VINYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0082

VINYL CHLORIDE
Chloroethene
Chloroethylene
VCM
(cylinder)
C₂H₃Cl/H₂C=CHCl
Molecular mass: 62.5
CAS # 75-01-4
RTECS # KU9625000
ICSC # 0082
UN # 1086 (inhibited)
EC # 602-023-00-7

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE	ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID/ FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE	Extremely flammable. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.	NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.	Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION	Gas/air mixtures are explosive. Vinyl chloride monomer vapours are uninhibited and may form polymers in vents or flame arresters of storage tanks, resulting in blockage of vents.	Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Use non-sparking handtools.	In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

EXPOSURE		AVOID ALL CONTACT!
INHALATION	Dizziness. Drowsiness. Headache. Unconsciousness.	Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN	ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.	Protective gloves. Cold-insulating gloves. Protective clothing.	ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes.
EYES	Redness. Pain.	Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).

Fireproof. Separated from incompatible materials (see Chemical Danger). Cool.

F symbol
T symbol
R: 45-13
S: 53-9-16-44
Note: D
UN Hazard Class: 2.1

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

ICSC: 0082

Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

VINYL CHLORIDE

ICSC: 0082

I
M
P
O
R
T
A
N
T

D
A
T
A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS COMPRESSED LIQUEFIED GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas is heavier than air, and may travel along the ground; distant ignition possible.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance can under specific circumstances form peroxides, initiating explosive polymerization. The substance will polymerize readily due to heating and under the influence of air, light, and on contact with a catalyst, strong oxidizing agents and metals such as copper and aluminium, with fire or explosion hazard. The substance decomposes on burning producing toxic and corrosive fumes (hydrogen chloride and phosgene).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV: 5 ppm; 13 mg/m³ (ACGIH 1993-1994).

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes. The liquid may cause frostbite. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system. Exposure could cause lowering of consciousness. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may have effects on the liver, blood vessels and connective tissue. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. May cause heritable genetic damage in humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -13°C
Melting point: -154°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.9
Solubility in water: none
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 2.2

Flash point: -78°C c.c.°C
Auto-ignition temperature: 472°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 3.6-33
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.6

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

NOTES

According to ACGIH this substance belongs to Group A1 indicating confirmed human carcinogen. Contains inhibitors (e.g. phenol). Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. Do NOT use in the vicinity of a fire or a hot surface, or during welding.

Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-150
NFPA Code: H 2; F 4; R 2;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ICSC: 0082	VINYL CHLORIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993

IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE:

Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.