Chloroacetic acid

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Symptoms and effects

Oral uptake and contamination of the skin may lead quickly to serious systemic effects with symptoms like vomiting and/or shock, that can result in a dangerous and potentially fatal intoxication, especially if decontamination and medical treatment is delayed!

Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tract.

First aid:

General:

Always seek medical attention.

Do not delay treatment of exposed individuals, death may result!

Inhalation

Bring the victim(s) into fresh air and place in a stable position.

If experiencing respiratory symptoms: call a doctor and show the safety data sheet!

In case of breathing arrest immediately apply breathing and cardiac resuscitation and call immediately the emergency doctor!

Skin

Remove immediately contaminated cloth and shoes and rinse skin with plenty of water.

In case of extensive skin contamination use the emergency shower or, if available, emergency tub filled with a staurated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (NaHCO3) and remove clothes and shoes while decontaminating. Call immediately the emergency doctor!

Always consult a doctor and show the safety data sheet!

Eye

Keep eyelids open and rinse immediately with plenty of water or eye wash fluid for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing.

Always consult a doctor and show the safety data sheet!

Ingestion

Clean mouth with water and drink afterwards plenty of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Do not induce vomiting. Take victim immediately to hospital!

Apply immediately gastric lavage under qualified medical supervision as soon, preferably introduced under endoscopic control!

Advice to physician

Timely administration of 50 mg/kg bw sodium dichloroacetate (SDCA) intravenously for 10 minutes may be lifesaving in case of serious monochloroacetate intoxication.

For a treatment protocol contact the nearest Poison Information Center and ask for IPCS INTOX PIM 352 (http://inchem.org/documents/pims/chemical/pim352.htm).

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media

alcohol resistant foam, Carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical powder, water

Unsuitable extinguishing media

none known

Extinguishing media

Water spray, alcohol resistant foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), dry chemical powder.

Unsuitable extinguishing media

none known

Hazardous decomposition / combustion products

Hydrogen chloride, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide (no phosgene is formed if product is burned in an open fire).

Protective equipment

Use self-contained respiratory equipment and acid-resistant full protective suit.

Other information

Water used to extinguish a fire should not be allowed to enter public water systems but retained. If MCA contaminated water enters public water systems or natural waters, the authorities should be informed immediately.

Fire and explosion hazard

If heated about the flash point of 126 °C, the product forms flammable/explosive vapours with air.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions

Avoid contact with mouth, skin and eyes. Do not breathe vapours or dust. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. For specific personal protection equipment see section Exposure controls/personal protection.

Environmental precautions

Do not allow to enter drains or water courses. Keep sheltered from rain and water from fire-fighting. Collect as much product as possible in a clean plastic container with tightly closing cap for (preferable) reuse or disposal. Dispose of contaminated product and soil in plastic container with tightly closing cap.

Methods for cleaning up

Flush contaminated surroundings and tools with water or Na2CO3 or NaHCO3 solution, and collect the cleaning water in suited containers or tanks.

Dispose of contaminated cleaning water as waste or sent to special treatment. No disposal in sewage treatment plants, unless residual levels are below the PNECSWTP.

Handling and storage

Handling

No smoking, eating and drinking in work areas.

Keep as much as possible in closed systems. Handle in well ventilated areas.

Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing, do not breathe vapours. Use PPE as prescribed.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the work place.

Install a thermostatically controlled (30°C) emergency tub filled with a saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) solution wherever this product is handled.

Fire and explosion prevention

Normal measures for preventive fire protection.

Storage requirements

Store in the original container/packaging. Keep container tightly closed. Store in a dry and cool place, protected from heat and direct sunlight.

Suited materials:

-       solid MCA and MCA solutions: stainless steel type 316L, glass-lined steel, PVC, PE, PP or fluoropolymers.

-       molten MCA: titanium, glass-lined steel

Unsuited materials: usual stainless steels, carbon steels, zinc and aluminium and their alloys.

Other information

Do not store together with food stuffs. Store locked-up.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

1751

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

CHLOROACETIC ACID, SOLID

Chemical name:

Chloroacetic acid

Language:

English

Labels:

6.1 + 8

SpecialProvisions

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

1751

Shipping

Labels:

6.1 + 8

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

1751

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Chloroacetic acid, solid

Chemical name:

Chloroacetic acid

Labels:

6.1 + 8 + N

Marine pollutant

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

1751

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Chloroacetic acid, solid

Chemical name:

Chloroacetic acid

Labels:

6.1, 8

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Engineering controls

Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust or vapours are formed.

Personal protective equipment

Respiratory protection:  

Full face mask with filter type ABEKP .

Respiratory protection complying with EN 143.

Hand protection:  

PVC, thickness: >= 0.6 mm, break through time: > 480 min

Butyl rubber, thickness: >= 0.6 mm, break through time: > 480 min

Protective gloves complying with EN 374.  

Gloves should be discarded and replaced if there is any indication of degradation or chemical breakthrough.

Eye protection:

Tightly fitting safety goggles.

Wear face-shield in case exposure to dust is likely.  

Body protection:

Wear protective suit in case exposure to solid and liquid product is likely.  

Stability and reactivity

Conditions to avoid

Extremes of temperature and direct sunlight.  

Stability

Stable under normal conditions. Thermal decomposition above 250 °C.

Incompatibles

Alkali, amines, strong oxidisers, non-precious metals.

Danger of explosion with alkali, amines, strong oxidisers.

Might react violently with non-precious metals under evolution of highly flammable hydrogen gas.

Exothermic reaction may occur with alcohols (esterification reaction).

Hazardous decomposition products

Hydrogen chloride, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide.

See also section FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES.

Disposal considerations

Product

Hazardous waste.

Do not contaminate ponds, waterways or ditches with chemical or used container.

Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulation.

Contaminated packaging

Hazardous waste.

Dispose of in accordance with local regulation.

Returnable containers should be sent back to supplier or to permitted cleaning station for reuse.