Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 1 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010

Section 1 - Identification of The Material and Supplier

Chemical nature:

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon.

Trade Name:
Product Use:
Creation Date:
This version issued:

Trichloroethylene
Vapour degreasing and industrial solvent.

March, 2006
July, 2010 and is valid for 5 years from this date.

SECTION 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Statement of Hazardous Nature
This product is classified as: Hazardous according to the criteria of SWA Australia.
Dangerous according to the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code.

Risk Phrases: R25, R45, R36/38, R52/53. Toxic if swallowed. May cause cancer. Irritating to eyes and skin.
Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects to the aquatic environment.

Safety Phrases: S2, S20, S23, S45, S53, S61, S24/25, S36/37. Keep out of reach of children. When using, do not
eat or drink. Do not breathe vapours or mists. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, contact a doctor or Poisons
Information Centre immediately (show the label where possible). Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before
use. Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Safety Data Sheets. Avoid contact with skin and
eyes. Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves.
SUSDP Classification: S6
ADG Classification: Class 6.1: Toxic substances.
UN Number: 1710, TRICHLOROETHYLENE

Emergency Overview
Physical Description & colour: Clear, colourless liquid.
Odour: Sweetish odour; irritating at high concentrations.
Major Health Hazards: toxic if swallowed, may cause cancer, irritating to eyes and skin.

Potential Health Effects

Inhalation
Short term exposure: In confined or poorly ventilated areas, vapours can readily accumulate and can cause
unconsciousness and death. Excessive exposure may cause irritation to upper respiratory tract. Excessive exposure
may increase sensitivity to epinephrine and increase myocardial irritability (irregular heartbeats). May cause alcohol
intolerance often manifested by temporary reddening of the skin called "degreaser's flush". Minimal anaesthetic or
irritant effects may be seen around 200-400 ppm. Levels in the range of 1000-2000 ppm may rapidly cause dizziness
or drunkenness. Progressively higher levels or longer exposure may cause unconsciousness and death and may be
immediately hazardous to life.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term inhalation.

Skin Contact:
Short term exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause skin irritation. May cause drying or flaking of
skin. May cause more severe response if confined to skin. A single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in the
material being absorbed through skin in harmful amounts. Trichloroethylene may be absorbed through skin and may
cause numbness in the fingers immersed in the liquid.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term skin exposure.

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)

Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 2 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010

Eye Contact:
Short term exposure: This product is an eye irritant. Symptoms may include stinging and reddening of eyes and
watering which may become copious. Other symptoms may also become evident. If exposure is brief, symptoms
should disappear once exposure has ceased. However, lengthy exposure or delayed treatment may cause permanent
damage.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term eye exposure.

Ingestion:
Short term exposure: Significant oral exposure is considered to be unlikely. Available data shows that this product
is toxic, but further symptoms are not available. However, this product is an oral irritant. Symptoms may include
burning sensation and reddening of skin in mouth and throat. If aspirated (liquid enters the lung), may be rapidly
absorbed through the lungs and result in injury to other body systems.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term ingestion.

Carcinogen Status:
SWA: Trichloroethylene is classified by SWA as a Class 2 Carcinogen, likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
1,2-butylene Oxide is classified by SWA as a Class 3 Carcinogen, possibly carcinogenic to humans.
See the SWA website for further details. A web address has not been provided as addresses frequently change.
NTP: No significant ingredient is classified as carcinogenic by NTP.
IARC: Trichloroethylene is classed 2a by IARC - probably carcinogenic to humans.
1,2-butylene Oxide is classed 2b IARC - possibly carcinogenic to humans.
See the IARC website for further details. A web address has not been provided as addresses frequently change.

SECTION 3 - COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

Ingredients
CAS No
Conc,%
TWA (ppm)
STEL (ppm)
Trichloroethylene
79-01-6
99.4
10
40
1,2-butylene oxide
106-88-7
0.5
not set
not set
Other non hazardous ingredients
secret
to 100
not set
not set
This is a commercial product whose exact ratio of components may vary slightly. Minor quantities of other non
hazardous ingredients are also possible.
The TWA exposure value is the average airborne concentration of a particular substance when calculated over a normal 8 hour working day for a 5
day working week. The STEL (Short Term Exposure Limit) is an exposure value that may be equalled (but should not be exceeded) for no longer
than 15 minutes and should not be repeated more than 4 times per day. There should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at the
STEL. The term "peak "is used when the TWA limit, because of the rapid action of the substance, should never be exceeded, even briefly.

SECTION 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES

General Information:
You should call The Poisons Information Centre if you feel that you may have been poisoned, burned or irritated by
this product. The number is 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia (0800 764 766 in New Zealand) and is available at all
times. Have this MSDS with you when you call.

Inhalation: No first aid measures normally required. However, if inhalation has occurred, and irritation has
developed, remove to fresh air and observe until recovered. If irritation becomes painful or persists more than about
30 minutes, seek medical advice.
Skin Contact: Wash gently and thoroughly with warm water (use non-abrasive soap if necessary) for 10-20 minutes
or until product is removed. Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g.
watchbands and belts) and completely decontaminate them before reuse or discard. If irritation persists, repeat
flushing and seek medical attention.
Eye Contact: Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing water for 20 minutes or until
the product is removed, while holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the
unaffected eye or onto the face. Obtain medical attention immediately. Take special care if exposed person is wearing
contact lenses.
Ingestion: If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth thoroughly with water and contact a Poisons
Information Centre, or call a doctor at once. Give activated charcoal if instructed.

SECTION 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

Fire and Explosion Hazards: There is no risk of an explosion from this product under normal circumstances if it is
involved in a fire.
Fire decomposition products from this product may be toxic if inhaled. Take appropriate protective measures.

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)

Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 3 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010
Extinguishing Media: Water fog or fine spray is the preferred medium for large fires. Try to contain spills, minimise
spillage entering drains or water courses.
Fire Fighting: If a significant quantity of this product is involved in a fire, call the fire brigade. There is little danger of
a violent reaction or explosion if significant quantities of this product are involved in a fire. Recommended personal
protective equipment is full fire kit and and breathing apparatus.
Flash point:
Not flammable.
Upper Flammability Limit:
10.5%
Lower Flammability Limit:
8.1%
Autoignition temperature:
No data.
Flammability Class:
No data.

SECTION 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Accidental release: In the event of a major spill, prevent spillage from entering drains or water courses. Evacuate
the spill area and deny entry to unnecessary and unprotected personnel. Wear full protective chemically resistant
clothing including eye/face protection, gauntlets and self contained breathing apparatus. See below under Personal
Protection regarding Australian Standards relating to personal protective equipment. Suitable materials for protective
clothing include rubber, PVC, Nitrile. Eye/face protective equipment should comprise as a minimum, protective
goggles. If there is a significant chance that vapours or mists are likely to build up in the cleanup area, we recommend
that you use a respirator. It should be fitted with a type A cartridge, suitable for organic vapours. Otherwise, not
normally necessary.
Stop leak if safe to do so, and contain spill. Absorb onto sand, vermiculite or other suitable absorbent material. If spill
is too large or if absorbent material is not available, try to create a dike to stop material spreading or going into drains
or waterways. Because of the toxicity of this product, special personal care should be taken in any cleanup operation.
Sweep up and shovel or collect recoverable product into labelled containers for recycling or salvage, and dispose of
promptly. Recycle containers wherever possible after careful cleaning. After spills, wash area preventing runoff from
entering drains. If a significant quantity of material enters drains, advise emergency services. This material may be
suitable for approved landfill. Ensure legality of disposal by consulting regulations prior to disposal. Thoroughly
launder protective clothing before storage or re-use. Advise laundry of nature of contamination when sending
contaminated clothing to laundry.

SECTION 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling: Keep exposure to this product to a minimum, and minimise the quantities kept in work areas. Check
Section 8 of this MSDS for details of personal protective measures, and make sure that those measures are followed.
The measures detailed below under "Storage" should be followed during handling in order to minimise risks to
persons using the product in the workplace. Also, avoid contact or contamination of product with incompatible
materials listed in Section 10.
Storage: This product is a Scheduled Poison. Observe all relevant regulations regarding sale, transport and storage
of this schedule of poison. Store in a cool, well ventilated area. Check containers periodically for leaks. Containers
should be kept closed in order to minimise contamination. Make sure that the product does not come into contact with
substances listed under "Incompatibilities" in Section 10. If you keep more than 10000kg or L of Dangerous Goods of
Packaging Group III, you may be required to license the premises or notify your Dangerous Goods authority. If you
have any doubts, we suggest you contact your Dangerous Goods authority in order to clarify your obligations. Check
packaging - there may be further storage instructions on the label.

SECTION 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS AND PERSONAL PROTECTION

The following Australian Standards will provide general advice regarding safety clothing and equipment:
Respiratory equipment: AS/NZS 1715, Protective Gloves: AS 2161, Industrial Clothing: AS2919, Industrial Eye
Protection: AS1336 and AS/NZS 1337, Occupational Protective Footwear: AS/NZS2210.

SWA Exposure Limits

TWA (ppm)

STEL (ppm)

Trichloroethylene
10
40
No special equipment is usually needed when occasionally handling small quantities. The following instructions are
for bulk handling or where regular exposure in an occupational setting occurs without proper containment systems.
Ventilation: This product should only be used where there is ventilation that is adequate to keep exposure below
the TWA levels. If necessary, use a fan.
Eye Protection: Protective glasses or goggles should be worn when this product is being used. Failure to protect
your eyes may cause them harm. Emergency eye wash facilities are also recommended in an area close to where
this product is being used.
Skin Protection: Prevent skin contact by wearing impervious gloves, clothes and, preferably, apron. Make sure that
all skin areas are covered. See below for suitable material types.

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)

Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 4 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010
Protective Material Types: We suggest that protective clothing be made from the following materials: rubber,
PVC, nitrile.
Respirator: Where there is a risk of exposure to this product, we recommend that you use a respirator. It should be
fitted with a type A cartridge, suitable for organic vapours. Otherwise, not normally necessary.
Eyebaths or eyewash stations and safety deluge showers should be provided near to where this product is being
used.

SECTION 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

Physical Description & colour:
Odour:
Boiling Point:
Freezing/Melting Point:
Volatiles:
Vapour Pressure:
Vapour Density:
Specific Gravity:
Water Solubility:
pH:
Volatility:
Odour Threshold:
Evaporation Rate:
Coeff Oil/water distribution:
Autoignition temp:
Refractive index:

Clear, colourless liquid.

Sweetish odour; irritating at high concentrations.
87C at 100kPa
-73C
Completely volatile at 100C.
10kPa at 26C
No data.
1.464 at 20C
1g/L at 25C
No data.
No data.
No data.
No data.
No data
No data.
1.4773 at 20C

SECTION 10 - STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Reactivity: This product is unlikely to react or decompose under normal storage conditions. However, if you have
any doubts, contact the supplier for advice on shelf life properties.
Conditions to Avoid: Avoid open flames, welding arcs, or other high temperature sources which induce thermal
decomposition to irritating and corrosive Hydrogen chloride from solvent vapour. High energy ultra violet light sources
such as welding arcs can cause degradation generating chlorine, hydrogen chloride and possibly phosgene, and
should be avoided. Avoid strong bases including caustic soda and caustic potash. Also avoid metallic aluminium and
zinc powders.
Incompatibilities: strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidising agents.
Fire Decomposition: Involvement in fire or high temperatures forms hydrogen chloride and very small amounts of
phosgene and chlorine. Solvent decomposition occurs when catalysed by metal chlorides which can be produced by
reaction of HCl and metals in the system. In the presence of aluminium, the decomposition can proceed rapidly with
production of large amounts of heat and HCl fumes. Contamination of solvent with small amounts of 1,1,1trichloroethane can affect stabilisers and shorten solvent life.
Polymerisation: This product will not undergo polymerisation reactions.

SECTION 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Local Effects:
Target Organs:

There is no data to hand indicating any particular target organs.

SKIN: The LD50 for skin absorption in rabbits is approximately 10,000 mg/kg.
SWALLOWED: The oral LD50 for rats is 4,920 mg/kg.
INHALATION: The LC50 for rats is 12,500 ppm for 4 hours.
he substance may have effects on the central nervous system, resulting in loss of memory. The substance may have
effects on the liver and kidneys
A risk assessment of trichloroethylene conducted under the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and
Assessment Scheme concluded (March 2000) that there was sufficient evidence from animal toxicity and limited
epidemiological studies to classify trichloroethylene as a Carcinogen, Category 2 (a substance to be regarded as if it
is carcinogenic to humans). Butylene oxide has been shown to produce benign and malignant tumours in rats but not
mice. These tumours occurred only following high exposure levels which first produced chronic respiratory tract
irritation. Butylene oxide is not believed to pose a carcinogenic risk to man when handled as recommended.
TERATOLOGY (BIRTH DEFECTS):
Birth defects are unlikely. Exposures having no effect on the mother should have no effect on the foetus. Did not
cause birth defects in animals; other effects were seen in the foetus only at doses which caused toxic effects to the
mother.

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)

Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 5 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010

REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS:
Animal data on butylene oxide and trichloroethylene do not suggest any reproductive hazard from exposure.
Chronic effects may include symptoms of fatigue, headache, irritability, vomiting, flushing of the skin, intolerance to
alcohol, and damage to liver kidneys, heart and nervous system.
MUTAGENICITY (Effects on genetic material): For the minor component - butylene oxide in vitro mutagenicity
studies were positive. Animal mutagenicity studies were negative.
For epoxide-free trichloroethylene, in vitro mutagenicity studies were negative. Animal mutagenicity studies were
predominantly negative. Pure trichloroethylene (without additives) lacks mutagenic potential in most tests. A risk
assessment of trichloroethylene conducted under the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and
Assessment Scheme concluded (March 2000) that positive results in somatic cells in vivo, and positive results in a
number of in vitro studies, were sufficient to recommend a hazardous substance classification of Mutagen - Category
3 (a substance of concern to humans but in respect of which available information does not satisfactorily demonstrate
inheritable genetic damage).
Trichloroethylene is a SWA Class 3 Mutagen, possibly mutagenic to humans.

Classification of Hazardous Ingredients

Ingredient

Risk Phrases

Trichloroethylene

Conc>=20%: T; R45; R68; R36/38

SECTION 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Harmful to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects to the aquatic environment. This product is
biodegradable. It will not accumulate in the soil or water or cause long term problems.
There is little information on the toxicity of trichloroethylene for fish. The US Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical
Substances (1975) reports, for an unidentified species, that exposure to a concentration range of 100 - 1000 mg/litre
produced toxic effects in 96 h. Toxicity tests carried out on salt-water flatfish, Limanda limanda (sole), 15 - 20 cm
long, in a continuous water flow, established a 96-h LC50 of 16 mg/litre (1975). A 96-h LC50 of approximately 40
mg/litre (static) or 67 mg/litre (continuous flow) has been reported for the minnow Pimephales promelas (1978).
A value was established at LC100 of 600 mg/litre for Daphnia magna. The LC50 for the balanide salt-water crustacean
nauplius (larva) (Elminius modestus) was 20 mg/litre after 46 h, and the LC50 for the protozoon Entosiphon sulcatum
was established as 1200 mg/litre.
Various LC50 values have been established for algae including 63 mg/litre for Microcystis aeruginosa, a concentration
of 1000 mg/litre did not have any observable effect on Scenedesmus quadricauda. A short-term photosynthesis
efficiency test gave an LC50 of 8 mg/litre and, finally, in tests carried out on Thalassiosira pseudonana and Dunaliella
tertiolecta, there were observable effects at 50 and 100 g/litre, in a mixed culture.

SECTION 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disposal: There are many pieces of legislation covering waste disposal and they differ in each state and territory, so
each user must refer to laws operating in their area. In some areas, certain wastes must be tracked. The Hierarchy of
Controls seems to be common - the user should investigate: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and only if all else fails
should disposal be considered. Note that properties of a product may change in use, so that the following suggestions
may not always be appropriate. The following may help you in properly addressing this matter for this product. This
product may be recycled if unused, or if it has not been contaminated so as to make it unsuitable for its intended use.
If it has been contaminated, it may be possible to separate the contamination in some way. Only if neither of these
options is suitable, consider landfill.

SECTION 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION

ADG Code: 1710, TRICHLOROETHYLENE
Hazchem Code: 2Z
Special Provisions: None allocated
Limited quantities: ADG 7 specifies a Limited Quantity value of 5 L for this class of product.
Dangerous Goods Class: Class 6.1, Toxic Substances.
Packaging Group: III
Packaging Method: P001, IBC03, LP01
Class 6 Toxic Substances shall not be loaded in the same vehicle or packed in the same freight container with
Classes 1 (Explosives), 3 (Flammable Liquids where the Flammable Liquid is nitromethane), 5.1 (Oxidising Agents
where the Toxic Substances are Fire Risk Substances), 5.2 (Organic Peroxides where the Toxic Substances are Fire
Risk Substances), 8 (Corrosive Substances where the Toxic Substances are cyanides and the Corrosives are acids),
Foodstuffs and foodstuff empties. They may however be loaded in the same vehicle or packed in the same freight
container with Classes, 2.1 (Flammable Gases), 2.2 (Non-Flammable, Non-Toxic Gases), 2.3 (Toxic Gases), 3
(Flammable liquids, except where the flammable liquid is nitromethane), 4.1 (Flammable Solids), 4.2 (Spontaneously

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)

Product Name: Trichloroethylene

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

Page: 6 of 6
This revision issued: July, 2010
Combustible Substances), 4.3 (Dangerous When Wet Substances), 5.1 (Oxidising Agents except where the Toxic
Substances are Fire Risk Substances), 5.2 (Organic Peroxides except where the Toxic Substances are Fire Risk
Substances), 7 (Radioactive Substances), 8 (Corrosive Substances except where the Toxic Substances are cyanides
and the Corrosives are acids), 9 (Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods)

SECTION 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION

AICS: All of the significant ingredients in this formulation are compliant with NICNAS regulations.
The following ingredients: Trichloroethylene, are mentioned in the SUSDP.

SECTION 16 - OTHER INFORMATION

This MSDS contains only safety-related information. For other data see product literature.
This product is not recommend for use in applications where: Soil or ground water contamination is likely (direct applications to the ground, sink drains, sewers, or septic tanks.
Where over-exposure is likely (small rooms or confined space, or where there would be inadequate ventilation).
Where skin contact is likely (adhesive tape removal from skin or as hand cleaner to remove oils and greases).
Where there is direct food contact.
Where vapour concentrations would be in the flammable range.
Where disposal of waste would pose an environmental or health risk.
Where chemical reactivity poses a danger (contact with strong alkali, or in areas where welding is done.
For more storage and handling information refer to bulletin #100-06170 "Specialty Chlorinated Solvents - Product
Stewardship Manual, 1991 Edition."

Acronyms:
ADG Code
AICS
CAS number
Hazchem Number
IARC
SWA
NOS
NTP
R-Phrase
SUSDP
UN Number

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 7th Edition
Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances
Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
Emergency action code of numbers and letters that provide information to emergency
services especially firefighters
International Agency for Research on Cancer
Safe Work Australia, formerly ASCC and NOHSC
Not otherwise specified
National Toxicology Program (USA)
Risk Phrase
Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs & Poisons
United Nations Number

THIS MSDS SUMMARISES OUR BEST KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARD INFORMATION OF THE PRODUCT AND
HOW TO SAFELY HANDLE AND USE THE PRODUCT IN THE WORKPLACE. EACH USER MUST REVIEW THIS MSDS IN THE CONTEXT OF
HOW THE PRODUCT WILL BE HANDLED AND USED IN THE WORKPLACE.
IF CLARIFICATION OR FURTHER INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO ENSURE THAT AN APPROPRIATE RISK ASSESSMENT CAN BE MADE,
THE USER SHOULD CONTACT THIS COMPANY SO WE CAN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OUR SUPPLIERS
OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR PRODUCTS SOLD IS SUBJECT TO OUR STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS, A COPY OF WHICH IS SENT
TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Please read all labels carefully before using product.

This MSDS is prepared in accord with the SWA document National Code of Practice for the Preparation of
Material Safety Data Sheets 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2011(2003)]
Copyright Kilford & Kilford Pty Ltd, July, 2010.
http://www.kilford.com.au/ Phone (02)9251 4532

Issued by: Solvents Australia Pty Ltd

Phone: 02 9979 6866

Poisons Information Centre: 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia, (0800 764 766 in New Zealand)