CHLOROFORM

Basic information

Chemical formula(s): \({\rm CHCl_3}\)
Other names: trichloromethane, methane trichloride, formyl trichloride
CAS: 67-66-3
International Chemical Safety Card (ICSC): 0027
Flammability: no
NOAA’s description: clear colourless liquid with a characteristic odour; denser than water and slightly soluble in water, hence sinks in water; nonflammable under most conditions, but burns under extreme conditions; may cause illness by inhalation, skin absorption or ingestion

Health (blue): 2 - intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury.
Flammability (red): 0 - will not burn under typical fire conditions, will not burn in air unless exposed to a temperature of 820 °C for more than 5 minutes.
Instability–reactivity (yellow): 0 - normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water.
Special notice (white): -

Code	Phrase
H302	harmful if swallowed
H315	causes skin irritation
H319	causes serious eye irritation
H331	toxic if inhaled
H336	may cause drowsiness or dizziness
H351	suspected of causing cancer
H361d	suspected of damaging the unborn child
H372	causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure

Code	Phrase
P201	obtain special instructions before use
P202	do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood
P235	keep cool
P260	do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
P264	wash … thoroughly after handling
P270	do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
P271	use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
P280	wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
P281	use personal protective equipment as required
P301+P330+P331	IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting
P302+P352	IF ON SKIN: wash with soap and water
P304+P340	IF INHALED: remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
P305+P351+P338	IF IN EYES: rinse continuously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, continue rinsing
P308+P313	IF EXPOSED OR CONCERNED: get medical advice/attention
P310	immediately call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline)
P311	call the ETH Emergency Desk: +41 44 342 11 88 (from mobile) or 888 (from landline)
P314	get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell
P332+P313	IF SKIN IRRITATION OCCURS: get medical advice/attention
P337+P313	IF EYE IRRITATION PERSISTS: get medical advice/attention
P362	take off contaminated clothing
P403+P233	store in a well ventilated place, keep container tightly closed
P405	store locked up
P501	dispose of contents/container to HCI-Shop

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and OSHA Glove Selection Chart categorize gloves into four protection levels (very good, good, fair, poor (not recommended)) for given chemical. The levels of protection against chloroform for four types of gloves are:

Always wear safety goggles when handling the chemical. Corrective glasses are not considered safety googles.
Handle the chemical inside the fume hood only (with exception of moving the closed bottle to and from the storage cabinet).

Wear long trousers and fully covered shoes.
Contact lenses are forbidden while working with chemical substances, even in combination with safety glasses.
Do not wear cosmetics.
Do not wear synthetic clothing while working with flammable liquids or gases or when a hazard is present as these materials tend to melt and stick to exposed skin.
Do not wear headphones.

Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid dust formation, avoid breathing dust, use only under the fume hood.
Avoid breathing vapors or mist.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Sweep up without creating dust and arrange disposal.
Do not let it enter drain.
If a spill happened outside the fume hood (on the floor or desktop) contact Dr. Jakub Tkaczuk (+41 44 632 31 62) and the ETH Emergency Desk (+41 44 342 11 88 from mobile or 888 from landline).