MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia
Date of Issue : Jun 1997
1. IDENTIFICATION
General
Product Name : POTASSIUM OXALATE
Other Names : POTASSIUM OXALATE
UN No. : N/A
Dangerous Goods Class : None Allocated
Subsidiary Risk : None Allocated
Hazchem Code : N/A
Pack Group : 0
EPG : N/A
Poisons Schedule : N/A
Uses :
Reagent in analytical chemistry, source of oxalic acid, bleaching and cleaning, removing stains from textiles, photography.
1.1 Physical Description / Properties
Appearance : White crystals, odourless.
Formula : K2C2O4.H2O
Boiling Point : N/A deg C
Melting Point : N/A deg C
Vapour Pressure : N/A
Specific Gravity : N/A (water = 1)
Flash Point : N/A
pH : 6-7 (5% soln)
Solubility in water : 330 g/l (25 deg C)
Flammability Limits (as percentage volume in air)
Lower Explosion Limit : N/A
Upper Explosion Limit : N/A
1.2 Other Properties
Decomposition temperature : loss of H2O at 100 deg C, then decomposition by heat Density = 700 - 1100 kg/m3
1.3 Ingredients
Chemical Entity CAS No. Proportions (%)
POTASSIUM OXALATE [ 6487-48-5] > 99
2. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
2.1 Health Effects - Acute
Swallowed
The accidental ingestion of soluble oxalic acid salts produces general intoxication by hypocalcemia (shivers, convulsions, coma,
coagulation disorders etc.) and mostly acute nephritis with precipitation of insoluble calcium oxalate in renal tubes. May cause
gastrointestinal irritation with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. May cause corrosion and permanent tissue destruction of the
oesophagus and digestive tract. May cause kidney and liver damage, severe shock, convulsions, collapse, and possible death if
ingested in large amounts.
Eye
May cause conjunctivitis. May cause eye irritation and possible burns.
Skin
May cause skin irritation. Harmful by subcutaneous contact.
Inhaled
May cause irritation of the respiratory tract with burning pain in the nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and
pulmonary oedma. May cause effects similar to those described for ingestion.
2.2 Health Effects - Chronic
May cause kidney damage. Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause effects similar to those of acute inhalation and ingestion.
2.3 First Aid
Swallowed
DO NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Seek medical attention immediately.
Eye
Flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention
immediately.
Skin
Seek medical attention immediately. Flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes.
Inhaled
Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
Seek medical attention.
First Aid Facilities
Ensure an eye bath and safety shower are available and ready for use.
2.5 Advice to Doctor
Treat symptomatically based on judgement of doctor and individual reactions of patient.
2.6 Toxicity Data
Oral LD50 = not available
Oral LDLo = 1000 mg/kg (Human)
Dermal LD50 = not available
3. PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
3.1 Exposure Standards
No exposure limit has been established for this product by Worksafe Australia.
3.2 Engineering Controls
Ensure adequate ventilation to maintain airborne concentrations to a minimum, including the use of local exhaust ventilation.
3.3 Personal Protection
Wear plastic or rubber gloves, eye goggles and other suitable protective clothing to minimise exposure. Wear breathing apparatus
in dusty atmospheres. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before work breaks, eating, drinking, smoking and
using toilet facilities.
3.4 Flammability
Material is not flammable.
SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
4.1 Storage / Transport
Store in a cool, dry place. Keep containers closed when not in use. Protect product from moisture. Product is sensitive to light.
4.2 Packaging / Labelling
UN No. N/A
Class None Allocated
Sub Risk None Allocated
Hazchem Code N/A
Pack Group 0
EPG No. N/A
Shipping Name POTASSIUM OXALATE
Hazard HARMFUL
Risk Phrases
R21/22 Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.
Safety Phrases
S2 Keep out of reach of children.
S24/25 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
4.3 Spills and Disposal
Spills
Clean-up personnel should wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus for dusty conditions. Prevent
material from entering drains and sewers.
Disposal
Dispose of in accordance with all Local, State and Federal regulations at an approved waste disposal facility. Incineration and
disposal to approved landfill are acceptable means of disposal.
4.4 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Fire / Explosion
Material is stable at normal handling and storage temperatures. Material is incompatible with oxidising materials, giving off
emissions of carbon dioxide. Incompatible with bases, acid chlorides, alkali metals, steel, moisture and metals. Decomposition
products include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Extinguishing Media
Fire-fighters should wear full protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. In case of fire use carbon dioxide,
foam, powder or water spray. DO NOT use water in a jet (will spread product).
5 OTHER INFORMATION
Other Information
Do not allow product to enter drains, sewers or water courses.
5.1 Contact Points
Organisation Location Telephone Ask For
Redox Chemicals Pty Ltd Wetherill Park NSW 02-97255155 Technical Officer
131129
Poisons Information Centre Westmead
1800-251525
|