International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROGEN CYANIDE, LIQUEFIED ICSC: 0492
HYDROGEN CYANIDE, LIQUEFIED
Hydrocyanic acid
Prussic acid
(liquefied)
HCN
Molecular mass: 27.03
CAS # 74-90-8
RTECS # MW6825000
ICSC # 0492
UN # 1051
EC # 006-006-00-X
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, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Confusion. Drowsiness. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath. Unconsciousness. Collapse. Death.
    		Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Avoid mouth to mouth resuscitation, administer oxygen by trained personnel. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
  • SKIN
    		• MAY BE ABSORBED! (Further see Inhalation).
    		Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
    		Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention. Wear protective gloves when administering first aid.
  • EYES
    		• VAPOUR WILL BE ABSORBED! Redness (see Inhalation).
    		Safety goggles, face shield, 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
    		• Burning sensation (further see Inhalation).
    		Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
    		Rinse mouth. See inhalation. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention. See Notes.
    SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
    Evacuate danger area immediately! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent and remove to safe place. Do NOT wash away into sewer. NEVER direct water jet on liquid. Prevent from entering confined spaces. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment (extra personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).
    		Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs. Cool. Store only if stabilized.

    F+ symbol
    T+ symbol
    R: 12-26
    S: (1/2-)7/9-16-36/37-38-45
    UN Hazard Class: 6.1
    UN Subsidiary Risks: 3
    UN Packing Group: I
    Marine pollutant.
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0492 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

    HYDROGEN CYANIDE, LIQUEFIED ICSC: 0492

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    PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
     COLOURLESS GAS OR LIQUID , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

    PHYSICAL DANGERS:
     The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed.

    CHEMICAL DANGERS:
     The substance may polymerize due to warming, under the influence of base(s), over 2% water, or temperatures above 184░C, or if not chemically stabilized, with fire or explosion hazard. On combustion, forms toxic and corrosive gases, including nitrogen oxides. The solution in water is a weak acid. Reacts violently with oxidants, hydrogen chloride in alcoholic mixtures, causing fire and explosion hazard.

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: 4.7 ppm; 5 mg/m3 (ceiling values) (skin) (ACGIH 1997).


    		ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
     The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.

    INHALATION RISK:
     A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very quickly on evaporation of this substance at 20░C.

    EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
     The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system , resulting in impaired respiratory and circulatory functions. Exposure may result in death. See Notes.

    EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
    PHYSICAL
    PROPERTIES
    Boiling point: 26░C
    Melting point: -13░C
    Relative density (water = 1): 0.69
    Solubility in water: miscible
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 20░C: 82.6
    		Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.94
    Flash point: -18░C c.c.
    Auto-ignition temperature: 538░C
    Explosive limits, vol% in air: 5.6-40.0
    Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0.35
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms.
    N O T E S
    Mineral acids are commonly used as stabilizers. The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. Specific treatment is necessary in case of poisoning with this substance; the appropriate means with instructions must be available. The odour warning when the exposure limit value is exceeded is insufficient. The recommendations on this Card also apply to hydrogen cyanide, stabilized, absorbed in a porous inert material. Another UN number: 1614, hydrogen cyanide stabilized, absorbed in a porous inert material.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-61G60
    NFPA Code: H4; F4; R2;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0492 HYDROGEN CYANIDE, LIQUEFIED
    © 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.