Sodium cyanide

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

First aid measures

4.1. Description of first aid measures

Pay attention to self-protection.

Remove affected persons from the hazard area.

Remove contaminated or soaked clothing immediately and dispose of safely.

Always use protective equipment items (e.g. suitable respiratory equipment and suitable protective

clothing / protective gloves made of butyl rubber, fluoro rubber, chloroprene rubber, etc.).

Keep warm, position comfortably, and cover well.

Place patients who are unconscious but breathing in the stabilized lateral position.

In case of cardiac arrest, begin with cardiopulmonary reanimation (CPR) immediately.

Do not leave victims unattended.

Respiratory protection

Inhalation

Inhalation is possible if aerosols, mists, dusts, or smoke form.

No artificial respiration, mouth-to-mouth or mouth to nose. Use suitable instruments/apparatus.

Dander of poisoning!

Keep respiratory tract clear.

In case of difficulties in breathing, supply oxygen.

Call emergency doctor immediately (alarm report: cyanide / hydro-cyanic acid poisoning ).

Skin contact

No cases of cyanide intoxication have been observed to date following contact with dry sodium or

potassium cyanide on dry skin free of injuries.

Upon skin contact, wash with plenty of water and soap.

Summon an emergency physician immediately in case of intoxication symptoms (key terms: intoxication

with cyanide / prussic acid).

Eye contact

Use of special rinsing solutions with high buffer capacities (e.g. borate buffer solutions, diphoterines, etc.)

is recommended within the framework of first aid measures.

or

With eye held open, thoroughly rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes.

Inoculated solid matter must be reliably removed by mechanical means.

Summon an emergency physician immediately in case of intoxication symptoms (key terms: intoxication

with cyanide / prussic acid).

Ingestion

Rinse out mouth.

Immediately give large quantities of water to drink.

Do NOT induce vomiting.

Call emergency doctor immediately (alarm report: cyanide / hydro-cyanic acid poisoning ).

4.2. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed

4.3. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed

Possible signs of poisoning:

Discrimination in 2 stages seems appropriate:

1.

Mild poisoning

2.

Severe poisoning

The following symptoms are not sufficient to ensure correct prognosis:

symptoms of the central nervous system:

Early stage

Headache, vertigo, somnolence (sleepiness), nausea.

advanced stage: seizures, coma.

Pulmonary symptoms:

Early stage: dyspnea, tachypnea.

advanced stage:

hypoventilation, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, apnea

Cardiovascular symptoms:

Early stage

hypertension, sinus arrhythmia, atrioventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia.

advanced stage:

tachycardia, complex arrhythmias, cardiac arrest.

Skin symptoms:

Early stage: rosy skin colour.

advanced stage: cyanosis.

Effect on the metabolism:

Lactate acidosis up to pH 7,1 and lactate level of 17 mmol/l are described.

Treatment:

Prevention of absorption and checking of vital functions only in the absence of risk to selfprotection !

Rapid treatment with antidotes can save lives and has priority over removal of poison !

Treatment:

Mild poisoning

Artificial respiration with 100% oxygen

Depending on the pathology and clinical findings, astrictly monitored controls of the clinical findings,

symptom-oriented treatment for pulmonary edema prophylaxis and a diagnosis (lung X-rays) are

necessary.

Antidote treatment

for example

Administration of sodium thiosulfate (12.5 g - 100-500 mg/kg weight) I.V. depending on the clinical

presentation and symptoms.

Warning! Dosage level relevant for adults weighing 70 kg.

All cyanide exposed persons should undergo continued monitoring for several hours, even if patient feels

well to ensure there are no residual or recurrent poisoning symptoms.

Treatment:

Severe poisoning

Artificial respiration with 100% oxygen

Immediate antidote administration

The medical drugs in the following list may be used in antidote treatment:

Complexing agents

1.

Administer hydroxocobalamine (Cyanokit®) 5 g i.v. (70 mg/kg b.w. in adults) by infusion over a period of

20 - 30 minutes. Administration of this dose can be repeated as required depending on the severity of

poisoning. Infusion time for repeated dose: 30 minutes to 2 hours. The only permissible route of

administration for hydroxocobalamine is i.v.!

2.

Dicobalt edetate (Kelocyanor®) 300 mg (1 ampoule) in adults, i.v. infusion time 1 - 3 minutes

Methaemoglobin-forming agent

1.

4-Dimethylaminophenol, (4-DMAP) / sodium thiosulphate: The antidote is administered in the following

order: 1.) 4-DMAP, 250 mg (3-4 mg/kg body weight) in 5 ml i.v. (1 vial) followed by 2.) Sodium

thiosulphate 12.5 g in 50 ml i.v. infusion. If the antidote has been administered and the diagnosis is not

cyanide poisoning and methaemoglobinaemia >30% is present, toluidine blue or methylene blue can be

administered to counteract the effect of the cyanide antidote. IMPORTANT: This procedure should be

carried out very cautiously and only in a clinical setting due to the possible re-release of cyanide into the

blood.

2.

Sodium nitrite (Taylor, Lilly or Pasadena Cyanide Antidote Kit) 300 - 600 mg i.v., administered over a

period of 5 to 15 minutes.

Fire-fighting measures

Firefighting measures

5.1. Extinguishing media

Suitable extinguishing media: alkali powder quenching agent

Unsuitable extinguishing media: Water

Unsuitable extinguishing media: Foam

Unsuitable extinguishing media: Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Unsuitable extinguishing media: acidic quenching agents

Unsuitable extinguishing media: acidic powder quenching agents;

5.2. Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture

May be released in case of fire:

Hydro-cyanic acid

5.3. Advice for firefighters

Contaminated extinguishing water must be treated at a suitable disposal plant in accordance with waste

management laws.

Water used to extinguish fire should not enter drainage systems, soil or stretches of water.

Ensure there are sufficient retaining facilities for water used to extinguish fire.

In case of fire, remove the endangered containers and bring to a safe place, if this can be done safely.

Contaminated fire-extinguishing water must be disposed of in accordance with the regulations issued by

the appropriate local authorities.

Fire residues should be disposed of in accordance with the regulations.

Keep out unprotected persons.

In the event of fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus.

full protective suit

Accidental release measures

Accidental release measures

6.1. Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures

Wear personal protective equipment; see section 8.

Keep out unprotected persons.

Keep unauthorized persons away.Avoid dust formation.

Ensure sufficient ventilation. Avoid skin contact because of the danger of skin absorption.

6.2. Environmental precautions

Do not allow the product into the following compartments:

soil

stretches of water

drainage systems

Cyanide-containing sewage water and solutions must be decontaminated before entering a public canal

network or stretch of water.

If the product contaminates rivers and lakes or drains inform respective authorities.

6.3. Methods and material for containment and cleaning up

1. solid:

Pick up mechanically. Collect in suitable containers.

Reuse or eliminate absorbed material according to the regulations in force.

To absorb spilled substance an approved industrial vacuum cleaner is recommended. If necessary, the

spilled substance should be moistened.

2. solution:

Absorb with liquid-binding material, e. g.: inert absorbent, diatomaceous earth or acid neutralizer

Pick up mechanically. Collect in suitable containers.

Reuse or eliminate absorbed material according to the regulations in force.

1 and 2:

Pack and label wastes like the pure substance. Do not detach label from the delivery containers prior to

disposal.

6.4. Reference to other sections

Wear personal protective equipment; see section 8.

Handling and storage

Handling and storage

7.1. Precautions for safe handling

Wear personal protective equipment.

Store under lock and key or in a way that only skilled persons have access to it.

Ensure ventilation when opening container. Traces of HCN may adhere to product.

Seal container hermetically immediately after use.

Avoid residues of the product on the containers.Be careful when opening the package, since toxic and

caustic gases and vapours may escape.

7.2. Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

Advice on protection against fire and explosion

The product itself does not burn.

Ensure there are sufficient retaining facilities for water used to extinguish fire.

see section 5.

In case of release hydrocyanic acid:

Formation of flammable or explosive dust/air mixtures possible.

Storage

Store in original container.

Keep container tightly sealed and store in a dry, well-ventilated place.

clean, dry, lockable.

Inadequate materials are:

Aluminium

Do not store together with: acid and acidic salts.

Keep away from food, drink and animal feedingstuffs.

Further information

Protect from sunlight, warmth and heat.

In order to ensure due transportation, make certain that stacks are of the correct height, containers are

securely fastened so as not to fall off, and labelled according to the regulations.

7.3. Specific end use(s)

For more details see annexes Exposure scenario.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

UN 1689

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

SODIUM CYANIDE, SOLID

Chemical name:

Sodium cyanide

Language:

English

Special provisions / remarks

Special provisions:

ADR: Tunnel Restriction Code: (C/E)
Do not store together with acids (danger of toxic gases) or with foodstuffs, consumables and feedstuffs.

Inland waterway transport (UN RTDG/ADN(R))

UN number:

UN1689

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

SODIUM CYANIDE, SOLID

Chemical name:

Sodium cyanide

Language:

English

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Do not store together with acids (danger of toxic gases) or with foodstuffs, consumables and feedstuffs.

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

UN 1689

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

SODIUM CYANIDE, SOLID

Chemical name:

Sodium cyanide

Marine pollutant

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

Keep separate from acids.
Do not stow in external container rows
FOR USA ONLY: When shipping in, by or via USA note of the Reportable Quantity-Regulation!
Do not store together with acids (danger of toxic gases) or with foodstuffs, consumables and feedstuffs.

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

UN 1689

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

Sodium cyanide, solid

Chemical name:

Sodium cyanide

Special provisions / remarks

Remarks:

IATA-C: FOR USA ONLY: When shipping in, by or via USA note of the Reportable Quantity-
Regulation!
IATA-P: FOR USA ONLY: When shipping in, by or via USA note of the Reportable Quantity-
Regulation!
Do not store together with acids (danger of toxic gases) or with foodstuffs, consumables and feedstuffs.

Additional transport information

Additional information

Special provisions / remarks / other:

Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code:
for transportapproval see regulatory information

Exposure controls / personal protection

Control parameters

 Sodium cyanide

CAS-No.              143-33-9              EC-No.       205-599-4

Control parameters       5 mg/m3                     Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL):(EU ELV)

             Indicative

Control parameters                            Skin designation:(EU ELV)

             Can be absorbed through the skin.

Control parameters       1 mg/m3                     Time Weighted Average (TWA):(EU ELV)

             Indicative

 Hydrogen cyanid

CAS-No.              74-90-8              EC-No.       200-821-6

             Control parameters 0,9 ppm       Time Weighted Average (TWA):(EU ELV)

             1 mg/m3       

             Indicative

Control parameters       4,5 ppm                     Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL):(EU ELV)

             5 mg/m3

             Indicative

Control parameters                             Skin designation:(EU ELV)

             Can be absorbed through the skin.

DNEL/DMEL values

End Use              general populace

Remarks              not applicable

             Product not intended for consumers

End Use              Worker

Routes of exposure       dermal

Possible health damage       Acute - systemic effects

Value              3,03 mg/kg bodyweight/day

Remarks              Acute toxicity

End Use              Worker

Routes of exposure       Inhalation

Possible health damage       Acute - systemic effects

Value              9,4 mg/m3

Remarks              Acute toxicity

End Use              Worker

Routes of exposure       dermal

Possible health damage        Long-term - systemic effects

Value              0,1 mg/kg bodyweight/day

Remarks              Repeated dose toxicity

End Use              Worker

Routes of exposure       Inhalation

Possible health damage       Long-term - systemic effects

Value              0,72 mg/m3

Remarks              Repeated dose toxicity

PNEC values

             Freshwater

Value              0,001 mg/l

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

             marine water

Value               0,001 mg/l

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

             water - intermittent releases

Value              0,005 mg/l

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

             Microorganisms

Value              0,05 mg/l

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

             Fresh water sediment

Value              0,004 mg/kg (dry weight)

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

             marine water sediment

Value              0,004 mg/kg (dry weight)

Remarks T              est substance

             C N -

             soil

Value              0,007 mg/kg (dry weight)

Remarks              Test substance

             C N -

8.2. Exposure controls

Engineering measures

Ensure suitable suction/aeration at the work place and with operational machinery.

Provide for installation of emergency shower and eye bath.

Exposure controls

Suitable measuring processes are:

Sodium cyanide

OSHA method ID 120

NIOSH method 7904

Hydro-cyanic acid

OSHA method ID 120

Personal protective equipment

Respiratory protection

If Hydrogen cyanide occurs:

wear a self contained respiratory apparatus

Note time limit for wearing respiratory protective equipment.

If dust / aerosols occurs:

Respirator with B-P3 combination filter

Respirator with ABEK-P3 combination filter

(Germany)

Hand protection

Glove material       Natural rubber (NR), for example, Cama Clean 708, Kächele-Cama Latex GmbH (KCL), Germany

Material thickness       0,5 mm

Break through time        >= 480 min

Method               DIN EN 374

Glove material       Nitrile, for example, Dermatril 740, Kächele-Cama Latex GmbH (KCL), Germany

Material thickness       0,11 mm

Break through time       >= 480 min

Method              DIN EN 374

Glove material       Nitrile, for example, Camatril (731), Kächele-Cama Latex GmbH (KCL), Germany

Material thickness       0,33 mm

Break through time       >= 480 min

Method               DIN EN 374

Glove material       Polychloroprene with natural-latex liner., for example, Camapren 722, Kächele-Cama Latex GmbH (KCL), Germany

Material thickness       0,6 mm

Break through time       >= 480 min

Method              DIN EN 374

Eye protection

wear basket-shaped glasses

Skin and body protection

Wear chemical protective suit.

During cleaning work: rubber or plastic boots.

Hygiene measures

Avoid contact with skin.

After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of water.

Do not eat, drink, smoke, or sniff while at work. Wash your hands and/or face before breaks and before

termination of work.

Preventive skin protection

Keep working clothes separately.

Avoid contaminating clothes with product.

Immediately change moistened and saturated work clothes.

Immediately rinse contaminated or saturated clothing with water.

Protective measures

Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

The work-place related airborne concentrations have to be kept below of the indicated exposure limits.

If workplace exposure limits are exceeded and/or larger amounts are released (leakage, spilling, dust) the

indicated respiratory protection should be used.

The personal protective equipment used must meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 and

amendments (CE certification).

It should be defined in the work place in the form of a risk analysis according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425

and amendments.

The work-place related airborne concentrations have to be kept below of the indicated exposure limits.

If workplace exposure limits are exceeded and/or larger amounts are released (leakage, spilling, dust) the

indicated respiratory protection should be used.

All precautionary measures indicated have to be observed.

Stability and reactivity

Stability and reactivity

10.1. Reactivity

No further information available

10.2. Chemical stability

No further information available

10.3. Possibility of hazardous reactions

Possibility of hazardous reactions       No further information available

10.4. Conditions to avoid

Hydrogen cyanide forms if heated above 300 °C.

10.5. Incompatible materials

Under the action of acids (as well as carbon dioxide !) hydrocyanic acid is released which is combustible

and may react with air to explosive gas mixtures.Keep away from acidic salts.

10.6. Hazardous decomposition products

HCN: Hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid)

Disposal considerations

Disposal considerations

13.1. Waste treatment methods

Product

Disposal according to local authority regulations.

Recommendation:

Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.

Pack and label wastes like the pure substance. Do not detach label from the delivery containers prior to

disposal.

Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling.

Cyanide-containing sewage water and solutions must be decontaminated before entering a public canal

network or stretch of water.

In accordance with local and national regulations.

Uncleaned packaging

Rinse empty containers with water three times, test the last rinsing water for content of cyanide residues.

Treat and detoxify with: Hydrogen peroxide.

pH Value = 11

Recommended cleaning agent: Water

Do not reuse empty containers and dispose of in accordance with the regulations issued by the

appropriate local authorities.

Waste Key Number

duty of proof: yes;

The waste key number must be determined as per the European Waste Types List (decision on EU Waste

Types List 2000/532/EC) in cooperation with the disposal firm / producing firm / official authority.