ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
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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