TRICHLOROETHYLENE (ClCH = CCl₂)

SYNONYMS
Trichloroethane, ethinyl trichloride.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from metal powders.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless liquid with characteristic odour. Decomposes in flame or at hot surface forming toxic gas phosgene and corrosive fumes of hydrochloric acid. Decomposes by U/V. Reacts violently with finely dispersed metals (e.g. zinc).
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
May be absorbed by inhalation, ingestion or via the skin. Irritates eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May affect nervous system and causes liver and kidney injury. Serious cases may result with unconsciousness and death. Inhalation causes coughing, dizziness, dullness, laboured breathing and unconsciousness. Skin contact causes redness. Eye contact causes redness and pain. Ingestion causes coughing, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dizziness and unconsciousness.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ 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 hypersensitivity develops seek medical attention.
Eyes ­ 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 immediate medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or signs of toxicity develop seek medical attention.
Ingestion ­ wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Light metals.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or ignition sources.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing apparatus (or work in a fume hood).
SPILLS:
Absorb on paper towels and allow to evaporate in the fume hood. Burn the paper. Wash the spill site with a soap solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
The toxic liquid compounds concerned here are insoluble in water and cannot be burned. purify the contaminated liquid by distillation and place the purified distillate back on the shelf.
OR
Disposal of according to any local regulations.
ENVIRONMENT:

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