Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethylene
CAS Number: 540-59-0
DOT Number: UN 1150
Date: September 30, 1986
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HAZARD SUMMARY
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene can affect you when breathed in.
* Exposure to high concentrations of the vapor can cause you to
become dizzy and lightheaded and to pass out.
* Long term exposure may damage the liver.
* Contact can irritate the skin and eyes. The vapor may irritate
the nose, throat and lungs.
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE CHEMICAL and
is a FIRE and EXPLOSION HAZARD.
IDENTIFICATION
1,2-Dichloroethylene is a colorless liquid with an ether like odor.
It is used as a solvent for organic materials.
REASON FOR CITATION
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene is on the Hazardous Substance List
because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NFPA, DOT
and other authorities.
* This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List
because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
* Definitions are attached.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED
* Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely
evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air
samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your
employer. You have a legal right to this information under
OSHA 1910.20.
* If you think you are experiencing any work related health
problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational
diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you.
* ODOR THRESHOLD = 17 ppm.
* The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not
smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed.
WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS
OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is
200 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift.
ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 200 ppm
averaged over an 8 hour workshift and 250 ppm as a STEL
(short term exposure limit).
WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE
* Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust
ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust
ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be
worn.
* Wear protective work clothing.
* Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to 1,2-
Dichloroethylene.
* Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In
addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort,
communicate all information on the health and safety hazards
of 1,2-Dichloroethylene to potentially exposed workers.
This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential
and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure.
Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other
factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential
effects described below.
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Acute Health Effects
The following acute (short term) health effects may occur
immediately or shortly after exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethylene:
* The liquid may irritate the skin, causing a rash or burning
feeling on contact, and can irritate the eyes. The vapor can
irritate the nose and throat.
* Exposure to high concentrations of the vapor can cause you to
become dizzy, lightheaded and to pass out.
Chronic Health Effects
The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some
time after exposure to 1,2-Dichloroethylene and can last for months
or years:
Cancer Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloroethylene has not been
tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals.
Reproductive Hazard
* According to the information presently available to the New
Jersey Department of Health, 1,2-Dichloroethylene has not been
tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction.
Other Long Term Effects
* Repeated exposure may damage the liver and kidneys.
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene may damage the lungs and cause
bronchitis.
* Repeated exposure may cause a low blood cell count.
MEDICAL
Medical Testing
For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV
or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work
and at regular times after that:
* Lung function tests.
If symptoms develop or overexposure is suspected, the following may
be useful:
* Liver and kidney function tests.
* Complete blood count.
Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present
symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already
done are not a substitute for controlling exposure.
Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to
this information under OSHA 1910.20.
Mixed Exposures
Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer,
emphysema and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory
conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for
a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing
health problems.
WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES
Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous
substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of
reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations
and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical
release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using
respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the
controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary.
In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1)
how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is
released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye
contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly
toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing
exposures are possible.
Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The
following work practices are recommended:
* Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by 1,2-
Dichloroethylene should change into clean clothing promptly.
* Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members
could be exposed.
* Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals
who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to 1,2-
Dichloroethylene.
* Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted 1,2-
Dichloroethylene at the end of each workday, whether or not
known skin contact has occurred.
* Do not eat, smoke, or drink where 1,2-Dichloroethylene is
handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be
swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry,
jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace
controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be
appropriate.
The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply
to every situation.
Clothing
* Avoid skin contact with 1,2-Dichloroethylene. Wear solvent
resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment
suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the
most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation.
* All protective clothing suits, gloves, footwear, headgear
should be clean, available each day and put on before work.
Eye Protection
* Wear splash proof chemical goggles and face shield when
working with liquid 1,2-Dichloroethylene, unless full
facepiece respiratory protection is worn.
Respiratory Protection
IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should
only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into
account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training,
respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA
1910.134.
* Where the potential exists for exposures over 200 ppm, use a
MSHA/NIOSH approved full facepiece respirator with an organic
vapor cartridge/canister. Increased protection is obtained
from full facepiece powered air purifying respirators.
* If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator,
you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect 1,2-
Dichloroethylene, or in the case of a full facepiece
respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area
immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is
still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or
canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new
respirator.
* Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace.
You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges,
or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical
(such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals.
* Exposure to 4000 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and
health. If the possibility of exposures above 4000 ppm exists,
use an MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus
with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other
positive pressure mode.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
* Prior to working with 1,2-Dichloroethylene you should be
trained on its proper handling and storage.
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene must be stored to avoid contact with
STRONG OXIDIZERS (such as CHLORINE, BROMINE and FLUORINE)
since violent reactions occur.
* Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated
area away from HEAT.
* Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are
prohibited where 1,2-Dichloroethylene is used, handled, or
stored.
* Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more
of 1,2-Dichloroethylene should be grounded and bonded. Drums
must be equipped with self closing valves, pressure vacuum
bungs and flame arresters.
* Use only non sparking tools and equipment, especially when
opening and closing containers of 1,2-Dichloroethylene.
* Wherever 1,2-Dichloroethylene is used, handled, manufactured,
or stored, use explosion proof electrical equipment and
fittings.
Common Name: 1,2-Dichloroethylene
DOT Number: UN 1150
DOT Emergency Guide code: 29
CAS Number: 540-59-0
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NJ DOH Hazard rating
FLAMMABILITY 3
REACTIVITY 2
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FLAMMABLE AND REACTIVE LIQUID
POISONOUS GAS PRODUCED IN FIRE
CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE
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Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious;
4=severe
FIRE HAZARDS
* 1,2-Dichloroethylene is a FLAMMABLE LIQUID.
* Use dry chemical, CO2, water spray, or foam extinguishers.
* POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE.
* CONTAINERS MAY EXPLODE IN FIRE.
* If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained
and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156.
SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES
If 1,2-Dichloroethylene is spilled or leaked, take the following
steps:
* Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from areas
of spills or leaks until cleanup is complete.
* Remove all ignition sources.
* Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar
material and deposit in sealed containers.
* Keep 1,2-Dichloroethylene out of a confined space, such as a
sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the
sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive
concentrations.
* It may be necessary to contain and dispose of 1,2-
Dichloroethylene as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state
Environmental Program for specific recommendations.
==========================================
FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department.
==========================================
FIRST AID
POISON INFORMATION
Eye Contact
* Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15
minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention.
Skin Contact
* Quickly remove contaminated clothing. Immediately wash area
with large amounts of soap and water.
Breathing
* Remove the person from exposure.
* Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if
heart action has stopped.
* Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
PHYSICAL DATA
Vapor Pressure: 180 265 mm Hg at 68oF
Flash Point: 36 39oF
Water Solubility: Slightly soluble
OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES
Chemical Name: Ethene, 1,2 Dichloro
Other Names and Formulations:
Acetylene Dichloride; trans Dichloroethylene; sym Dichloroethylene.
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