Material Safety Data Sheet

For small spills: Retrieve as much material as possible by pushing gently with soft-bristle brushes and
brooms, squeegees or dust mops, or by scooping with buckets or shoveling into containers or back into
the original packaging. A final clean-up with a damp cloth or mop should suffice. Do not use compressed
air or vigorous sweeping, as this may scatter dust into hidden or difficult-to-clean areas. Inspect hidden
areas where dust may have settled.
During a major spill or release, a fine mist spray directed high at/on top of the cloud will lessen airborne
dust. Airborne black powder will appear to be more material than it is and the majority of the spill will
remain or settle quickly at ground-level and on horizontal surfaces. Once started, powder will flow like
water. Barriers and berms can contain or direct the spill. Do not attempt to enter the spill to stop it as
engulfment can occur. Once the flow stops, retrieve as much material as possible by pushing gently with
soft-bristle brushes and brooms, squeegees or dust mops, or by scooping with buckets or shoveling into
containers. Ignition-proof vacuums and vacuum trucks can aid in removing large spills. For final cleanup,
wet area with a light water spray and squeegee surfaces.
If material collects on vehicles, remove the excess with soft-bristle brushes, then wash off the carbon
with water-carbon powder will scratch the paint if wiped off.
Wetting the material with a light mist and slowly saturating it with water can aid in clean-up. Spill
containment berms/straw bales which allow water to pass can effectively filter out the insoluble carbon
and slow the water flow to allow the carbon to settle where excess water is used. If material enters or is
washed down drains, continue to flush with water until clear. Carbon is insoluble and will settle out
when the flow stops, potentially clogging pipes or drains, and can be difficult to re-suspend.
Waste Disposal Method: Dispose unused carbon as non-hazardous waste in refuse containers in
accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
7. Handling and Storage
Storage: Store packaged material as received in a dry, well-ventilated facility at ambient temperatures
until ready to use. Store away from strong oxidizers, strong acids, ignition sources, combustible
materials, and heat. An adequate air gap between packages is recommended to reduce propagation in
the case of fire.
Bulk dry storage silos and containers should be designed to avoid strong ignition sources and
uncontrolled ingress of air which could cause low velocity air flows in the carbon bed. Air flow can lead
to localized heating due to the exothermic reaction of carbon with oxygen. It is recommended that bulk
storage silos and dust collectors have relief venting or explosion doors in case of a fire event which could
create the conditions necessary for deflagration. Refer to NFPA Standard 68 for guidance.
Handling: A hazard assessment should be carried out. As with all finely divided materials, ground all
transfer, blending, and dust collecting equipment to prevent static discharge. Remove all strong ignition
sources from material handling, transfer, and processing areas where dust may be present or
accumulate. Practice good housekeeping. Excessive accumulations of dust or dusty conditions can
create the potential of secondary explosions. Inspection of hidden surfaces for dust accumulation should
be made routinely. If possible, eliminate the pathways for dust to accumulate in hidden areas. Fine
carbon dust may penetrate electrical equipment and cause electrical shorts. Where dusting is
unavoidable, dust-proof boxes and regular electrical line maintenance are recommended. Refer to NFPA
standards 654 for guidance.
Caution employees-no smoking in carbon storage and handling areas. Carbon is difficult to ignite,
however, cutting and welding operations should be carried out using hot work permit systems where
precautions are taken not to ignite carbon, which may smolder undetected.