Guide Pages

 

Name of Material
 
 
Chloroform
 
 
GUIDE
151
SUBSTANCES - TOXIC (Non-combustible)
 
POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

  • Highly toxic, may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin.
  • Avoid any skin contact.
  • Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.
  • Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
  • Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

  • Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
  • Containers may explode when heated.
  • Runoff may pollute waterways.
PUBLIC SAFETY
  • CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.
  • As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
  • Keep unauthorized personnel away.
  • Stay upwind.
  • Keep out of low areas.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

  • Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
  • Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection.
  • Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.

EVACUATION

Spill

  • See Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances for highlighted materials. For non-highlighted materials, increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown under "PUBLIC SAFETY".

Fire

  • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

Small Fire

  • Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

Large Fire

  • Water spray, fog or regular foam.
  • Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk.
  • Dike fire-control water for later disposal; do not scatter the material.
  • Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.

Fire involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads

  • Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles.
  • Do not get water inside containers.
  • Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.
  • Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.
  • ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.
  • For massive fire, use unmanned hose holders or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

SPILL OR LEAK

  • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.
  • Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
  • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
  • Cover with plastic sheet to prevent spreading.
  • Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
  • DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

FIRST AID

  • Move victim to fresh air.
  • Call 911 or emergency medical service.
  • Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.
  • Do not use mouth-to-mouth method if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; give artificial respiration with the aid of a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.
  • Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
  • Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.
  • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.
  • For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.
  • Keep victim warm and quiet.
  • Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.
  • Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.
 
 
 
 
Date modified:
2012-08-08