: Use only in well-ventilated locations, wear appropriate PPE, do not eat, drink, or smoke during use, avoid skin and eye contact, manage dust at the source
Storage: Keep tightly closed in original container, store in cool dry place, avoid incompatible materials (acids, strong reducing agents), label storage area with toxicity warnings, prevent unauthorized access

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure Limit: ACGIH TLV: 0.1 mg/m³ (as Ni, inhalable fraction), OSHA PEL: 1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, closed system operation for bulk handling, explosion-proof equipment for dust
Personal Protection: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene), safety goggles or face shield, lab coat or coveralls, NIOSH-approved respirator in case of dust, emergency wash stations nearby
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after use, keep contaminated PPE in designated area, do not reuse contaminated clothing without cleaning

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Green crystalline solid, water-soluble
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (>330°C)
Boiling Point: Not applicable
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Density: 2.07 g/cm³ at 20°C
Pleasant taste: No
pH (5% solution): 4.0–5.5
Partition coefficient: Not determined
Evaporation Rate: Not relevant

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical stability: Stable under normal conditions, decomposes if heated strongly
Conditions to avoid: High temperatures, contact with strong acids, excessive moisture
Incompatible materials: Strong reducing agents, acids, alkalis, powdered metals
Hazardous decomposition: Nickel oxide, sulfur oxides (SO_x) under fire or strong heat
Polymerization: Not expected

Toxicological Information

Acute toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): ~334 mg/kg, may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Chronic exposure: Prolonged or repeated contact may lead to skin sensitization, respiratory tract irritation, possible carcinogenicity
Carcinogenicity: IARC: Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), NTP: Known human carcinogen, OSHA: Regulated
Mutagenicity: Possible risk, genotoxic in some assay systems
Sensitization: Can provoke allergic contact dermatitis or asthma-like symptoms
Target organs: Lungs, skin, liver, kidneys

Ecological Information

Aquatic toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms, LC₅₀ (96h, fish): ~25 mg/L
Persistence: Nickel compounds persist in soil and water
Bioaccumulation: Nickel can accumulate in organisms, potential for food chain effects
Soil mobility: Moderate, risk of leaching into groundwater
Degradability: Not readily degradable, metals do not break down easily in nature
Other hazards: Harmful to birds and soil microflora at sufficient concentrations

Disposal Considerations

Waste treatment: Collect residue and contaminated material in labeled containers
Landfill: Only at permitted facilities with controls for hazardous metals
Recycling: Possible if recovery system available
Incineration: Do not incinerate, product decomposes to toxic fumes
Sewage disposal: Never dispose in drains, environment, or watercourses
Regulatory status: Hazardous waste under national and international rules, waste code: 06 03 13* (per European Waste Catalogue)

Transport Information

UN Number: 3288
Proper Shipping Name: Toxic solid, inorganic, n.o.s. (Nickel sulfate)
Transport Hazard Class: 6.1 (Toxic substances)
Packing Group: III
Marine Pollutant: Yes
Special Precautions: Avoid releases during transport, label packages, comply with local and international guidelines, emergency response guidance required in transport vehicles

Regulatory Information

Worldwide regulation: Classified as a hazardous chemical
EU regulation: REACH Registration required, CLP labeling, carcinogen category 1A
US regulation: TSCA listed, SARA Title III reportable, CERCLA listed hazardous substance, OSHA regulated carcinogen
Canada: WHMIS D1A, D2A (very toxic, carcinogenic)
Japan: ISHL listed as hazardous dust
Australia: Schedule 6 poison under SUSMP
Local workplace regulation: Employer needs to train workers for safe handling, storage, spill response, and personal protective equipment requirements