ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
FERRIC CHLORIDE (FeCl3)
SYNONYMS
Ferric chloride hexahydrate, iron trichloride, ferric
perchloride, iron sesquichloride, iron chloride.
CHARACTERISTICS
Deep yellowishbrown liquid.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Ferric chloride is incompatible with:
Allyl chloride, sodium and potassium. Heating produces toxic
hydrogen chloride gas.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Moderately toxic by ingestion but a strong irritant to the skin
and eyes. It is moderately corrosive and skin contact should be
avoided.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves and safety
goggles as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing then immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or pain persist seek medical advice. 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 or pain persist seek
medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. If irritation
or pain persist seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth thoroughly with water and give plenty
of water or milk to drink and seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or incompatible
substances.
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:
BACK to the
top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the
Chemical Contents List