POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 9
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
SYNONYMS
"Kay Ciel Elixir", "KCl for refillable electrodes", chloropotassuril, potavescent,
"dipotassium dichloride", slow-K, span-K, rekawan, sylvite, "emplets potassium chloride",
enseal, "tripotassium trichloride", kalitabs, "potassium monochloride", kaochlor,"
PRODUCT USE
Fertilizer, source of potassium salts, pharmaceutical preparations, photography,
spectroscopy, buffer solutions. Mill addition in porcelain enamels. Substitute for common
salt. As Food additive 508. Medically as Slow- K for potassium deficiency. For the
treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia Available as Technical, Pure, Food and BP grades.
SUPPLIER
Company: Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
Address:
70 Quantum Close
Dandenong South
Victoria 3175
Telephone: 03 8795 8000
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 03 8795 8099
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 9
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
NON-HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of
NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POISONS SCHEDULE
None
RISK SAFETY
Ingestion may produce health damage*. Do not breathe dust.
May produce discomfort of the eyes*. Wear eye/ face protection.
* (limited evidence). Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
In case of contact with eyes rinse with plenty
of water and contact Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
potassium chloride 7447-40-7 >99
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
路 If swallowed do NOT induce vomiting.
路 If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side (head-down position, if
possible) to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration.
路 Observe the patient carefully.
路 Never give liquid to a person showing signs of being sleepy or with reduced awareness;
i.e. becoming unconscious.
路 Give water to rinse out mouth, then provide liquid slowly and as much as casualty can
comfortably drink.
路 Seek medical advice.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
路 Wash out immediately with fresh running water.
路 Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and
moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
路 If pain persists or recurs seek medical attention.
路 Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled
personnel.
SKIN
If skin contact occurs:
路 Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.
路 Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
路 If dust is inhaled, remove from contaminated area.
路 Encourage patient to blow nose to ensure clear breathing passages.
路 Ask patient to rinse mouth with water but to not drink water.
路 Seek immediate medical attention.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 9
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
For potassium intoxications:
路 Hyperkalaemia, in patients with abnormal renal function, results from reduced renal
excretion following intoxication.
路 The presence of electrocardiographic evidence of hyperkalemia or serum potassium levels
exceeding 7.5 mE/L indicates a medical emergency requiring an intravenous line and
constant cardiac monitoring.
路 The intravenous ingestion of 5-10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate, in adults, over a 2
minute period antagonises the cardiac and neuromuscular effects. The duration of action
is approximately 1 hour. [Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical Toxicology].
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
路 There is no restriction on the type of extinguisher which may be used.
FIRE FIGHTING
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves for fire only.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding area.
路 DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
路 Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
路 If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
路 Equipment should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
路 Non combustible.
路 Not considered to be a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.
路 In a fire may decompose on heating and produce toxic / corrosive fumes. i.e chlorides.
HAZCHEM: None
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
路 Clean up all spills immediately.
路 Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
路 Wear impervious gloves and safety glasses.
路 Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
路 Sweep up or
路 Vacuum up (consider explosion-proof machines designed to be grounded during storage and
use).
路 Place spilled material in clean, dry, sealable, labelled container.
MAJOR SPILLS
路 Clear area of personnel and move upwind.
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Control personal contact by using protective equipment and dust respirator.
路 Prevent spillage from entering drains, sewers or water courses.
路 Recover product wherever possible. Avoid generating dust.
路 Sweep / shovel up.
路 If required, wet with water to prevent dusting.
路 Put residues in labelled plastic bags or other containers for disposal.
路 Wash area down with large quantity of water and prevent runoff into drains.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 9
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
路 If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise emergency services.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed
for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
potassium chloride 15 mg/m鲁
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take
protective action is:
potassium chloride 15 mg/m鲁
other than mild, transient adverse effects without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
potassium chloride 5 mg/m鲁
The threshold concentration below which most people will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
potassium chloride 1.5 mg/m鲁
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
Avoid generating and breathing dust.
路 Limit all unnecessary personal contact.
路 Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
路 Use in a well-ventilated area.
路 Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
路 When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
路 Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
路 Avoid physical damage to containers.
路 Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
路 Work clothes should be laundered separately.
路 Use good occupational work practice.
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
路 Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
Glass container.
Multi-ply paper bag with sealed plastic liner or heavy gauge plastic bag.
NOTE: Bags should be stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they
are stable and secure against sliding or collapse. Check that all containers are clearly
labelled and free from leaks. Packing as recommended by manufacturer.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Segregate from. acids.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 9
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
路 Store in original containers.
路 Keep containers securely sealed.
路 Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
路 Store away from incompatible materials and foodstuff containers.
路 Protect containers against physical damage and check regularly for leaks.
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
_____________________________________________________
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
+ + + + + +
_____________________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____
Australia Exposure Standards potassium chloride (Inspirable 10
dust (Not specified))
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
路 Safety glasses with side shields; or as required,
路 Chemical goggles.
路 Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a
review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account
of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal
and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure,
begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens
should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be
removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
Wear general protective gloves: i.e. Disposable polythene gloves or Cotton gloves or
Light weight rubber gloves, with Barrier cream preferably Safety footwear.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 9
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
OTHER
路 Overalls.
路 Eyewash unit.
RESPIRATOR
Protection Factor Half- Face Respirator Full- Face Respirator Powered Air Respirator
10 x ES P1 Air- line* -- PAPR- P1 -
50 x ES Air- line** P2 PAPR- P2
100 x ES - P3 -
Air- line* -
100+ x ES - Air- line** PAPR- P3
* - Negative pressure demand ** - Continuous flow.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of
personal protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
None required when handling small quantities.
OTHERWISE: Use in a well-ventilated area.
路 Local exhaust ventilation is required where solids are handled as powders or crystals;
even when particulates are relatively large, a certain proportion will be powdered by
mutual friction.
路 Exhaust ventilation should be designed to prevent accumulation and recirculation of
particulates in the workplace.
路 If in spite of local exhaust an adverse concentration of the substance in air could
occur, respiratory protection should be considered. Such protection might consist of:
(a): particle dust respirators, if necessary, combined with an absorption cartridge;
(b): filter respirators with absorption cartridge or canister of the right type;
(c): fresh-air hoods or masks
路 Build-up of electrostatic charge on the dust particle, may be prevented by bonding and
grounding.
路 Powder handling equipment such as dust collectors, dryers and mills may require
additional protection measures such as explosion venting.
Air contaminants generated in the workplace possess varying "escape" velocities which, in
turn, determine the "capture velocities" of fresh circulating air required to efficiently
remove the contaminant.
Type of Contaminant: Air Speed:
direct spray, spray painting in shallow booths, 1- 2.5 m/s (200- 500 f/min.)
drum filling, conveyer loading, crusher dusts,
gas discharge (active generation into zone of
rapid air motion)
grinding, abrasive blasting, tumbling, high 2.5- 10 m/s (500- 2000 f/min.)
speed wheel generated dusts (released at high
initial velocity into zone of very high rapid
air motion).
Within each range the appropriate value depends on:
Lower end of the range Upper end of the range
1: Room air currents minimal or favourable to 1: Disturbing room air currents
capture
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 9
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of nuisance 2: Contaminants of high toxicity
value only
3: Intermittent, low production. 3: High production, heavy use
4: Large hood or large air mass in motion 4: Small hood- local control only
Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the opening
of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the square of distance
from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the air speed at the extraction
point should be adjusted, accordingly, after reference to distance from the contaminating
source. The air velocity at the extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 4-10
m/s (800-2000 f/min) for extraction of crusher dusts generated 2 metres distant from the
extraction point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits within
the extraction apparatus, make it essential that theoretical air velocities are
multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or used.
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
Colourless or white, odourless crystals or crystalline powder with a strong saline taste.
Soluble in water (26%), slightly soluble in alcohol. Insoluble in ether and acetone.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Solid.
Mixes with water.
Molecular Weight: 74.55 Boiling Range (掳C): Sublimes at 1500
Melting Range (掳C): 773 Specific Gravity (water=1): 1.987
Solubility in water (g/L): Miscible pH (as supplied): Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 7 Vapour Pressure (kPa): Not applicable
Volatile Component (%vol): Not applicable Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): Not available. Flash Point (掳C): Non flammable.
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (掳C): Not applicable Decomposition Temp (掳C): Sublimes @ 1500
State: Divided solid
Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
Product is considered stable and hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
Acute potassium poisoning after swallowing is rare, because vomiting usually occurs and
renal excretion is fast. Potassium causes a slow, weak pulse, irregularities in heart
rhythm, heart block and an eventual fall in blood pressure. Breathing initially becomes
faster but the muscles of breathing eventually become paralysed. There can be loss of
appetite, extreme thirst, increased volumes of urine, fever, convulsions and gastric
disturbances; death may then occur due to failure of breathing and inflammation of the
stomach and bowel.
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 9
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
SWALLOWED
Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.
The material may be. discomforting to the gastro-intestinal tract.
Use as a food additive indicates good tolerance of small amounts, but excessive amounts
or overuse may bring irritant and/or harmful effects.
Ingestion may result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.
EYE
The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.
The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation.
Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.
SKIN
Not considered an irritant through normal use.
The material may be. discomforting to the skin and may cause drying of the skin if
exposure is prolonged.
Irritation and skin reactions are possible with sensitive skin.
INHALED
The dust is. discomforting to the upper respiratory tract.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Indicators are that short term exposure to the material by all routes is not harmful.
Principal routes of exposure are usually by inhalation of generated dust and skin contact
with the material.
Prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause drying with cracking, irritation and
possible dermatitis following.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
TOXICITY IRRITATION
Oral (man) LDLo: 20 mg/kg Eye (rabbit): 500 mg/24h - Mild
Oral (woman) TDLo: 60 mg/kg
Oral (rat) LD50: 2600 mg/kg
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
No data
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
路 Recycle wherever possible or consult manufacturer for recycling options.
路 Consult State Land Waste Management Authority for disposal.
路 Bury residue in an authorised landfill.
路 Recycle containers if possible, or dispose of in an authorised landfill.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
HAZCHEM: None
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS:UN, IATA,
IMDG
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005 CHEMWATCH 10205
NC317TCP Version No:2.0
CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 9
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: None
REGULATIONS
potassium chloride (CAS: 7447-40-7) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia - Australian Capital Territory - Environment Protection Regulation: Ambient environmental standards (Domestic water supply - inorganic chemicals)
Australia - Australian Capital Territory - Environment Protection Regulation: Pollutants entering waterways taken to cause environmental harm (IRRIG)
Australia - Australian Capital Territory Environment Protection Regulation Pollutants entering waterways - Agricultural uses (Stock)
Australia - Australian Capital Territory Environment Protection Regulation Pollutants entering waterways - Domestic water quality
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia High Volume Industrial Chemical List (HVICL)
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
CODEX General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) - Additives Permitted for Use in Food in General, Unless Otherwise Specified, in Accordance with GMP
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) - High Production Volume List
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality - Chemicals for which guideline values have not been established
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and
authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification
committee using available literature references.
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission
from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 23-Apr-2005
Print Date: 4-Jan-2008
|