ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
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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