COMPOSITION

%

TLV

HAZARD

Sodium hypochlorite

10 - 15%

1 (as chlorine)

Oxidizer, Corrosive

Section III - HEALTH & FIRST AID INFORMATION

INHALATION: Poisonous vapour.  Corrosive to respiratory passages.  Increasing doses may cause irritation of mouth, nose and throat.  Repeated or prolonged exposure can cause coughing, runny nose, bronchopneumonia, headaches, breathing difficulty, pulmonary edema and lung injury. Remove patient to fresh air, rest and keep warm.  If not breathing, give artificial respiration.  If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.  Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

INGESTION: Poisonous. Causes burns, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, lowered blood pressure, diarrhea and shock.  Coma, shock and death may occur.  If patient is conscious, rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting.  If vomiting occurs take steps to prevent aspiration of liquid.  Seek medical attention.

EYE CONTACT: Burns, irritation. Corrosive to eye tissue and may cause severe damage and blindness.  Rinse with water for at least 30 minutes, with eyelids open.  Seek medical attention.

SKIN CONTACT: Burns, irritation. Corrosive and may cause severe burns.  Prolonged and repeated exposure to dilute solutions often causes irritation, redness, pain, drying and cracking of the skin and skin sensitization.  Toxic effects may be delayed.  Rinse with plenty of soap and water for at least 10 minutes, wash contaminated clothing before re-use.  Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:  

LC₅₀ 293 ppm (rat, 1 hr)

LD₅₀ 5800 mg/kg (oral, mouse)

If mixed with acid or heated to >40°C, sodium hypochlorite solutions may liberate chlorine gas.  This gas is very irritating and may cause severe lung damage.  

Section IV - PHYSICAL DATA

BOILING POINT: 101^oC, starts decomposing to NaCl and NaClO₃ at 40^oC

FREEZING/MELTING POINT: -25°C

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:  1.165

pH:  11.5 -13

VAPOUR DENSITY (AIR=1): 1.3

VAPOUR PRESSURE: 17.5 mmHg at 20°C

SOLUBILITY IN WATER: fully miscible

BULK DENSITY: 1.165 grams/ml

pH: 12.25 - 13.0

APPEARANCE AND COLOUR: Clear green-yellow liquid with Chlorine odour.

Section V - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS

FLASH POINT & METHODS USED: not flammable

FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR; % BY VOL. LOWER: nil

FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR; % BY VOL. UPPER: nil

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:  Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire.

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES & PRECAUTIONS: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.  Keep containers cool to prevent rupture and release of material.  Closed containers may explode in a fire.  Spilled material may cause floors and contact surfaces to become slippery.

UNUSUAL FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS: May release chlorine gas

Section VI - REACTIVITY

STABILITY: Inherently unstable, slowly decomposes liberating Cl₂. Unstable above 40°C

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: will not occur

CONDITIONS & MATERIALS TO AVOID: Temperatures above 40^oC, direct sunlight, acids, metals, ammonia, oxidizable materials, urea.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Cl₂

Section VII - EMPLOYEE PROTECTION

CONTROL MEASURES: Use with adequate ventilation.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Use approved chlorine gas respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus..

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Neoprene, rubber or plastic gloves, use plastic sleeves, apron and boots if handling large quantity.

EYE PROTECTION: Chemical safety goggles or full face mask.  Do NOT wear contact lenses.  Ensure eyewash stations and safety showers are available.

Section VIII - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENTAL PRECAUTIONS: Local exhaust acceptable

SPILL OR LEAK PRECAUTIONS: Wear gloves, boots, apron and goggles during clean-up.  Harmful to aquatic life at low concentrations.

WASTE DISPOSAL: Small spills: mop up with water and run to waste. Large spills: transfer to salvage container and consult with professional disposal company. Inform local authorities if liquid has entered surface drains or sewers.  Disposal of all wastes must be done in accordance with municipal, provincial and federal regulations.

Section IX - REGULATORY CONTROLS

DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION: Regulated under Transport of Dangerous Goods

DOT CLASSIFICATION: Class 8, UN: 1791, PG: III

DOT PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Hypochlorite solutions

OTHER DOT INFORMATION: none

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: D2B, E

OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: DSL list

Section X - PRECAUTIONS: HANDLING, STORAGE & USAGE

Store in cool, dry place away from acids. Do not store in metal containers. Use in well ventilated area.

PREPARED BY: MSDS Dept .                           DATE: Update January 10, 2008