TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. 

INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET 

KPA COATED PROPELLANT GRAINS 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT & COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. 

Inflatable Restraint Systems 

11202 East German Road 

Queen Creek, AZ 85242 

(480) 722-4852 (24 Hr.) 

Emergency Telephone No.

Chemtrec: 1-800-424-9300 

TRADE NAME: KPA Coated Propellant Grains MSDS NUMBER: 5004 - Revision 4 

CHEMICAL NAME: Mixture of Sodium Azide, Ferric 

Oxide, Graphite, Sodium Nitrate, Potassium Perchlorate, and 

Amorphous Silica 

SYNONYMS: Coated Airbag Propellant 

 

PREPARED BY:

Clayton Group Services, Inc. 

DATE OF ISSUE/REVISION:

Issue: 1/92; Revised: 3/92, 5/94, 4/95, & 11/03/03 

 

2. INGREDIENTS

 ACGIH OSHA

Component CAS # Percent (TLV) (PEL) Units

Sodium Azide (S) 26628-22-8 50-70 0.3 (C) Not Est. mg/M3

Ferric Oxide 1309-37-1 20-35 5 (F) 10 (F)(T) mg/M3

Graphite 7782-42-5 2-7 2 (R) 15 (T) mg/M3

 5 (R) mg/M3

Bentonite1. 1302-78-9 0-5 10 (T) 15 (T) mg/M3

 3 (R) 5 (R) mg/M3

Sodium Nitrate 7631-99-4 0-5 Not Est. Not Est. Not Est. 

Potassium Perchlorate 7778-74-7 0-3 Not Est . Not Est. Not Est. 

Amorphous Silica 112926-00-8 0-2 10 (T) mg/M3

 20 (T) MPPCF

ACGIH TLVs are based on 2003 values 

OSHA PELs are based on 1970 values 

All values are 8 hour time weighted averages unless otherwise noted. 

S = Material can be absorbed through the intact skin 

C = Ceiling Exposure Limit 

F = Fume 

T = Total Particulate Matter 

R = Respirable Fraction of Particulate Matter 

1. Exposure limits are for Particulates Not Otherwise Classified. No specific OSHA or ACGIH standards exist for this material. 

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3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW 

Product is a flammable solid. It is deep pink grains with no odor. Remove all sources of ignition and live electrical circuitry. 

May cause irritation of eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. May be absorbed through the intact skin. Wear 

appropriate personal protective equipment. Keep individuals not involved in the cleanup out of the area. If product is involved in a 

fire situation, evacuate all non-essential personnel well upwind and allow to burn unless life or property is threatened. If life or 

property is threatened, use large quantities of water. Do not let product or runoff water enter storm or sanitary sewers, ground 

water or soil. Sodium azide is highly toxic to aquatic life. Specific cleanup and disposal procedures should be obtained from

Chemtrec (1-800-424-9300). 

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: 

Eye: May cause irritation, tearing, and burning of the eyes. Combustion residues are caustic and may cause severe irritation or 

chemical burns. 

Skin Contact: May cause irritation of the skin. Combustion residues are caustic and may cause severe irritation or chemical burns. 

Skin Absorption: Sodium azide can be absorbed through the intact skin. The symptoms are similar to those discussed below for 

ingestion. 

Ingestion: Sodium azide may cause severe gastrointestinal irritation. May cause headache, nausea, blurred vision, shortness of 

breath, tachycardia (rapid heart beat), and methemoglobinemia which affects the uptake and transport of oxygen by the blood. 

Azides can have a severe hypotensive effect (lowering of the blood pressure) Nitrates can be converted into nitrites which can also 

cause methemoglobinemia. 

Initial symptoms methemoglobinemia is cyanosis which is characterized by a blue-black coloration of the lips, tongue, and mucous 

membranes, with the skin becoming slate gray. 

Inhalation: May cause irritation of the nose, throat, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. The symptoms are similar to those 

discussed above for ingestion. 

Chronic and Carcinogenicity: Prolonged dermal exposures may cause dermatitis. Animal studies have shown that azides can cause 

nerve damage and heart and brain lesions. In-vitro tests on bacterial and mammalian cell systems have shown that azides have 

mutagenic activity. See Section 11. Exposures to high concentrations of ferric oxide, Bentonite, and graphite over prolonged 

periods of time, as with any particulate matter may cause an impairment of lung function. 

Perchlorates can affect the use of iodine by the thyroid gland. Long term, high level exposures to perchlorates may cause 

symptoms of thyroid disfunction such as goiter. Perchlorates may also convert hemoglobin to methemoglobin and block the oxygen

transport mechanism of the blood. There is also some evidence that ingestion of large quantities of perchlorates can cause kidney 

and lymph node damage and, in extreme cases, damage to the blood forming organs. 

Pre-existing cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney, thyroid, respiratory, and dermal disorders may possibly be aggravated by 

exposure to the components of the product. 

The components of the product are not known to be carcinogens or potential carcinogens. 

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4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Inhalation: Remove exposed person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, oxygen may be administered. If breathing has stopped, 

artificial respiration should be started immediately. Seek medical attention. 

 

Eyes: Flush with tepid water for at least 20 minutes holding the eyelids wide open. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or 

persists. 

Skin: Wash thoroughly with mild soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or if symptoms of azide poisoning 

develop. Remove any contaminated clothing and launder thoroughly before reuse. 

Ingestion: Not expected to be an important route of entry into the body. If large amounts of the product are ingested, give 2 

glasses of water and induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Treatment should be symptomatic 

for azide and/or nitrite poisoning. Consult the nearest poison control center and seek medical attention. 

5. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

FLASH POINT: Not Applicable LEL: 0%*

 UEL: 100%* AUTO IGN. TEMP.: 570o F (300o C) 

*Self-oxidizing at elevated temperatures. 

Unless life or property is threatened, do not fight fires. The area should be evacuated and all personnel kept well upwind. 

Material near fires should be cooled with a water spray or fog to prevent ignition. Do not let runoff water enter storm or sanitary 

sewers, ground water or soil. See Sections 10 and 12 concerning the reaction of azides with acid and acidic water and the release 

or azides and nitrates to the environment. 

A self-contained breathing apparatus operating in the positive pressure mode and full fire fighting gear should be worn for 

combating fires. 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

If product is spilled or released eliminate all sources of ignition and live electrical circuitry. Individuals involved in the cleanup 

should wear appropriate personal protective equipment. All other personnel should be kept well clear of the area. Pick up released 

material with anti-static tools and place in DOT approved containers for disposal. Keep from entering storm or sanitary sewers, 

ground water, or soil. Releases may be reportable to federal, state, or local authorities. 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE 

Store in a cool dry environment away from incompatible materials cited in Section 10. Do not use or store near open flames, other 

source of ignition, where there is the possibility of contact with live electrical equipment or circuitry, or where there is the 

possibility of the buildup of static charges. Where dusty conditions may exist, electrically conductive floors and shoes are 

recommended to prevent the buildup of static charges. Appropriate personal protective equipment cited in Section 8 should be 

worn during handling. 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROL - PERSONAL PROTECTION

ENGINEERING CONTROLS: Local exhaust ventilation should be provided to maintain exposures below the limits cited in 

Section 2. Design details for local exhaust ventilation systems may be found in the latest edition of "Industrial Ventilation: A 

Manual of Recommended Practice" published by the ACGIH Committee on Industrial Ventilation, P.O. Box 16153, Lansing, MI 

48910. The need for local exhaust ventilation should be evaluated by a professional industrial hygienist. Local exhaust ventilation 

systems should be designed by a professional engineer. 

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8. EXPOSURE CONTROL - PERSONAL PROTECTION (Continued)

RESPIRATORY: If exposures may exceed the limits cited in Section 2, use, as a minimum, a NIOSH approved supplied air 

respirator. Consult a professional industrial hygienist or your respiratory protective equipment supplier for selection of the proper 

equipment. The evaluation of the need for respiratory protection should be determined by a professional industrial hygienist. 

EYE PROTECTION: Chemical protective goggles are recommended where there is the possibility of eye contact with the 

product. Safety glasses with sideshields are recommended for all other operations. 

PROTECTIVE GLOVES: Polymeric gloves are recommended to prevent possible irritation. Recommended PPE materials are 

natural, neoprene, or nitrile rubber or PVC. 

GENERAL: A polymeric coated apron or other body covering is recommended where there is a possibility of regular work 

clothing becoming contaminated with the product. All soiled or dirty clothing and personal protective equipment should be 

thoroughly cleaned before reuse. All personal protective equipment should be flame retardant. 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE & PHYSICAL STATE: Deep Pink MELT POINT: N.D. 

Grains or Granules 

VAPOR DENSITY (AIR=1): N.A OCTANOL/WATER PARTITION COEFFICIENT: N.D. 

VAPOR PRESSURE: N.A. EVAPORATION RATE BuOAc = 1: N.A. 

ODOR: None SPECIFIC GRAVITY/BULK DENSITY: ~2.5 

% VOLATILE BY VOLUME: Not Volatile BOILING POINT: N.A. 

% SOLUBILITY (H2O): 50-78 pH: N.A. 

OTHER: Autoignition Temperature = 570o

 F (300o C) 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

STABILITY & POLYMERIZATION: Product is stable. Hazardous polymerization will not occur. 

INCOMPATIBILITY (CONDITIONS TO AVOID): Azides may react with copper, silver, gold, other heavy metals, brass, 

bronze, and alloys containing these species to form potentially explosive metal azides. Strong oxidizing agents may initiate 

ignition. Reaction with acids or acidic water will liberate hydrazoic acid (HN3), which is highly toxic and explosive. 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Thermal decomposition or combustion may product dense smoke, oxides of 

nitrogen, and fumes of iron and silicon. Acidic water may react with sodium azide to form highly toxic and explosive hydrazoic

acid (HN3). 

Ignition of the product will form small amounts of sodium metal and sodium oxide, which will form sodium hydroxide on contact 

with water. Sodium hydroxide is potentially corrosive and should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment to 

prevent skin contact. 

SPECIAL SENSITIVITY: The product may self ignite at temperatures in excess of 570o

 F (300o C). The material may also be 

ignited by live electrical equipment and circuitry. Graphite is electrically conductive. Accumulations of dust may cause shorting of 

electrical circuits. Care should be taken to seal electrical circuits and switches that may be affected. Dusts should not be emitted to 

the atmosphere where they may settle on and potentially cause shorting of outside electrical equipment. 

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11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Sodium Azide: LD50 (Rat) = 42 mg/kg 

 LD50 (Rabbit, Skin) = 20 mg/kg 

Sodium azide has been used as an anti-hypertensive drug. In human clinical trials, no adverse effects were reported over a 2.5 year 

period if dosages were kept below 0.75 mg per day. This is the approximate daily dose an individual would receive if they were

exposed at the ceiling exposure limit for an entire workshift. Thus, the implications of animal and in-vitro tests to human health are 

not known. 

The other components of the product have much lower acute toxicities than does sodium azide. The LD50s for the other 

components range from 1,870 mg/kg for potassium perchlorate to greater tha 5,000 mg/kg for graphite and amorphous silica. 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Sodium azide is highly toxic to aquatic life. A concentration of azide ion above 8 mg/L (ppm) is considered a critical concentration 

for fish toxicity. High concentrations of nitrates can cause the eutrophication of lakes and other bodies of water. 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Dispose of used or waste product in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to the management of RCRA 

regulated wastes (40 CFR 261, 262, and 268). 

14. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION 

DOT Proper Shipping Name: Flammable Solid, Inorganic, NOS, 4.1, PG II, UN3178, (Sodium Azide, Iron Oxide) 

Label: Flammable Solid 

Restrictions: Passenger Aircraft = 15 Kg, Cargo Aircraft = 50 Kg 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Sodium azide is reportable under Sections 311 and 312 of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986. The 

Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) is 500 pounds and the Reportable Quantity (RQ) is 1000 pounds. This is equivalent to 715 

pounds and 1429 pounds of product for the TPQ and RQ respectively. 

Sodium azide has been listed as an Extraordinarily Hazardous Substance by the State of Massachusetts and as a Special Health 

Hazard substance by the State of New Jersey. 

The product is classified as a Reactive Hazardous Waste (D003) by the EPA. 

OSHA Hazard Communication Categories: Irritant, Blood Hazard, Lung Hazard, Kidney Hazard, Skin Hazard. 

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Reasons for Revision: Change manufacturer’s address and telephone number and periodic review and update of all information. 

Not Est. = Not Established 

All components of the product are included in the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) inventory. 

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16. OTHER INFORMATION (Continued)

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE: The information in the Material Safety Data Sheet relates only to the specific material(s) 

described herein and does not relate to use in combination with any other material or substance or in any process. We 

believe that the information contained herein is current as of the date of issue of this Material Safety Data Sheet. Because 

the use of this information and these opinions and the conditions of use of this product are not within the control of 

TRW Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc – Inflatable Restraint Systems, it is the user's obligation to determine the 

conditions of safe use of the product.

Users of this product should study this Material Safety Data Sheet and become aware of the product hazards and safety 

information before using the product. Users should also notify their employees, agents, and contractors regarding 

information contained in this Material Safety Data Sheet and any product hazards and safety information in order to 

provide safe use of this product.