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Trichloroethylene - Incident Management

 

Key Points

Fire

  • Non flammable
  • Reacts with strong oxidising and reducing agents and alkali metals
  • Emits toxic fumes of hydrogen chloride, phosgene and dichloroacetylene gas in presence of light and moisture
  • In the event of a fire involving trichloroethylene, use fine water spray and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

  • Toxic by inhalation and ingestion
  • Irritant and probably carcinogenic and mutagenic. Possible risk to the unborn child
  • Inhalation causes initial excitement, headache and dizziness followed by drowsiness and coma. Respiratory effects (cough, shortness of breath, cyanosis, respiratory depression and pulmonary oedema) and cardiovascular effects (arrhythmias, hypotension, bradycardia or tachycardia) may occur
  • Ingestion may cause 'burning' in the mouth and throat, epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting
  • Ocular exposure may cause immediate stinging and burning sensation with lacrimation and double or blurred vision
  • Dermal exposure may result in irritation, burns and pain

Environment

  • Harmful to aquatic organisms and may cause long-term adverse effects.
  • Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents

Frequently Asked Questions     Hazard Identification

Prepared by K Foxall
CHAPD HQ, HPA
2008
Version 2

This document will be reviewed not later than 3 years, or sooner if substantive evidence becomes available.