Common Name: TRIETHYL ALUMINUM

CAS Number: 97-93-8 RTK Substance number: 1906

DOT Number: UN 3051 Date: December 1996 Revision: June 2003
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HAZARD SUMMARY WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS

* Triethyl Aluminum can affect you when breathed in. The following exposure limits are recommended for
* Triethyl Aluminum can cause severe eye and skin Aluminum Alkyls:
irritation and burns.
* Breathing Triethyl Aluminum can irritate the nose, throat NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is
and lungs causing coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of 2 mg/m3 averaged over a 10-hour workshift.
breath.
* Triethyl Aluminum is a HIGHLY FLAMMABLE and ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is
REACTIVE chemical and a DANGEROUS FIRE and 2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift.
EXPLOSION HAZARD.
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
IDENTIFICATION * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
Triethyl Aluminum is a colorless liquid. It is used as a ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
catalyst in making Ethylene, in the plating of Aluminum, as an ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
intermediate, and as an additive to rocket propellants. It is worn.
generally found in a solution with a solvent (such as Hexane * Wear protective work clothing.
or Toluene) to lessen its reactivity. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Triethyl
Aluminum and at the end of the workshift.
REASON FOR CITATION * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
* Triethyl Aluminum is on the Hazardous Substance List addition, as part of an ongoing education and training
because it is cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH and NFPA. effort, communicate all information on the health and
safety hazards of Triethyl Aluminum to potentially
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance exposed workers.
List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
* Definitions are provided on page 5.

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING

EXPOSED
The New Jersey Right to Know Act requires most employers
to label chemicals in the workplace and requires public
employers to provide their employees with information and
training concerning chemical hazards and controls. The
federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200,
requires private employers to provide similar training and
information to their employees.

* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely

evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area
air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results
from your employer. You have a legal right to this
information under OSHA 1910.1020.
* If you think you are experiencing any work-related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
 TRIETHYL ALUMINUM page 2 of 6

This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all Mixed Exposures

potential and most severe health hazards that may result from * Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung
exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may
and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure.
potential effects described below. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- reduce your risk of developing health problems.
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Acute Health Effects Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most
immediately or shortly after exposure to Triethyl Aluminum: effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to
enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at
* Triethyl Aluminum can cause severe eye and skin the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also
irritation and burns. reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is
* Breathing Triethyl Aluminum can irritate the nose and less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is
throat causing coughing and wheezing. sometimes necessary.

Chronic Health Effects In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider:
The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the
some time after exposure to Triethyl Aluminum and can last substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether
for months or years: harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls
should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when
Cancer Hazard significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible.
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Triethyl In addition, the following controls are recommended:
Aluminum has not been tested for its ability to cause
cancer in animals. * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Triethyl
Aluminum from drums or other storage containers to
Reproductive Hazard process containers.
* According to the information presently available to the New * All transfer lines must be free of Water, Oxygen and other
Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Triethyl substances that react with Triethyl Aluminum. All vessels
Aluminum has not been tested for its ability to affect must be dry and Oxygen free.
reproduction. * Before entering a confined space where Triethyl
Aluminum may be present, check to make sure that an
Other Long-Term Effects explosive concentration does not exist.
* Breathing Triethyl Aluminum can irritate the lungs
causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous
exposures. The following work practices are recommended:
MEDICAL
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by
Triethyl Aluminum should change into clean clothing
Medical Testing promptly.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by
following are recommended:
individuals who have been informed of the hazards of
exposure to Triethyl Aluminum.
* Lung function tests.
* Eye wash fountains should be provided in the immediate
work area for emergency use.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and
* If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency
present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for
shower facilities should be provided.
damage already done are not a substitute for controlling
* On skin contact with Triethyl Aluminum, immediately
exposure.
wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the
workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right
to this information under OSHA 1910.1020. contacted Triethyl Aluminum, whether or not known skin
contact has occurred.
 TRIETHYL ALUMINUM page 3 of 6

* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Triethyl Aluminum is HANDLING AND STORAGE
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating, drinking, * Prior to working with Triethyl Aluminum you should be
applying cosmetics, smoking, or using the toilet. trained on its proper handling and storage.
* Triethyl Aluminum reacts violently with WATER to form
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT flammable Ethane gas and may catch fire if exposed to
AIR.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN * Triethyl Aluminum is not compatible with ALCOHOLS;
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for OXYGEN; OXIDIZING AGENTS (such as
some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES,
done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace CHLORATES, NITRATES, CHLORINE, BROMINE and
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment FLUORINE); STRONG ACIDS (such as
may be appropriate. HYDROCHLORIC, SULFURIC and NITRIC); STRONG
BASES (such as SODIUM HYDROXIDE and
OSHA 1910.132 requires employers to determine the
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE); AMINES; and
appropriate personal protective equipment for each hazard and
HALOCARBONS.
to train employees on how and when to use protective
* Store under Nitrogen in airtight, closed containers in a cool
equipment.
well-ventilated area away from COMBUSTIBLES, LIGHT
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may and HEAT.
not apply to every situation. * Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where Triethyl Aluminum is used, handled, or
stored.
Clothing * Metal containers involving the transfer of Triethyl
* Avoid skin contact with Triethyl Aluminum. Wear
Aluminum should be grounded and bonded.
protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/
* Use only non-sparking tools and equipment, especially
manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most
when opening and closing containers of Triethyl
protective glove/clothing material for your operation.
Aluminum.
* All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear)
* Wherever Triethyl Aluminum is used, handled,
should be clean, available each day, and put on before
manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical
work.
equipment and fittings.
Eye Protection
* Wear indirect-vent, impact and splash resistant goggles QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
when working with liquids.
* Wear a face shield along with goggles when working with Q: If I have acute health effects, will I later get chronic
corrosive, highly irritating or toxic substances. health effects?
* Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this A: Not always. Most chronic (long-term) effects result from
substance. repeated exposures to a chemical.

Respiratory Protection Q: Can I get long-term effects without ever having short-
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. term effects?
Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a A: Yes, because long-term effects can occur from repeated
written program that takes into account workplace conditions, exposures to a chemical at levels not high enough to make
requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and you immediately sick.
medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134.
Q: What are my chances of getting sick when I have been
* Where the potential exists for exposure over 2 mg/m3 (as exposed to chemicals?
Aluminum), use a NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator A: The likelihood of becoming sick from chemicals is
with a full facepiece operated in a pressure-demand or other increased as the amount of exposure increases. This is
positive-pressure mode. For increased protection use in determined by the length of time and the amount of
combination with an auxiliary self-contained breathing material to which someone is exposed.
apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-
pressure mode. Q: When are higher exposures more likely?
A: Conditions which increase risk of exposure include
physical and mechanical processes (heating, pouring,
spraying, spills and evaporation from large surface areas
such as open containers), and "confined space" exposures
(working inside vats, reactors, boilers, small rooms, etc.).
 TRIETHYL ALUMINUM page 4 of 6

Q: Is the risk of getting sick higher for workers than for ------------------------------------------------------------------------
community residents? The following information is available from:
A: Yes. Exposures in the community, except possibly in
cases of fires or spills, are usually much lower than those New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
found in the workplace. However, people in the Occupational Health Service
community may be exposed to contaminated water as PO Box 360
well as to chemicals in the air over long periods. This Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
may be a problem for children or people who are already (609) 984-1863
ill. (609) 984-7407 (fax)

Web address: http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/odisweb/

Industrial Hygiene Information

Industrial hygienists are available to answer your questions
regarding the control of chemical exposures using exhaust
ventilation, special work practices, good housekeeping, good
hygiene practices, and personal protective equipment including
respirators. In addition, they can help to interpret the results of
industrial hygiene survey data.

Medical Evaluation
If you think you are becoming sick because of exposure to
chemicals at your workplace, you may call personnel at the
Department of Health and Senior Services, Occupational
Health Service, who can help you find the information you
need.

Public Presentations
Presentations and educational programs on occupational health
or the Right to Know Act can be organized for labor unions,
trade associations and other groups.

Right to Know Information Resources

The Right to Know Infoline (609) 984-2202 can answer
questions about the identity and potential health effects of
chemicals, list of educational materials in occupational health,
references used to prepare the Fact Sheets, preparation of the
Right to Know Survey, education and training programs,
labeling requirements, and general information regarding the
Right to Know Act. Violations of the law should be reported to
(609) 984-2202.
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 TRIETHYL ALUMINUM page 5 of 6

DEFINITIONS
ACGIH is the American Conference of Governmental NAERG is the North American Emergency Response
Industrial Hygienists. It recommends upper limits (called Guidebook. It was jointly developed by Transport Canada, the
TLVs) for exposure to workplace chemicals. United States Department of Transportation and the Secretariat
of Communications and Transportation of Mexico. It is a
A carcinogen is a substance that causes cancer. guide for first responders to quickly identify the specific or
generic hazards of material involved in a transportation
The CAS number is assigned by the Chemical Abstracts incident, and to protect themselves and the general public
Service to identify a specific chemical. during the initial response phase of the incident.

A combustible substance is a solid, liquid or gas that will burn. NCI is the National Cancer Institute, a federal agency that
determines the cancer-causing potential of chemicals.
A corrosive substance is a gas, liquid or solid that causes
irreversible damage to human tissue or containers. NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association. It classifies
substances according to their fire and explosion hazard.
DEP is the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection. NIOSH is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health. It tests equipment, evaluates and approves respirators,
DOT is the Department of Transportation, the federal agency conducts studies of workplace hazards, and proposes standards
that regulates the transportation of chemicals. to OSHA.

EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency, the federal NTP is the National Toxicology Program which tests
agency responsible for regulating environmental hazards. chemicals and reviews evidence for cancer.

A fetus is an unborn human or animal. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
which adopts and enforces health and safety standards.
A flammable substance is a solid, liquid, vapor or gas that will
ignite easily and burn rapidly. PEL is the Permissible Exposure Limit which is enforceable by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
The flash point is the temperature at which a liquid or solid
gives off vapor that can form a flammable mixture with air. PIH is a DOT designation for chemicals which are Poison
Inhalation Hazards.
HHAG is the Human Health Assessment Group of the federal
EPA. ppm means parts of a substance per million parts of air. It is a
measure of concentration by volume in air.
IARC is the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a
scientific group that classifies chemicals according to their A reactive substance is a solid, liquid or gas that releases
cancer-causing potential. energy under certain conditions.

A miscible substance is a liquid or gas that will evenly dissolve A teratogen is a substance that causes birth defects by
in another. damaging the fetus.

mg/m3 means milligrams of a chemical in a cubic meter of air. TLV is the Threshold Limit Value, the workplace exposure
It is a measure of concentration (weight/volume). limit recommended by ACGIH.

A mutagen is a substance that causes mutations. A mutation is The vapor pressure is a measure of how readily a liquid or a
a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can solid mixes with air at its surface. A higher vapor pressure
lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer. indicates a higher concentration of the substance in air and
therefore increases the likelihood of breathing it in.
 page 6 of 6
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> E M E R G E N C Y I N F O R M A T I O N <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Common Name: TRIETHYL ALUMINUM ============================================
DOT Number: UN 3051 FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire
NAERG Code: 135 department. You can request emergency information from the
CAS Number: 97-93-8 following:

CHEMTREC: (800) 424-9300

Hazard rating NJDHSS NFPA NJDEP HOTLINE: 1-877-WARN-DEP
FLAMMABILITY - 4 ============================================
REACTIVITY - 3
HANDLING AND STORAGE (See page 3)
FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE
MAY IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY IN AIR FIRST AID
DO NOT USE WATER, FOAM OR HALOGENATED
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS For POISON INFORMATION call 1-800-222-1222
POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE Eye Contact
Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least
3=serious; 4=severe 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately.
FIRE HAZARDS
Skin Contact
* Triethyl Aluminum is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID which * Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash
MAY IGNITE SPONTANEOUSLY IN AIR. area with large amounts of soap and water. Seek medical
* Use dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers. attention immediately.
* DO NOT USE WATER, FOAM or HALOGENATED
extinguishing agents. Breathing
* POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE * Remove the person from exposure.
including Aluminum Oxide fumes. * Begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions) if
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE. breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped.
* FIRE MAY RESTART AFTER IT HAS BEEN * Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
EXTINGUISHED.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be PHYSICAL DATA
trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.

SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES Vapor Pressure: 4 mm Hg at 181oF (82.7oC)

Flash Point: Ignites spontaneously in air
If Triethyl Aluminum is spilled or leaked, take the following Water Solubility: Reacts violently
steps:
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
* Evacuate persons not wearing protective equipment from
area of spill or leak until clean-up is complete. Chemical Name:
* Remove all ignition sources. Aluminum, Triethyl
* Cover with dry lime, sand or soda ash, and place in covered Other Names:
containers for disposal. TEA; ATE; Triethylalane
* DO NOT USE WATER OR WET METHOD. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Ventilate area after clean-up is complete.
* Keep Triethyl Aluminum out of a confined space, such as
Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial
a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless purposes.
the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
concentrations. NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Triethyl SENIOR SERVICES
Aluminum as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your Right to Know Program
state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or PO Box 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368
(609) 984-2202
your regional office of the federal Environmental
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Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations.
* If employees are required to clean-up spills, they must be
properly trained and equipped. OSHA 1910.120(q) may be
applicable.