CHLORAL HYDRATE CCl₃CH(OH)₂

SYNONYMS
Chloral.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, transparent crystals with a penetrating odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of chlorine compounds.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A very toxic substance causing nausea, vomiting, coldness of limbs and unconsciousness. It is an eye and skin irritant and harmful when inhaled.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid ingestion, very toxic.
Avoid inhalation.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to avoid inhalation of the vapour. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact. 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 seek medical attention.
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 breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. In severe cases seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth with water and give two to four glasses of water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat. Obtain immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, self contained breathing apparatus and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Absorb on paper towels or with vermiculite. Place on an iron, glass or plastic dish in a fume hood. Allow to evaporate. burn the paper or vermiculite. Wash the site with a soapy solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1. Pour on to vermiculite, sodium bicarbonate or sand-soda ash mixture (90/10). If a fluoride is present, add slaked lime to the mixture. Mix and shovel into paper boxes. place in an open incinerator, cover with scrap wood and paper then ignite with a torch or fuse. Stay on the upwind side.
OR
2. Dissolve in a flammable solvent. Spray into a fire box of an incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
ENVIRONMENT

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