Product Name: Perchloroethylene

SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 1 of 6

This revision issued: August, 2020

Section 1 - Identification of The Material and Supplier

Chemical nature: Chlorinated hydrocarbon.

Trade Name: Perchloroethylene
Product Use: Dry cleaning solvent; Vapour degreasing solvent; Drying agent for metals and certain
other solids. Used also as a heat transfer medium and in the manufacture of
fluorocarbons.
Creation Date: March, 2006
This version issued: August, 2020 and is valid for 5 years from this date.
Poisons Information Centre: Phone 13 1126 from anywhere in Australia

SECTION 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Statement of Hazardous Nature
This product is classified as: Hazardous according to the criteria of SWA Australia.
Dangerous according to Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code, IATA and IMDG/IMSBC criteria.
SUSMP Classification: S6
ADG Classification: Class 6.1: Toxic substances.
UN Number: 1897, TETRACHLOROETHYLENE

GHS Signal word: DANGER.

HAZARD STATEMENT:
H301: Toxic if swallowed.
H351: Suspected of causing cancer.
H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
PREVENTION
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P201: Obtain special instructions before use.
P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P262: Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264: Wash contacted areas thoroughly after handling.
P270: Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P273: Avoid release to the environment.
P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing and eye or face protection.
RESPONSE
P337: If eye irritation persists: seek medical attention.
P352: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P308+P313: If exposed or concerned: Get medical advice.
P370+P378: In case of fire, note the following. Water fog or fine spray is the preferred medium for large fires.
Try to contain spills, minimise spillage entering drains or water courses.
STORAGE

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: Perchloroethylene
SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 2 of 6
This revision issued: August, 2020
P405: Store locked up.
P402+P404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
P403+P235: Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
DISPOSAL
P501: If product can not be recycled, consider controlled incineration, or contact a specialist waste disposal
company (see Section 13 of this SDS).
Emergency Overview
Physical Description & colour: Clear, colourless liquid.
Odour: Ether-like odour.
Major Health Hazards: toxic if swallowed, may cause irreversible effects.

SECTION 3 - COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

3 3
Ingredients CAS No Conc,% TWA (mg/m ) STEL (mg/m )
Perchloroethylene 127-18-4 pure * 340 1020
* Commercially pure. May include small quantities of materials due to manufacturing or reaction processes.
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 SDS 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 water (use non-abrasive soap if necessary) for 5 minutes or until
chemical is removed.
Eye Contact: No effects expected. If irritation does occur, flush contaminated eye(s) with lukewarm, gently flowing
water for 5 minutes or until the product is removed. Obtain medical advice if irritation becomes painful or lasts more
than a few minutes. 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. Violent steam generation or eruption may occur upon application of direct water stream on hot
liquids.
Fire decomposition products from this product may be toxic if inhaled. Take appropriate protective measures.
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 breathing apparatus.
Flash point: Not flammable.
Upper Flammability Limit: No data.
Lower Flammability Limit: No data.
Autoignition temperature: No data.
Flammability Class: No data.

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: Perchloroethylene
SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 3 of 6
This revision issued: August, 2020
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 SDS 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, Occupational Protective Clothing: AS/NZS 4501
set 2008, Industrial Eye Protection: AS1336 and AS/NZS 1337, Occupational Protective Footwear: AS/NZS2210.
SWA Exposure Limits TWA (mg/m3) STEL (mg/m3)
Perchloroethylene 340 1020
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: Eye protection such as protective glasses or goggles is recommended when this product is being
used.
Skin Protection: You should avoid contact even with mild skin irritants. Therefore you should wear suitable
impervious elbow-length gloves and facial protection when handling this product. See below for suitable material
types.
Protective Material Types: We suggest that protective clothing be made from the following materials: rubber,
PVC, nitrile.
Respirator: Usually, no respirator is necessary when using this product. However, if you have any doubts consult
the Australian Standard mentioned above. Otherwise, not normally necessary.
Safety deluge showers should, if practical, be provided near to where this product is being used.

SECTION 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:

Physical Description & colour: Clear, colourless liquid.
Odour: Ether-like odour.
Boiling Point: 121°C at 100kPa
Freezing/Melting Point: -23°C

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: Perchloroethylene
SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 4 of 6
This revision issued: August, 2020
Volatiles: Slowly volatile at 100°C, but completely volatile at higher temperatures.
Vapour Pressure: 10kPa at 54°C
Vapour Density: No data.
Specific Gravity: 1.619 at 22°C
Water Solubility: 0.15g/L at 20°C
pH: No data.
Volatility: No data.
Odour Threshold: No data.
Evaporation Rate: No data.
Coeff Oil/water distribution: No data
Autoignition temp: No data.
Refractive index: 1.5059 at 20°C

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 direct sunlight or ultraviolet sources. Avoid open flames, welding arcs, or other high
temperature sources which induce thermal decomposition. High energy sources such as welding arcs can cause
degradation generating chlorine, hydrogen chloride and possible phosgene, and should be avoided. Avoid contact
with metals such as: aluminium powders, magnesium powders, potassium, sodium, and zinc powder. Avoid
unintended contact with amines. Avoid contact with strong bases and strong oxidisers. Avoid prolonged contact with
or storage in aluminium or its alloys.
Incompatibilities: strong acids, strong bases, strong oxidising agents.
Fire Decomposition: Carbon dioxide, and if combustion is incomplete, carbon monoxide and smoke. Hydrogen
chloride gas, other compounds of chlorine. Water. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces headache, weakness,
nausea, dizziness, confusion, dimness of vision, disturbance of judgment, and unconsciousness followed by coma
and death.
Polymerisation: This product will not undergo polymerisation reactions.
SECTION 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
The major route of absorption of Perchloroethylene (PCE) is through the Lung: 80% to 90% of inhaled vapour is
absorbed. Skin exposure can appreciably increase absorption. For example, immersion of one thumb in PCE gives an
exposure equivalent to breathing about 10 ppm. Additionally, exercising while exposed increases uptake by 50% to
300% or more as compared to a resting state.
The excretion of PCE is mostly (80-98%) through exhalation of the unchanged compound through the lung. About 2%
of an absorbed dose is metabolized to trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which is excreted in the urine. TCA, because of its
binding to serum albumin, can be detected in the blood or urine for a fairly long time, and has a half-life of about three
days. It is important to note that the metabolism of PCE to trichloroacetic acid is inhibited by ethanol use; thus, a low
TCA level cannot be used to assure safe exposure levels of PCE if the victim also uses alcohol.
The half-life of PCE in the blood is not simply determined. Initially, within a few hours of typical occupational exposure,
the concentration of PCE measured in blood or expired air drops rapidly, with a half-life of just a few hours. However,
one or two days after exposure has ceased, the decline of PCE levels measured in the same way becomes much
slower, with a half-life approaching 3 days.
There is more fat storage of PCE than other chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene or methyl chloroform. This
may be responsible for its complex excertion behaviour. Due to this fat storage, repeated exposures generally give
rise to higher blood levels of PCE as measured a few days after exposure, than do single exposures.
Perchloroethylene has been shown to increase the rate of spontaneously occurring malignant tumours in certain
laboratory rats and mice. Other long-term inhalation studies in rats failed to show tumourigenic response.
Epidemiology studies are limited and have not established an association between perchloroethylene exposure and
cancer. Perchloroethylene is not believed to pose a measurable carcinogenic risk to man when handled as
recommended.
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.
Classification of Hazardous Ingredients
Ingredient Risk Phrases
Perchloroethylene Conc>=1%: Xn; R40
 Carcinogenicity – category 2

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: Perchloroethylene
SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 5 of 6
This revision issued: August, 2020
 Hazardous to the aquatic environment (chronic) – category 2

Potential Health Effects

Inhalation
Short term exposure: In confined or poorly ventilated areas vapours can readily accumulate and can cause
unconsciousness and death. Dizziness may occur at 200 ppm; progressively higher levels may also cause nasal
irritation, nausea, incoordination, drunkenness; and over 1000 ppm, unconsciousness and death. A single brief
(minutes) inhalation exposure to levels above 6000 ppm may be immediately fatal. Based on structural analogy
and/or equivocal data in animals, excessive exposure may potentially increase sensitivity to epinephrine and increase
myocardial irritability (irregular heartbeats.) Alcohol consumed before or after exposure may increase adverse effects.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term inhalation.
Skin Contact:
Short term exposure: Short single exposure not likely to cause significant skin irritation. Prolonged or repeated
exposure may cause skin irritation, even a burn. A single prolonged exposure is not likely to result in the material
being absorbed through skin in harmful amounts.
Long Term exposure: Repeated contact may cause drying or flaking of skin.
Eye Contact:
Short term exposure: This product may be irritating to eyes, but is unlikely to cause anything more than mild
transient discomfort.
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 may be irritating to mucous membranes but is
unlikely to cause anything more than transient discomfort.
Long Term exposure: No data for health effects associated with long term ingestion.
Carcinogen Status:
SWA: Perchloroethylene 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: Perchloroethylene is classified by NTP as reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic to humans.
See the NTP website for further details. A web address has not been provided as addresses frequently change.
IARC: Perchloroethylene is classed 2a by IARC - probably carcinogenic to humans.
See the IARC website for further details. A web address has not been provided as addresses frequently change.

SECTION 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects to the aquatic environment. Chlorinated solvents
have a relatively short life-time in the atmosphere. If spilt into water or soil, trichloroethylene will usually evaporate into
the air, where it is quickly broken down. Perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene display very slow biodegradation and
responsible end-users will be very careful to avoid spillages.

SECTION 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Disposal: 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 reclaim the product by filtration, distillation or some
other means. If neither of these options is suitable in-house, consider controlled incineration, or contact a specialist
waste disposal company.

SECTION 14 - TRANSPORT INFORMATION

UN Number: 1897, TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
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.
Packing Group: III
Packing Instruction: P001, IBC03, LP01

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: Perchloroethylene
SAFETY DATA SHEET Page: 6 of 6
This revision issued: August, 2020
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
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: This product is compliant with NICNAS regulations.
The following ingredient: Perchloroethylene, is mentioned in the SUSMP.

SECTION 16 - OTHER INFORMATION

This SDS contains only safety-related information. For other data see product literature.
Acronyms:
ADG Code Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 7th Edition
AICS Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances
CAS number Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number
Hazchem Number Emergency action code of numbers and letters that provide information to emergency
services especially firefighters
IARC International Agency for Research on Cancer
SWA Safe Work Australia, formerly ASCC and NOHSC
NOS Not otherwise specified
NTP National Toxicology Program (USA)
R-Phrase Risk Phrase
SUSMP Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines & Poisons
UN Number United Nations Number
THIS SDS 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 SDS 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 SDS is prepared in accord with the SWA document “Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous
Chemicals - Code of Practice” (Feb 2016)
Copyright © Kilford & Kilford Pty Ltd, August, 2020.
http://www.kilford.com.au/ Phone (02)8321 8866

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)