Silane - SiH4
Find here the essential information on silicon tetrahydride (SiH4) or silane: characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems - Silane gas detector - and proper respiratory protective equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirator).
Silane properties (SiH4)
Silicon tetrahydride (SiH4) – most commonly known as silane – is an active gas primarily used for deposing silicon base layers. This process is performed through pyrolysis in the glass industry: oxygen-free thermal decomposition of organic materials. It is also used to produce amorphous silicon for photocopiers or solar cells.
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7784-42-1 | 0.05 ppm | 0.2 ppm | - | 9.87 eV | 2.7 | SCBA |
Silane effects on health
At ambient temperature, silane (SiH4) is a colorless gas with a specific smell. As it is heavier than air, it can replace oxygen in poorly ventilated areas and create asphyxiatingenvironments. The major silane hazard remains its explosiveness. Indeed, as it is extremely flammable, it can spontaneously ignite when in contact with the air. If heated, it produces hydrogenated silicon, which increase the risk of explosion.
Silane can be swallowed by inhalation. If released, this gas can swiftly reach hazardous concentration levels in the air. If inhaled, silane causes headaches, nausea, coughing and sore throat. The liquid's fast evaporation can cause frostbite.
Silane gas detector - SiH4
Although SiH4 is detectable through smell, only a silane gas detector can accurately measure concentrations of this asphyxiating gas. It is thus advised to use fixed or portable silane gas detection devices or systems.
For calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, silane calibration gas cylinders are available.
SiH4 respiratory protection - Silane
As silane is an asphyxiating gas implying high risks of suffocation, it is recommended to wear an opened circuit self-contained breathing apparatus or an air supplying respirator for long-term applications.