TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE |
ACUTE
HAZARDS/
CLINICAL SIGNS/
SYMPTOMS |
PREVENTION/
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT |
FIRST
AID/
FIRE FIGHTING |
FIRE |
Not combustible but forms flammable gas
on contact with water or damp air. Gives off irritating
or toxic gases (hydrogen cyanide and oxides of nitrogen)
in a fire.
|
N/A
|
In case of fire in the surroundings:
foam and powder. NO hydrous agents. NO water. NO carbon
dioxide.
|
EXPLOSION |
N/A
|
N/A |
In case of fire: cool drums, etc., by
spraying with water but avoid contact of the substance
with water. |
ROUTE
OF
EXPOSURE |
Synopsis: |
N/A |
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!
STRICT HYGIENE!
Avoid any skin contact. |
Seek medical attention immediately.
Triage procedures and medical management guidelines
- see ATSDR
Toxicology Profile on cyanide and ATSDR medical management guidelines on hydrogen
cyanide. |
Inhalation: |
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Irregular heart beat
- Tightness in the chest
- Unconsciousness
- Effects may be delayed.
|
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing
protection.
Pressure demand, self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) (SCBA CBRN, if available) is recommended in response
to non-routine emergency situations.
CBRN, Full Facepiece APR (when available) is recommended
in non-routine, emergency situation environments less
than IDLH but above REL or PEL levels.
|
Fresh air, rest. Artificial respiration
if indicated. Avoid mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Seek medical attention immediately.
Triage procedures and medical management guidelines
- see ATSDR
Toxicology Profile and ATSDR medical management guidelines on hydrogen
cyanide.
|
Skin: |
MAY BE ABSORBED! Burning sensation.
Pain. Skin burns.
(See Inhalation for other symptoms.) |
Avoid any skin contact.
Butyl rubber gloves. Teflon, Responder, or Tychem Protective
clothing.
|
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse
skin with plenty of water or shower.
Seek medical attention immediately. |
Eyes: |
Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
May be absorbed.
(See Inhalation for other symptoms.)
|
Safety goggles, face shield, or eye
protection in combination with breathing protection.
|
First rinse with plenty of water
for 5 minutes.
Seek medical attention immediately. |
Ingestion: |
Burning sensation. Nausea. Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
(See Inhalation for other symptoms.) |
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Wash hands before eating.
|
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention immediately. |
| |
OCCUPATIONAL
EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs): |
OSHA PEL*: TWA
5 mg/m3 *Note: The PEL also applies to other
cyanides (as CN) except Hydrogen cyanide
NIOSH REL: C 5 mg/m3 (4.7 ppm) 10-minute
*Note: The REL also applies to other cyanides (as CN)
except Hydrogen cyanide. NIOSH
PG 0522
ACGIH TLV (as CN): 5 mg/m3 (ceiling values)
(skin) (ACGIH 2002).
MAK as CN: 5 mg/m3; H (1996).
NIOSH IDLH: 25
mg/m3 (as CN)
|
SAMPLING
AND ANALYTICAL METHODS: |
NIOSH 6010
(HYDROGEN CYANIDE)
NIOSH 7904
(CYANIDES, aerosol and gas)
|
|
DECONTAMINATION |
Patients/victims:
Wet contaminated clothing should be removed
and the underlying skin washed with soap and water or
water alone for 2-3 minutes.
Equipment: N/A
Environment: (See Spillage Disposal.)
|
SPILLAGE
DISPOSAL |
Evacuate danger area! Consult
an expert! Eliminate all ignition sources (no smoking,
flares, sparks, or flames) in the immediate area. Ventilation.
Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance
into dry sealable containers, then remove to safe place.
Never direct contact with water.
(Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing
including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Storage: Separated from acids, food
and feedstuffs. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
|
PACKAGING & LABELLING
|
UN# 1680
(Guide 157) |
| Airtight. Unbreakable
packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable
container. |
| Do not transport with
food and feedstuffs. Marine pollutant. |
| Note: A |
| T+ symbol |
| R: 26/27/28-32 |
| S: 1/2-7-28-29-45 |
| Hazard Class: 6.1 |
| Packing Group: I
|
|
| |
IMPORTANT DATA |
PHYSICAL
STATE; APPEARANCE:
White granular powder or hygroscopic crystals or solid
with characteristic odor.
PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Contact with metals may produce flammable hydrogen gas.
CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance decomposes on contact with water, humidity,
carbon dioxide and acids, producing very toxic hydrogen
cyanide gas. The solution in water is a strong base,
it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive. Nitrogen
trichloride explodes on contact with potassium cyanide.
A mixture of potassium cyanide and nitrites may explode.
When heated to decomposition, toxic gases of hydrogen
cyanide and oxides of nitrogen are emitted.
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation,
through the skin and by ingestion.
INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration
of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.
EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Potassium cyanide damages the tissues of the eyes, skin,
respiratory tract and the oral and gastrointestinal
tract. Cyanides poison the vital organs of the body
(for example the lungs and heart) including areas of
the brain that regulate proper functioning of those
organs. Exposure may result in convulsions, unconsciousness
and in death. Medical observation is indicated.
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
N/A |
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES |
Melting Point: 1173.2°F
(634°C) |
| Boiling Point: 2957°F
(1625°C) |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C):
Negligible |
| Relative density (water
= 1): 1.52 |
| Density (20°C): g
/cm3 |
| Volatility: Negligible
at 20°C |
| Specific Gravity: 1.55 |
| Aqueous Solubility (20°C):
71.6 g/100 ml |
| estimated log Kow:
N/A |
| Flashpoint: N/A |
| Flammability: N/A |
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA |
This substance may be hazardous
to the environment; special attention should be given
to water. |
ACUTE
EXPOSURE
GUIDELINES (AEGLs)
|
| |
10 min |
30 min |
1hr |
4 hr |
8 hr |
| AEGL 1 (discomfort, non-disabling) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
| AEGL 2 (irreversible or other
serious, long-lasting effects or impaired ability
to escape) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
AEGL 3 (life-threatening
effects or death)
|
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
NOTES |
| The occupational
exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any
part of the working exposure. Specific treatment is necessary
in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate
means with instructions must be available. The odor warning
when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient.
Do NOT take working clothes home. |
| |
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION |
|
| |
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS |
APR - Air-purifying
Respirator
CBRN - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
IDLH - Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health
REL - Recommended Exposure Limit
PEL - Permissible Exposure Limit
SCBA - Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus |
| |
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: |
POTASSIUM CYANIDE
(ERC151-50-8) The user should verify compliance
of the cards with the relevant STATE or TERRITORY legislation
before use. NIOSH, CDC 2003 |
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