Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDROGEN CHLORIDE, REFRIGERATED LIQUID

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Used to produce pharmaceutical hydrochlorides; vinyl chloride from acetylene; alkyl
chlorides from olefins and arsenious chloride from arsenious oxide; electronic grade for
etching semiconductor crystals. Used in the chlorination of rubber; in organic reactions
involving isomerization, polymerization and alkylation; as a catalyst and condensing
agent; for making chlorine where economical; in the separation of cotton from wool and
cotton de- linting; as flux in the babbitt type of metal alloy; etching semi- conductor
crystals.

SYNONYMS

ClH, HCl, "hydrochloric acid", "hydrochloric acid, anhydrous", "chlorohydric acid",
hydrochloride, "hydrogen chloride", "hydrogen chloride, electronic grade", "hydrogen
chloride, technical grade", "muriatic acid", "spirits of salt"

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

Reacts violently with water.
Toxic by inhalation.
Causes burns.
Risk of serious damage to eyes.
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  The material can produce chemical burns within the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.  Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial environments.  

EYE

  The material can produce chemical burns to the eye following direct contact. Vapors or mists may be extremely irritating.  If applied to the eyes, this material causes severe eye damage.  The material may be irritating to the eye, with prolonged contact causing inflammation. Repeated or prolonged exposure to irritants may produce conjunctivitis.  

SKIN

  The material can produce chemical burns following direct contactwith the skin.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  If inhaled, this material can irritate the throat andlungs of some persons.  Inhalation of quantities of liquid mist may be extremely hazardous, even lethal due to spasm, extreme irritation of larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Primary route of exposure is usually by inhalation of the gas.  The gas presents a hazard from a single acute exposure. Exposures of 1300  to 2000 ppm have been lethal to humans in a few minutes. [CIG]  Chronic minor exposure may cause discolouration or erosion of the teeth,  bleeding of the nose and gums; and ulceration of the nasal mucous membranes.  Repeated exposures of animals to concentrations of about 34 ppm produced  no immediate toxic effects.  Workers exposed to hydrochloric acid suffered from gastritis and a number  of cases of chronic bronchitis have also been reported.  Repeated or prolonged exposure to dilute solutions may cause dermatitis.