Dichromium tris(chromate)

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Inhalation : Move the person away from the contaminated area. Make the affected person rest. Always obtain medical attention immediately.

Skin contact : Remove all contaminated clothing and footwear. Wash with soap and water. Wash immediately and thoroughly for a prolonged period (at least 15 minutes).

Always obtain medical attention immediately. Use appropriate protective equipment when treating a contaminated person.

Eye contact : Immediately rinse with plenty of running water for a prolonged period, (at least 15 minutes) whilst keeping the eyes wide open.

Always obtain medical advice immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Ingestion : NEVER attempt to induce vomiting. Do not give anything to drink. Always obtain medical attention immediately.

Protection of first-aiders : Wear protective gloves when administering first aid; respiratory protection; gloves; goggles; boots; protective clothing.

Further information Use first aid techniques to restore vital functions. Place contaminated clothing in a sealed bag for disposal.

Use appropriate protective equipment when treating a contaminated person.

Fire-fighting measures

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA

Suitable : All extinguishing agents can be used (water, foam, powders, carbon dioxide, sand).

Not suitable : None to our knowledge. If there is a fire close by, use suitable extinguishing agents.

Specific hazards : NOT flammable. However, it may present a risk in the event of a fire.

On heating: Toxic gases are released. Corrosive vapours are released. Do NOT let the product dry.

Specific fire fighting methods : Evacuate the personnel away from the fumes. Cool down the containers/equipment exposed to heat with a water spray. Do NOT attempt to fight the fire without suitable protective equipment.

Protection of fire-fighters : For further information refer to the safety data sheet.

Accidental release measures

Personal precautions : Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Do NOT attempt to take action WITHOUT suitable protective equipment. Prevent the product from spreading into the environment.

Personal protective equipment: Suitable protective clothing; Goggles; PVC gloves.

For further information refer to the safety data sheet.

Turn leaking containers leak-side up to prevent the escape of liquid. Stop the leak, and if possible, avoid any contact with skin and clothing. Recover the product as quickly as possible. Prevent any contact with hot surfaces. Do NOT let the product dry.

Environmental precautions : Do NOT discharge into drains or rivers. For a large spillage, contain the spillage by bunding.

METHODS FOR CLEANING UP

Recovery : Recover as much of the product as possible. Absorb the product onto porous material.

Collect up the spilled product and place it in a spare container; suitably labelled. Then take the emergency containers to an area reserved for subsequent recycling or disposal.

Neutralization : Treat non recoverable liquid with:- sodium metabisulphite solution (pH 4.2).

Neutralize with; dry sodium carbonate; slaked lime (calcium hydroxide); sodium bicarbonate.

Cleaning/Decontamination : Then wash the floor with plenty of water. Recover the cleaning

water for subsequent disposal.

Disposal : Dispose of all contaminated materials in accordance with current regulations.

Handling and storage

HANDLING

Technical measures : Ventilation.

Measures : Avoid exposure: Work in a well-ventilated area. Avoid high temperatures. Avoid contact with hot surfaces. Avoid any direct contact with the product. Do NOT handle without gloves. Do NOT handle if hands have any cuts or wounds. Avoid the formation of mists in the atmosphere. Avoid any contamination of the surrounding area. Do not exceed the occupational exposure limits (OEL).

Safe handling advice : Comply with instructions for use (refer to technical sheet). Do NOT heat up. Do not allow the product to dry out.

Only use in well-ventilated areas. Obtain special instructions before use.

STORAGE

Technical measures : Storage facilities should be; dry; ventilated. Take all necessary measures to avoid accidental discharge of products into drains and waterways due to the rupture of containers or transfer systems.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Recommended : Store: in a cool, dry area; in a well-ventilated area; protected from frost; away from food, drinks and animal foodstuffs. Keep the container tightly closed.

To be avoided : Do NOT heat the storage container.

Incompatible products : Strong bases, Strong reducing agents and Combustibles.

Packaging : Product must only be kept in the original packaging.

PACKAGING MATERIALS

Recommended : Plastic materials (polyethylene, polypropylene).

Not suitable : None, to our knowledge.

Further information : After drying leaves a film adhering to the surfaces. Immediately rinse contaminated containers, equipment and tools with water. Consult manufacturer or supplier for detailed advice about storage, handling, fitted equipment, maintenance and uses of this product.

Transport information

Shipping

SpecialProvisions

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

Shipping

Remarks

Shipping

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Engineering Measures : Equipment should be designed to reduce direct handling to the minimum possible. Use closed systems or partially closed vessels with high degree of containment. Workplace and equipment which are easy to decontaminate. Avoid splashes (appropriate clothing, protective screens on machines etc).

The substance is non-volatile and supplied as aqueous solution. Therefore under ambient conditions, inhalation exposure is most likely from exposure to mists/aerosols/sprays. When mists/aerosols/sprays are formed, use engineering controls to prevent them entering the work place atmosphere and worker exposure. Closed systems or high containment systems are required (e.g. efficient LEV with partially closed systems). Exposure monitoring must be completed to ensure the exposure limit is not exceeded and that containment is sufficient.

CONTROL PARAMETERS : Exposure limit values (Human Health)

[*CORRECT AT TIME OF WRITING ONLY*- Oct 2010, always refer to current safety data sheet or regulations for current values]

Occupational Exposure limit values (France):

Chromium trioxide (expressed as Cr). VME: 0.05 mg/m3 VLE: 0.1 mg/m3

Chromium compounds (Cr (VI)) (expressed as Cr). VME: 0.05 mg/m3

ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (U.S.A./A.C.G.I.H.):

Chromium compounds (Cr(III)) (expressed as Cr). TLV ( TWA ) : 0.5 mg/m3 .

Chromium compounds (Cr(VI))(water soluble) (expressed as Cr). TLV ( TWA ) : 0.05 mg/m3 .

Chromium compounds (Cr(VI))(insoluble) (expressed as Cr). TLV ( TWA ) : 0.01 mg/m3 .

Limits (UK) :

Chromium (VI) compounds (as Cr) WEL: 0.05 mg/m3 (8h TWA).

Chromium (III) compounds (as Cr) WEL: 0.5 mg/m3 (8h TWA).

REACH DMEL:

Dichromium Trischromate: 0.03 mg/m3 [equivalent to 0.01 mg/m3 as Cr(VI)]

Surveillance procedures : Monitor the atmosphere at regular intervals. Keep the atmospheric concentration below the occupational exposure limits.

Special medical surveillance. Reduce exposure time to the minimum necessary. Mark out the danger area with appropriate signs. Designate a controlled work area. Access forbidden to unauthorised personnel.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory protection : If the ventilation is suitable, it is not essential to wear respiratory equipment.

Always wear respiratory equipment if concentration in air is above exposure limit. If respiratory protection is necessary, use: Respiratory protective device with a particle filter.

Hand protection : The selection of gloves must take into account the extent and duration of use at the workstation. Use suitable chemical-resistant protective gloves (compliant with Standard EN 374-1) Long protective gloves, which go over the sleeves. Acid-resistant protective gloves.(PVC)

Eye protection : Goggles and a face shield.

Skin and body protection : Protective clothing with elasticated cuffs and closed neck. Disposable impermeable suit.

Selection criteria : Personal protective equipment must be defined after risk assessment for the workstation. Protective equipment must be chosen according to current CEN standards and in cooperation with the supplier of protective equipment.

Collective emergency equipment : Emergency equipment and first-aid box with instructions readily available. Safety Shower. Eye Fountain.

Hygiene measures : Before re-use, thoroughly clean: personal protective equipment.

Use clean and correctly maintained personal protective equipment. Keep personal protective equipment in a clean place, away from the work area. Always take a shower after work. Always wash your hands immediately after handling this product, and once again before leaving the workplace. Do NOT drink, eat or smoke in the workplace. Contaminated clothing should not, in any circumstances, be washed or re-used. Separate normal clothes from work-clothes.

Work clothes must not be taken out of the workplace. Wash the floor and equipment frequently.

Further information : The user is responsible for monitoring the working environment in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Stability and reactivity

Stability : Stable at ambient temperature and under normal conditions of use.

HAZARDOUS REACTIONS

Conditions to avoid : May decompose on heating.

Materials to avoid : No dangerous reaction known with common products.

Hazardous decomposition products : On combustion or on thermal decomposition (pyrolysis) releases: toxic and corrosive vapours; Chromium (III) compounds; Chromium (VI) compounds;

chromic acid; chromates.

Disposal considerations

RESIDUES FROM PRODUCT

Prohibition : Do not allow the product to be released into the environment. Do NOT incinerate.

Destruction/Disposal : Recycle the material as far as possible. Consult the supplier to see if he will take it back. Dispose of in accordance with relevant local regulations. Must undergo physico-chemical treatment prior to disposal.

Dilute washings can in some cases be recycled or reused. When this is not possible, they may be chemically treated to remove chromium compound in on-site treatment plants by reducing the chromium (VI) with a reducing agent (such as sodium metabisulphite) and precipitating Cr(III) hydroxide at pH 9.0 (e.g. by addition of calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide/lime). Effluent appropriately treated this way can contain a very low concentration of Cr(III) and will not contain Cr(VI). Users should monitor their site effluent and confirm that the treatment is effective and complies with local regulations and requirements prior to release of treated waste water to WWTP. Always contact local pollution control before releasing to sewer.

Waste water may also be disposed of as hazardous waste via a licensed contractor or on an authorised site.

CONTAMINATED PACKAGING

Prohibition : Do not burn empty packaging. Do not cut using an oxyacetylene torch. Do NOT dispose of untreated packaging with industrial waste.

Decontamination/cleaning : Wash with water. Allow it to drain thoroughly. Recover the cleaning water and dispose of at a specialist site, or treat in an on-site plant to remove chromium before release (as above).

Destruction/Disposal : Reuse or recycle following decontamination.

NOTE : The user's attention is drawn to the possible existence of local regulations regarding disposal.