CALCIUM CHLORIDE (CaCl₂)

SYNONYMS
None known.
CHARACTERISTICS
White, hygroscopic, crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Mixtures with borax oxide and calcium oxide can be hazardous.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and is moderately toxic when ingested. It is hygroscopic and prolonged skin contact may cause dermatitis.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, or inhalation. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists or dermatitis develops seek medical attention. Wash contaminated clothing before re­use.
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash the mouth thoroughly with water and give large quantities of milk or water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry atmosphere away from moisture.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution - cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT

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REFERENCES