ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
COBALT CHLORIDE (CoCl2.6H2O)
SYNONYMS
Cobalt chloride hexahydrate.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark ruby red crystals or crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride. Hazardous
polymerisation is possible. Discard after one year.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A suspected carcinogen and very toxic. Cobalt chloride attacks
the blood, liver, thyroid, lungs and connective tissues. It is
an eye and respiratory tract irritant and a skin sensitiser. Eye
contact causes redness and pain. Skin contact may produce an
allergic response in previously sensitised individuals.
Inhalation and ingestion produce flushing, mild hypotension and
rash with possible blood disorders and liver and thyroid damage.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Potential carcinogen, handle with great care.
Very toxic.
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin contact, skin sensitiser.
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Keep away from heat or naked flames, heating produces hydrogen
chloride.
Use a fume hood to avoid inhalation as the most detrimental
route of exposure is through the respiratory tract. Wear
protective clothing. 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 shoes, immediately wash
the affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts
of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If an allergic response is evident
or irritation persists seek medical advice.
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 advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion Give large amounts of water or milk. Induce vomiting
by touching a finger to the back of the throat, then seek
immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Keep the container tightly closed and store in a cool, dry
atmosphere away from heat or naked flame.
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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