Safety data sheet reference · CAS 7440-48-4

Cobalt SDS

also: cobalt MSDS · safety data sheet · CAS 7440-48-4 · EC 231-158-0

Danger Carc. 1 · Muta. 2 · Resp. Sens. 1 · +1 Category 4

Health Hazard GHS08

Official PDF from supplier

Sigma-Aldrich ↗ Fisher Scientific ↗ Carl Roth ↗

This page is a reference, not the legal document.

CAS number

7440-48-4

EC number

231-158-0

CLP Annex VI index

027-001-00-9

§ 02 · Hazards identification

Harmonised EU classification

CLP Annex VI · Index 027-001-00-9. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.

H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction. Skin sensitiser — Category 1 (Skin Sens. 1)

H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. Respiratory sensitiser — Category 1 (Resp. Sens. 1)

H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects. Germ cell mutagenicity — Category 2 (Muta. 2)

H350 May cause cancer. Carcinogenicity — Category 1 (Carc. 1)

H413 May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life. Aquatic chronic — Category 4

Precautionary statements

P201 Obtain special instructions before use.

P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

P273 Avoid release to the environment.

P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

P308 IF exposed or concerned: get medical advice/attention.

P313 Get medical advice/attention.

P333 If skin irritation or rash occurs: get medical advice/attention.

P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

§ 07 · Handling and storage

Computed storage verdict

Never store with 4 storage groups Reactive metals

Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.

⚠ Known Catalytic Activity⚠ Pyrophoric

⛔ Never store with

Mineral acids Organic peroxides & self-reactives Oxidizing acids Oxidizers

↔ Keep separate

Bases Cyanides & sulfides Flammable liquids Flammable solids Compressed gases Organic acids Acute toxics

Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →

§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties

Measured properties

Melting point 1495 °C

Boiling point 2870 °C

Relative density (water = 1) 8.9

Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.

§ 10 · Stability and reactivity

Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active. Our database documents 52 incompatible and 12 caution reaction-partner groups for cobalt — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →

Incompatible

Caution

§ 13 · Disposal considerations

Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.

MSDS vs SDS

MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "cobalt MSDS" and a "cobalt SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →

Other reactive metals in our database

Compliance hub

From classification to SDS

The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →

GHS label maker

Build the label for cobalt

Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →

§ 16 · Sources

Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
Substance data: PubChem · ECHA

Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-07-27.

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?

In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "cobalt MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.

What GHS pictograms does cobalt require?

Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), cobalt carries GHS08 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H350, H341, H360F, H334, H317, H413. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.

What should cobalt never be stored with?

Based on its storage class (Reactive metals), cobalt must not share storage with: Mineral acids; Organic peroxides & self-reactives; Oxidizing acids; Oxidizers. Verify against the supplier's SDS sections 7 and 10 before finalising storage.

Where can I download an official cobalt SDS PDF?

From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.