Safety Data Sheet

according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/undertaking

1.1 Product identifier

Identification of the substance Formic acid
Registration number (REACH) this information is not available
CAS number 64-18-6
Alternative name(s) Formic acid, formic acid
Article number A0000494
1.2 Relevant identified uses of the substance or mixture and uses advised against
Relevant identified uses General use
Uses advised against Do not use for squirting or spraying. Do not use
for products which come into direct contact with
the skin.

1.3 Details of the supplier of the safety data sheet

Chemos GmbH & Co. KG
Sonnenring 7
84032 Altdorf
Germany

Telephone: +49 871-966346-0

Telefax: +49 871-966346-13
e-mail: chemos@chemos.de
Website: http://www.chemos.de/
e-mail (competent person) chemos@chemos.de
1.4 Emergency telephone number
Emergency information service This number is only available during the follow-
ing office hours: Mon - Thu 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM,
Fri 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)

Section Hazard class Category Hazard class and cat- Hazard state-
egory ment

2.6 flammable liquid 3 Flam. Liq. 3 H226

3.1O acute toxicity (oral) 4 Acute Tox. 4 H302

3.1I acute toxicity (inhal.) 3 Acute Tox. 3 H331

3.2 skin corrosion/irritation 1A Skin Corr. 1A H314

3.3 serious eye damage/eye irritation 1 Eye Dam. 1 H318

3.8 specific target organ toxicity - single exposure 1 STOT SE 1 H370

For full text of abbreviations: see SECTION 16.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

The most important adverse physicochemical, human health and environmental effects
Skin corrosion produces an irreversible damage to the skin; namely, visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the
dermis. Immediate effects can be expected after short-term exposure. The product is combustible and can be ignited
by potential ignition sources.

2.2 Label elements

Labelling according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP)
- Signal word danger
- Pictograms
GHS02, GHS05,
GHS06, GHS08

- Hazard statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapour.
H302 Harmful if swallowed.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H331 Toxic if inhaled.
H370 Causes damage to organs.

- Precautionary statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No
smoking.
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or
shower.
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present
and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P370+P378 In case of fire: Use sand, carbon dioxide or powder extinguisher to extinguish.
P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.

2.3 Other hazards

Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
According to the results of its assessment, this substance is not a PBT or a vPvB.

SECTION 3: Composition/information on ingredients

3.1 Substances
Name of substance formic acid
Identifiers
CAS No 64-18-6
EC No 200-579-1
Index No 607-001-00-0
Purity ≥90 %
Molecular formula CH2O2
Molar mass 46.03 g/mol

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

SECTION 4: First aid measures

4.1 Description of first aid measures

General notes
Do not leave affected person unattended. Remove victim out of the danger area. Keep affected person warm, still and
covered. Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. In all cases of doubt, or when symptoms persist, seek medic-
al advice. In case of unconsciousness place person in the recovery position. Never give anything by mouth.

Following inhalation
If breathing is irregular or stopped, immediately seek medical assistance and start first aid actions. In case of respirat-
ory tract irritation, consult a physician. Provide fresh air.

Following skin contact

Wash with plenty of soap and water.

Following eye contact

Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Irrigate copiously with clean, fresh water for at
least 10 minutes, holding the eyelids apart.

Following ingestion
Rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious). Do NOT induce vomiting.

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
Symptoms and effects are not known to date.

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
none

SECTION 5: Firefighting measures

5.1 Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media
Water spray, BC-powder, Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Unsuitable extinguishing media

Water jet

5.2 Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

In case of insufficient ventilation and/or in use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture. Solvent vapours are
heavier than air and may spread along floors. Places which are not ventilated, e.g. unventilated below ground level
areas such as trenches, conduits and shafts, are particularly prone to the presence of flammable substances or mix-
tures.

Hazardous combustion products

Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2)

5.3 Advice for firefighters

In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes. Co-ordinate firefighting measures to the fire surroundings. Do
not allow firefighting water to enter drains or water courses. Collect contaminated firefighting water separately. Fight
fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

SECTION 6: Accidental release measures

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures

For non-emergency personnel
Remove persons to safety.

For emergency responders

Wear breathing apparatus if exposed to vapours/dust/spray/gases.

6.2 Environmental precautions

Keep away from drains, surface and ground water. Retain contaminated washing water and dispose of it.

6.3 Methods and material for containment and cleaning up

Advices on how to contain a spill
Covering of drains

Advices on how to clean up a spill

Wipe up with absorbent material (e.g. cloth, fleece). Collect spillage: sawdust, kieselgur (diatomite), sand, universal
binder

Appropriate containment techniques

Use of adsorbent materials.

Other information relating to spills and releases

Place in appropriate containers for disposal. Ventilate affected area.

6.4 Reference to other sections

Hazardous combustion products: see section 5. Personal protective equipment: see section 8. Incompatible materials:
see section 10. Disposal considerations: see section 13.

SECTION 7: Handling and storage

7.1 Precautions for safe handling

Recommendations
- Measures to prevent fire as well as aerosol and dust generation
Use local and general ventilation. Avoidance of ignition sources. Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking.
Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Due to danger of explosion,
prevent leakage of vapours into cellars, flues and ditches. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment. Use ex-
plosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/equipment. Use only non-sparking tools.

- Specific notes/details
Places which are not ventilated, e.g. unventilated below ground level areas such as trenches, conduits and shafts, are
particularly prone to the presence of flammable substances or mixtures. Vapours are heavier than air, spread along
floors and form explosive mixtures with air. Vapours may form explosive mixtures with air.

Advice on general occupational hygiene

Wash hands after use. Do not eat, drink and smoke in work areas. Remove contaminated clothing and protective
equipment before entering eating areas. Never keep food or drink in the vicinity of chemicals. Never place chemicals
in containers that are normally used for food or drink. Keep away from food, drink and animal feedingstuffs.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

Managing of associated risks
- Explosive atmospheres
Keep container tightly closed and in a well-ventilated place. Use local and general ventilation. Keep cool. Protect from
sunlight.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

- Flammability hazards
Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other
ignition sources. No smoking. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. Protect from sunlight.

- Ventilation requirements
Keep any substance that emits harmful vapours or gases in a place that allows these to be permanently extracted. Use
local and general ventilation. Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.

- Packaging compatibilities
Only packagings which are approved (e.g. acc. to ADR) may be used.

7.3 Specific end use(s)

See section 16 for a general overview.

SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection

8.1 Control parameters

Occupational exposure limit values (Workplace Exposure Limits)

Coun- Name of agent CAS No Identi- TWA TWA STEL STEL Ceiling-C Ceiling-C Nota- Source
try fier [ppm] [mg/m³] [ppm] [mg/m³] [ppm] [mg/m³] tion

EU formic acid 64-18-6 IOELV 5 9 2006/

15/EC
GB formic acid 64-18-6 WEL 5 9.6 EH40/
2005

Notation
Ceiling-C ceiling value is a limit value above which exposure should not occur
STEL short-term exposure limit: a limit value above which exposure should not occur and which is related to a 15-minute peri-
od (unless otherwise specified)
TWA time-weighted average (long-term exposure limit): measured or calculated in relation to a reference period of 8 hours
time-weighted average (unless otherwise specified)

Human health values

Relevant DNELs and other threshold levels

Endpoint Threshold level Protection goal, route Used in Exposure time

of exposure

DNEL 9.5 mg/m³ human, inhalatory worker (industry) chronic - local effects

Environmental values

Relevant PNECs and other threshold levels

Endpoint Threshold level Organism Environmental compartment Exposure time

PNEC 2 mg/l aquatic organisms freshwater short-term (single instance)

PNEC 0.2 mg/ aquatic organisms marine water short-term (single instance)
l

PNEC 7.2 mg/l aquatic organisms sewage treatment plant (STP) short-term (single instance)
PNEC 13.4 mg/kg aquatic organisms freshwater sediment short-term (single instance)

PNEC 1.34 mg/kg aquatic organisms marine sediment short-term (single instance)
mg/
PNEC 1.5 kg terrestrial organisms soil short-term (single instance)

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

8.2 Exposure controls

Appropriate engineering controls
General ventilation.

Individual protection measures (personal protective equipment)

Eye/face protection
Wear eye/face protection.

Skin protection
- Hand protection
Wear suitable gloves. Chemical protection gloves are suitable, which are tested according to EN 374. Check leak-tight-
ness/impermeability prior to use. In the case of wanting to use the gloves again, clean them before taking off and air
them well. For special purposes, it is recommended to check the resistance to chemicals of the protective gloves men-
tioned above together with the supplier of these gloves.

- Other protection measures

Take recovery periods for skin regeneration. Preventive skin protection (barrier creams/ointments) is recommended.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Respiratory protection
In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.

Environmental exposure controls

Use appropriate container to avoid environmental contamination. Keep away from drains, surface and ground water.

SECTION 9: Physical and chemical properties

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties

Appearance

Physical state liquid

Colour various

Odour characteristic

Other safety parameters

pH (value) not determined

Melting point/freezing point 8 °C

Initial boiling point and boiling range 100.2 °C at 1,013 hPa

Flash point 49.5 °C at 1,013 hPa

Evaporation rate not determined

Flammability (solid, gas) not relevant, (fluid)

Explosive limits not determined

Vapour pressure 42.71 hPa at 20 °C

Density not determined

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

Vapour density this information is not available

Relative density information on this property is not available

Solubility(ies) not determined

Partition coefficient

- n-octanol/water (log KOW) -2.1 (pH value: 7, 23 °C) (ECHA)

- Soil organic carbon/water (log KOC) <1.251 (ECHA)

Auto-ignition temperature 528 °C at 1,010 hPa (ECHA)

Viscosity

- Kinematic viscosity 1.47 mm²/s at 20 °C

- Dynamic viscosity 1.8 mPa s at 20 °C

Explosive properties none

Oxidising properties none

9.2 Other information

Surface tension 71.5 mN/m (20 °C) (ECHA)

Solvent content 100 %

Temperature class (EU, acc. to ATEX) T1 (maximum permissible surface temperature on the equip-
ment: 450°C)

SECTION 10: Stability and reactivity

10.1 Reactivity
Concerning incompatibility: see below "Conditions to avoid" and "Incompatible materials". It's a reactive substance.
The mixture contains reactive substance(s). Risk of ignition.

If heated:
Risk of ignition

10.2 Chemical stability

See below "Conditions to avoid".

10.3 Possibility of hazardous reactions

No known hazardous reactions.

10.4 Conditions to avoid

Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.

Hints to prevent fire or explosion

Use explosion-proof electrical/ventilating/lighting/equipment. Use only non-sparking tools. Take precautionary meas-
ures against static discharge.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

10.5 Incompatible materials

Oxidisers

10.6 Hazardous decomposition products

Reasonably anticipated hazardous decomposition products produced as a result of use, storage, spill and heating are
not known. Hazardous combustion products: see section 5.

SECTION 11: Toxicological information

11.1 Information on toxicological effects

Classification according to GHS (1272/2008/EC, CLP)
Acute toxicity
Harmful if swallowed. Toxic if inhaled.

- Acute toxicity estimate (ATE)

Oral 730 mg/kg
Inhalation: vapour 7.85 mg/l/4h

Skin corrosion/irritation
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

Serious eye damage/eye irritation

Causes serious eye damage.

Respiratory or skin sensitisation

Shall not be classified as a respiratory or skin sensitiser.

Germ cell mutagenicity

Shall not be classified as germ cell mutagenic.

Carcinogenicity
Shall not be classified as carcinogenic.

Reproductive toxicity
Shall not be classified as a reproductive toxicant.

Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure

Causes damage to organs.

Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure

Shall not be classified as a specific target organ toxicant (repeated exposure).

Aspiration hazard
Shall not be classified as presenting an aspiration hazard.

SECTION 12: Ecological information

12.1 Toxicity
Shall not be classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment.

Biodegradation
The substance is readily biodegradable. The relevant substances of the mixture are readily biodegradable.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

12.2 Persistence and degradability

Process of degradability

Process Degradation rate Time

oxygen depletion 15 % 5d
DOC removal 4% 6d

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential

Data are not available.

n-octanol/water (log KOW) -2.1 (pH value: 7, 23 °C) (ECHA)

12.4 Mobility in soil

Data are not available.

Henry's law constant 0.019 Pa m³/mol at 25 °C

The Organic Carbon normalised adsorption <1.251 (ECHA)

coefficient

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment

Data are not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects

Data are not available.

SECTION 13: Disposal considerations

13.1 Waste treatment methods

Waste treatment-relevant information
Solvent reclamation/regeneration.

Sewage disposal-relevant information

Do not empty into drains. Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/safety data sheets.

Waste treatment of containers/packagings

It is a dangerous waste; only packagings which are approved (e.g. acc. to ADR) may be used. Completely emptied pack-
ages can be recycled. Handle contaminated packages in the same way as the substance itself.

Remarks
Please consider the relevant national or regional provisions. Waste shall be separated into the categories that can be
handled separately by the local or national waste management facilities.

SECTION 14: Transport information

14.1 UN number 1779

14.2 UN proper shipping name FORMIC ACID
14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Class 8 (corrosive substances)
Subsidiary risk(s) 3 (flammable liquid)
14.4 Packing group II (substance presenting medium danger)

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

14.5 Environmental hazards non-environmentally hazardous acc. to the dan-

gerous goods regulations
14.6 Special precautions for user
Provisions for dangerous goods (ADR) should be complied within the premises.

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL and the IBC Code
The cargo is not intended to be carried in bulk.

Information for each of the UN Model Regulations

Transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterway (ADR/RID/ADN)
UN number 1779
Proper shipping name FORMIC ACID
Class 8
Classification code CF1
Packing group II
Danger label(s) 8+3

Excepted quantities (EQ) E2

Limited quantities (LQ) 1L
Transport category (TC) 2
Tunnel restriction code (TRC) D/E
Hazard identification No 83
Emergency Action Code 2W
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
UN number 1779
Proper shipping name FORMIC ACID
Class 8
Subsidiary risk(s) 3
Marine pollutant -
Packing group II
Danger label(s) 8+3

Excepted quantities (EQ) E2

Limited quantities (LQ) 1L
EmS F-E, S-C
Stowage category A
Segregation group 1 - Acids

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO-IATA/DGR)

UN number 1779
Proper shipping name Formic acid
Class 8
Subsidiary risk(s) 3
Packing group II
Danger label(s) 8+3

Excepted quantities (EQ) E2

Limited quantities (LQ) 0,5 L

SECTION 15: Regulatory information

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
Relevant provisions of the European Union (EU)
Deco-Paint Directive (2004/42/EC)

VOC content 100 %

Directive on industrial emissions (VOCs, 2010/75/EU)

VOC content 100 %

15.2 Chemical Safety Assessment

No Chemical Safety Assessment has been carried out for this substance.

SECTION 16: Other information

Abbreviations and acronyms

Abbr. Descriptions of used abbreviations

2006/15/EC Commission Directive establishing a second list of indicative occupational exposure limit values in imple-
mentation of Council Directive 98/24/EC and amending Directives 91/322/EEC and 2000/39/EC
ADN Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par voies de naviga-
tion intérieures (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by In-
land Waterways)

ADR Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route (European
Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road)
CAS Chemical Abstracts Service (service that maintains the most comprehensive list of chemical substances)

Ceiling-C Ceiling value

CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures

DGR Dangerous Goods Regulations (see IATA/DGR)

DNEL Derived No-Effect Level

EC No The EC Inventory (EINECS, ELINCS and the NLP-list) is the source for the seven-digit EC number, an identi-
fier of substances commercially available within the EU (European Union)
EH40/2005 EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-li-
cence/)

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

Abbr. Descriptions of used abbreviations

EINECS European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances

ELINCS European List of Notified Chemical Substances

EmS Emergency Schedule

GHS "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals" developed by the United Na-
tions

IATA International Air Transport Association

IATA/DGR Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for the air transport (IATA)

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization

IMDG International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code

index No The Index number is the identification code given to the substance in Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation
(EC) No 1272/2008
IOELV Indicative occupational exposure limit value

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (abbr. of "Marine Pollutant")
NLP No-Longer Polymer

PBT Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic

PNEC Predicted No-Effect Concentration

ppm Parts per million

REACH Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals

RID Règlement concernant le transport International ferroviaire des marchandises Dangereuses (Regula-
tions concerning the International carriage of Dangerous goods by Rail)
STEL Short-term exposure limit

TWA Time-weighted average

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

vPvB Very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative

WEL Workplace exposure limit

Key literature references and sources for data

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. Regulation (EC)
No. 1907/2006 (REACH), amended by 2015/830/EU.
Transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterway (ADR/RID/ADN). International Maritime Dangerous
Goods Code (IMDG). Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for the air transport (IATA).

List of relevant phrases (code and full text as stated in chapter 2 and 3)

Code Text

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour.

H302 Harmful if swallowed.

H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.

H318 Causes serious eye damage.

H331 Toxic if inhaled.

H370 Causes damage to organs.

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 Safety Data Sheet
according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH)

Formic acid
Version number: GHS 1.0 Date of compilation: 2019-04-02

Disclaimer
This information is based upon the present state of our knowledge. This SDS has been compiled and is solely intended
for this product.

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