ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
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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