This SDS is the English translation version of the document No.MEI-4005 that has been issued by
Japan Cutting & Wear-resistant Tool Association. Please note that this SDS may not conform to
the laws, regulations of the countries other than Japan.
＊本 SDS は、日本機械工具工業会発行の文書 No.MEI-4005 を英語に翻訳したものです。本 SDS は、日本国以外の国々の法律や規則に適合しない場合がありますので注意ください。

Safety Data Sheet（SDS）Standard Form…20220106
This SDS (Safety Data Sheet) will be a standard form created by the Japan Cutting & Wear-resistantTool Association (hereinafter referred to as “JTA”). In particular, the part written in blue letters will
be information related to products, ingredients and JTA management, so please change them asappropriate by each company and operate with responsibility.

Established Date: 16/Feb/2017
Revised Date: 06/Jan/2022

1. Identification of the Substance and of the Company
Product Identifier:
Cermet (include the coated or surface treated Cermet)
Supplier Information:
Company Name: Nihon Hardmetal Co.,Ltd
Address: 4004 Nakatsu Aikawa machi Aikou gun Kanagawa pref, 243-0303
Phone Number: 046-285-0388
FAX Number: 046-285-3136
Emergency Phone Number: 046-285-0388
Recommended Use of the Cermet
Cutting and drilling tools for metallic materials
Restrictions on Use of the Cermet
Do not use for other than the specified purpose
Attention to the Phase/State of the Cermet
・ Cermet as solid state like cutting tools is chemically stable and safe at explosive,
flammable, combustible, pyrophoric, water-reactive, and oxidizability under normal
environment.
・Cermet is safe for use as the cutting tools (grinding, machining, rolling for metals) undernormal condition.
・This SDS informs about the dust, fume or vapor which occur from Cermet producing
process such as raw material powder handling and grinding.

2. Hazard Identification
The GHS Classification
Some data (such as the burning rate test data, etc.) for the dust, fume or vapor which
occur from Cermet producing process are unavailable. Therefore, they are not beclassified by GHS.
In here, GHS classification of the each metallic ingredients (cobalt, nickel andchromium) for composing the Cermet can be disclosed. In addition, other hazards andharmful effects (for health, environment, physical and chemical) which are not listed are
unclassifiable or non-applicable by GHS.

GHS classification for the hazards of cobalt alone in below,(When cobalt is included as ingredients of Cermet.)
Health Hazard
Category4
・Acute toxicity (oral)
・Acute toxicity (inhaled: dust, mist) Category1・Serious eye damage / eye irritation Category2B
Category1A・Respiratory sensitization
Category1A・Skin sensitization
Category2
・Carcinogenicity
Category1B
・Reproductive toxicity
Category1
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory)(Single exposure)
Category1
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory, Heart,(Repeated exposure)
Thyroid, Blood)
Environmental
Category1
・Hazardous to the aquatic
Hazard:environment – prolonged (Chronic
hazard)Category1
・Hazardous to the aquatic
environment – repeated (Acutehazard)GHS classification for the hazards of nickel alone in below,(When nickel is included as ingredients of Cermet.)
Health Hazard
Category1
・Respiratory sensitization
Category1
・Skin sensitization
Category2
・Carcinogenicity
Category1
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory tract irritation)(Single exposure)
Category1
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory)(Repeated exposure)Environmental
Category4
・Hazardous to the aquatic
Hazard:environment – prolonged (Chronic
hazard)GHS classification for the hazards of chromium alone in below,(When chromium is included as ingredients of Cermet.)
Health Hazard
Category2B・Serious eye damage
Category1
・Respiratory sensitization
Category1
・Skin sensitization
Category2
・Germ cell mutagenicity
Category2
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory tract irritation)(Single exposure)
Category3
・Specific target organ toxicity(Respiratory)(Repeated exposure)
GHS Label Elements
GHS label elements of the each metallic ingredients (cobalt, nickel and chromium) forcomposing the Cermet can be disclosed in below.

Cobalt

NickelChromium

HazardPictograms：

SignalWords：
HazardStatements：

Danger・Risk of causing
・Risk of causing
・Risk of causing
allergies, asthma or
allergies, asthma or
allergies, asthma or
breathing difficulties
breathing difficulties
breathing difficulties
if inhaled.
if inhaled.
if inhaled.
・Risk of causing an
・Risk of causing an
・Risk of causing anallergic skin reaction. allergic skin reaction. allergic skin reaction.
・May cause cancer.
・May cause cancer.
・Suspected of
causing genetic
・May cause adverse・Respiratory anddiseaseeffects on fertility or
kidney disorders
the unborn child.
・Cause of respiratory ・Failure to systemic
toxicity
・Risk of respiratory
failure due to long・Risk of respiratory
irritation.
term or repetitive
exposure.
irritation.
・Cause of・May be harmful torespiratory failure
due to long-term oraquatic life due torepetitive exposure.
long lasting effects
・May be harmful toaquatic life due tolong lasting effects
Precautionary 【Prevention】
Statements： ･Obtain safety instructions* before use.
･Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read andunderstood.
･Use appropriate personal protection and ventilation system keeping
away from exposure.
･Wear suitable protective gloves.
･When insufficient ventilation, wear respirator as required.
･Do not breathe dust, fume or vapor.
･Do not eat, drink or smoke in handling area.
･Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
･Do not release into the environment.
【Responses】･ If inhaled, move to fresh air and take a rest with posture easy tobreathe.
･If respiratory symptoms occurs, contact a doctor.
･When feeling ill, get medical advice/attention.
･Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
･If on skin, rinse away immediately with a large amount of water andsoap.
･If skin irritation occurs, contact a doctor and get medical
advice/attention.
･If exposed or concerned, get medical advice/attention.
･If dust is in eyes, immediately wash away with clean water (remove thecontact lenses if possible). If irritation persists, get medical

advice/attention.
･If a large amount of dust is swallowed, get medical advice/attention
after ingesting plenty of water to dilute.
【Storage】･Avoid sudden changes of temperature and high humidity for storage.
【Disposal】･Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plantunder the laws.
*For safety instructions, refer to the Japan Cutting & Wear-resistant Tool Association
website（http://www.jta-tool.jp/）.
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Distinction between substance and mixture: Mixture (alloy)
Chemical name or general name: Cermet
Cermet may be coated or surface treated with the following substances.
AlCrN, AlN, Al2O3, (Al,Ti)N, B4C, Cr3C2, CrN, MoS2, Ti(B,C,N), TiC, TiCN, TiN,
(Ti,Si)N, (Ti,Zr)N, WC
Ingredients and concentration or concentration range (composition) of the Cermet.
IngredientChemical
Formula

CAS NoOfficial
Number of
Law for
PRTR

Official Numberof Industrial
Safety and
Health Law

Composition
mass%

Titanium carbide
TiC
12070-08-5
N/A
N/A
15-50
Titanium nitride
TiN
25583-20-4
N/A
N/A
0-30
Tungsten carbideWC
12070-12-1
N/A
N/A
0-30
Tantalum carbide
TaC
12070-06-3
N/A
N/A
0-20
Niobium carbide
NbC
12069-94-2
N/A
N/A
0-20
Molybdenum carbide
Mo2C
12069-89-5 Class1:453 Appendix 9-603
0-20
Appendix 9-313
Zirconium carbide
ZrC
12070-14-3
N/A
0-5
CobaltCo
7440-48-4
Class1:132 Appendix 9-172
0-20※
NickelNi
7440-02-0
Class1:308 Appendix 9-418
0-20※
Appendix9-142
ChromiumCr
7440-47-3
Class1:87
0-5※*For the details regarding the content of the designated chemical material such ascobalt, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum carbide (effective digit: 2), please contact tothe above supplier.
*Even if the cemented carbide do not contain cobalt, nickel, chromium as an active
ingredient may include cobalt, nickel, chromium as an impurity.

4. First-Aid Measures
If Inhaled
If the high concentration of dust is inhaled or respiratory symptoms (coughs, gasping,shortness of breath, etc.) are experienced, move to fresh air and take a rest with postureeasy to breathe. If breathing difficulties occur, administer oxygen inhalation. If breathinghas stopped, immediately administer artificial respiration and get medical
advice/attention.
If irritation or rash persists, get medical advice and attention.
If on Skin
If dust is contacted with skin, take off contaminated clothing and rinse the affected areawith soapy water thoroughly. If irritation or rash persists, get medical advice/attention.
If in Eyes
If dust is in eyes, immediately wash away with clean water (remove the contact lenses if
possible). If irritation persists, get medical advice/attention.

If Swallowed
If a large amount of dust is swallowed, get medical advice/attention after ingesting
plenty of water to dilute.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Suitable Extinguishing Media and Unsuitable Extinguishing MediaTo extinguish the fire of dust, use dry sand, expanded vermiculite, dilatable perlite, ABC
type (general, oil, electric fire) powder extinguishers or water (no water allowed for thedust containing cut powders of light metal such as magnesium and aluminum).
Special Protective Equipment and Emergency Procedures for Fire-Fighters
In fighting a fire, wear a protective clothing, dust-proof respirator or respiratory
protective equipment.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Personal Precautions, Protective Equipment, and Emergency Procedures
It is recommended that someone who cleans dust should wear clothing and respiratory
protective equipment to minimize exposure.
Environmental Precautions
Dispose of dust as industrial wastes and prevent release in water systems.
Containment and Cleanup Methods and Equipment
If there is dust which occur from Cermet producing process, isolate the area and remove
with a cleaner equipped with a filter which can take up fine particles very efficiently. If
appropriate removing methods are not available, sweep with water sprayers or wet
mops.
7. Handling and Storage
Handling■ Technical Measures
If the disperse of dust containing cobalt or nickel is concerned, provide local exhaust
ventilation and use personal protective equipment to minimize exposure to human body.
■ Precautions for Safe Handling
Obtain safety instructions before use.
Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
■ Contact Avoidance
Take measures described in “Exposure Controls/Personal Protection.”
Do not breathe dust, fume or vapor.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in handling area.
■ Hygiene measures
Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
Do not release into the environment.
Storage■ Conditions for Safe Storage
Avoid sudden changes of temperature and high humidity for storage.
If storing fine powder, dust, and swarf generated by cutting or polishing, cover themwith a cover to prevent dispersal.
■ Materials for Safe Container
Use materials meeting the specific gravity of Cermet
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Exposure Prevention
・Permissible concentration in working environment (reference value)

IngredientChemical
Formula

OSHA* PEL*
mg/m3

ACGIH* TLV*
mg/m3

Japan Society for
Occupational Health
Exposure Limit*
mg/m3

Titanium carbide
Titanium nitride
Tungsten carbide
Tantalum carbide
Niobium carbide
Molybdenum carbide
Zirconium carbide
CobaltNickelChromium

TiC
TiN
WC
TaC
NbC
Mo2C
ZrC
Co
Ni
Cr

N/A
N/A
5 (as W)
5 (as Ta)N/A
15 (as Mo)
5 (as Zr)
0.1
1.0
1.0

N/A
N/A
5 (as W)
5 (as Ta)
N/A
10 (as Mo)
5 (as Zr)
0.02
1.5
0.5

N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.05
1.0
0.5

*OSHA：*PEL：*ACGIH：*TLV：* Exposure
Limit：*N/A：

Occupational Safety & Health Administration U.S. Department
Permissible Exposure Limit
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Inc.
Threshold Limit Value
If processing such as polishing and cutting that generates dust, foringredients with not indicated value, refer to the exposure limit of theJapan Society for Occupational Health
Not Applicable・Facility measures
Provide local exhaust ventilation so that dusts in the air may not exceed the exposure
limits in the above table. It is to be noted that management concentration of the cobalt(and its inorganic compounds) is to be 0.02mg/m3 in accordance with the working
environment assessment standard by Japanese Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
under the paragraph (2), Article 65-2 of the Industrial Safety and Health Act in Japan.
In addition, cobalt (and its inorganic compounds) in the storage or handling, and that totake the necessary action conforming to the Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards due toSpecified Chemical Substances.
Protection Measures
Respiratory Protection:
Hand Protection:
Eye/Face Protection:
Skin/Body Protection:

Dust-proof respirators and respiratory protective equipment
are recommended.
Protective gloves for dust are recommended.
Eye and face protections for dust are recommended.
Avoid direct skin contact.
Clean up deposited dust on clothing, rags, etc. by washing or
absorbing with suitable filters but not by whisking off.
Change the contaminated clothing into clean one.

Hygiene Measure
Wash skin thoroughly after handling.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical State:
Solid state
Color :
Dark grey color(in case of the coated or surface treated Cermet, the appearance color
is often different.)
Odor:
OdorlessMelting/Freezing
Point:
Boiling or Initial
Boiling Point andBoiling Range:
Flammability,
Explosion
Limits,Flammability
Limit,
Flash
Point,
Spontaneous
Ignition
Temperature,
Resolution
Temperature:
pH:
Kinematic
Viscosity:
Solubility:
Vapor Pressure:
Density and/or
Relative Density:
Relative
Gas
Density:
Particle
Properties:

No data available
No data available
No data available

No data available
No data available
Insoluble
No data available
5.5 – 9.0
No data available
No data available

10. Stability and Reactivity
A grain of dust which occur from Cermet producing process is very fine and under the
specific conditions in which the dusts are mixed with grinding oil with low flash point, it
is possible to become pyrophoric. If dusts under very flammable conditions are dispersedin the air, it is possible to explode.
The each metallic ingredients (cobalt, nickel and chromium) for composing the Cermet
has the following information about stability and reactivity under specific conditions.

Stability and reactivity of cobalt alone in below,(When cobalt is included as ingredients of Cermet.)
Reactivity, chemical stability:
Stable to heat and contact with water
Ignite spontaneously in air
Hazardous reactions:
It reacts with strong oxidizing agents
It reacts violently with oxygen, and it poses a riskof fire or explosion
It reacts violently with acid to generate hydrogen
Conditions to avoid:Contact with incompatible materials
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, acidHazardous decomposition products:
By combustion, cobalt oxide and fumes of cobalt
oxide may occur
Stability and reactivity of nickel alone in below,(When nickel is included as ingredients of Cermet.)Reactivity, chemical stability:
Hazardous reactions:

Conditions to avoid:
Hazardous decomposition products:

It is considered stable in storage and handling inaccordance with the laws and regulations
Metallic nickel is usually stabilized against
oxidation by the oxide film, fresh metal surfaces
without oxide film is rapidly oxidized by air. Thus,
fresh metallic nickel powder, there is a risk ofignition in air.
No data available
No data available

Stability and reactivity of chromium alone in below,(When chromium is included as ingredients of Cermet.)
Reactivity, chemical stability:
Stable under normal handling conditions
Hazardous reactions:
Reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents suchas hydrogen peroxide, it poses a risk of fire or
explosion.
It reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid and dilute
sulfuric acid.
Conditions to avoid:
The alkali or alkaline carbonate is Incompatible.
When mixed with air in powder or granular form,
there is a possibility of dust explosion.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents, dilute hydrochloric acid,
dilute sulfuric acid, alkali, alkali carbonate
Hazardous decomposition products:
During combustion, there can be irritating or toxic
fumes and gases.

11. Toxicological Information
Acute Toxicity:
Skin Corrosion/Irritation:
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation:
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization:
Germ Cell Mutagenicity:
Carcinogenicity:

No data available on Cermet
No data available on Cermet
No data available on Cermet
No data available on Cermet
No data available on CermetGroup 2A on IARC, as cobalt powder
coexisting with tungsten carbide powder.
Suspected to be carcinogenic in humans(Ref.1)
Reproductive Toxicity:
No data available on Cermet
Specific Target Organ Toxicity/Systemic Toxicity: No data available on Cermet(Single Exposure)Specific Target Organ Toxicity/Systemic Toxicity: No data available on Cermet(Repeated Exposure)
Aspiration Hazard:
No data available on Cermet

12. Ecological Information
Ecotoxicity, Persistence, Degradability, Bioaccumulation, Mobility in soil, Hazardous to theozone layer
Not reported on Cermet
13. Disposal Considerations
Safe and environmentally desirable disposal or recycle method
The main ingredients such as tungsten carbide, cobalt, nickel are rare metal. It is
desirable to collect and recycle them.
For disposal, conform to the applicable laws regarding industrial wastes such as ‘Waste
Disposal and Public Cleansing Law’ and relevant local by laws.

14. Transport Information
International Regulations
UN Number:
Not applicable
UN Hazard Class:Not applicable
Marine Pollutant:
Not applicable*When transporting a powder of metallic ingredients (cobalt, nickel) for composing the
Cermet, there is a possibility that it is necessary to take appropriate action in accordancewith the relevant provisions established by IMO (International Maritime Organization),
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), IATA (International Air Transport
Association).
Domestic Regulations
Land Regulatory Information

In accordance with
the Fire Service Act/
the Road Act
Marine Transportation
In accordance with
Information:
the Ship Safety Act/
the Act on Port
Regulations
Marine Pollutant:
Not applicable
Aviation transportation
In accordance with
the Civil Aeronautics
information：
Act*When transporting a powder of metallic ingredients (cobalt, nickel) for composing the
Cermet, there is a possibility that it is necessary to take appropriate action in accordancewith the relevant provisions of Ship Safety Law and the Aviation Law.
Special Safety Measures for Transportation and Transportation Method
When transporting the dust which occur from Cermet producing process, make sure that
there is no damage or corrosion or leakage of the container, to ensure implementation of
the prevention of collapse of cargo.

15. Regulatory Information
Name and Information of Applicable Regulatory
Law for Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)
Cobalt: “Class 1 designated chemical substances”, Cabinet Order No.132
Nickel: “Class 1 designated chemical substances”, Cabinet OrderNo.308
Chromium: “Class 1 designated chemical substances”, Cabinet OrderNo.87
Molybdenum: “Class 1 designated chemical substances”, Cabinet OrderNo.453
Industrial Safety and Health Law, Ordinance on Prevention of Hazards due toSpecified Chemical Substances
Cobalt: The substances are defined in the Article 57-2 of the Act, and the cobalt
is listed by No.172 in Appended Table9 in the Article 18-2 of the
Enforcement Order as “Dangerous or Harmful Substances to be notified
their names, etc.”
Article 2, Paragraph 1, Items 2 and 5 of Ordinance on Prevention ofHazards due to Specified Chemical Substance, Specified chemical
substance class 2, Management class 2.
When the content of cobalt and cobalt oxide is less than 1%, theOrdinance on Prevention of Hazards due to Specified Chemical
Substance is not covered.
Nickel: The substances are defined in the Article 57-2 of the Act, and the nickel
is listed by No.418 in Appended Table9 in the Article 18-2 of theEnforcement Order as “Dangerous or Harmful Substances to be notified
their names, etc.”
Chromium: The substances are defined in the Article 57-2 of the Act, and thechromium is listed by No.142 in Appended Table9 in the Article 18-2 ofthe Enforcement Order as “Dangerous or Harmful Substances to be
notified their names, etc.”
Molybdenum: The substances are defined in the Article 57-2 of the Act, and themolybdenum is listed by No.603 in Appended Table9 in the Article 18-2of the Enforcement Order as “Dangerous or Harmful Substances to be
notified their names, etc.”
Zirconium: The substances are defined in the Article 57-2 of the Act, and thezirconium is listed by No.313 in Appended Table9 in the Article 18-2 ofthe Enforcement Order as “Dangerous or Harmful Substances to be
notified their names, etc.”
16. Other Information
Other Hazardous Information
The following attention should be paid for dust which occur from Cermet producing process.
If a large amount of dust containing cobalt is inhaled, blood, heart, thyroid gland, andspleen disorders may result. (Ref.2)
It is reported that repeated or prolonged contact with cobalt, nickel, or chromium may
affect skin, respiratory organs, heart, etc. (Ref.3 - 6)
Contact with molybdenum stimulates skin and eyes. Also, inhalation and swallowing ofmolybdenum may be harmful. (Ref.7)
For carcinogenicity of metallic ingredients of Cermet has the following knowledge.
Cobalt metal
ACGIH
A3: Confirmed animal carcinogen withunknown relevance to humans.
IARC
2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Japan Society for
2B: The substance has been determined to be
Occupational
possibly carcinogenic to humans (withHealthrelatively insufficient evidence).
Nickel metal
ACGIH
A5: Not suspected as a human carcinogen.
IARC
2B: Possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Japan Society for
2B: The substance has been determined to be
Occupational
possibly carcinogenic to humans (withHealthrelatively insufficient evidence).
Chromium metal
IARC
3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity tohumans.
*ACGIH：

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Inc.

*IARC：

International Agency for Research on Cancer

Disclaimer
The contents of this SDS are based on material and information available as of today andmay be revised due to knowledge newly obtained. The values of concentration,
physical/chemical properties are not guaranteed. In addition, the precautions describedherein apply only to normal uses, and thus safety cannot be guaranteed.
Reference URL
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry：
Ministry of the Environment：
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare：

http://www.meti.go.jp/
http://www.env.go.jp/
http://www.mhlw.go.jp/

Japan Industrial Safety and Health Assoc.：
http://www.jaish.gr.jp/
International Agency for Research on Cancer：
http://monographs.iarc.fr/
International Chemical Safety Card：
http://www.nihs.go.jp/ICSC/National Institute of Technology and Evaluation：
http://www.safe.nite.go.jp/ghs/list.html
Reference Documents(1) IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, vol.86 (2006).
(2) Food & Drug Research Laboratories, study No.8005B (4.11.84).
(3) T. Shirakawa et al., Chest. 95, 29 (1989).
(4) International Chemical Safety Cards (cobalt, chromium, nickel).
(5) The Guide to Chemical Hazards (edited by Japan Industrial Safety & Health
Association)(6) A. O. Bech et al., Brit. J. Ind., 19, 239 (1962).
(7) Chemical safety management data book, (The Chemical Daily Co., Ltd.)
Revision History
First edition
First revision

16/Feb/2017
06/Jan/2022