Sodium chloride or table salt needs no introduction as without it taste enhancement of many food item is impossible. It is a common object that is known and used in every household. However, it is an essential compound used widely across various industries. For any workplace handling this compound, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is critical to ensure safe storage, handling, and potential emergency measures.
For compliance and employee safety, organizations must obtain and distribute an authentic Sodium Chloride Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A reliable SDS provides 16 sections detailing essential hazard and safety information in a clear and comprehensive format.
What is a sodium chloride SDS and what information should it include? Continue reading and you will explore everything you need to know to handle sodium chloride.
What is Sodium Chloride?
Sodium chloride, or NaCl, is an ionic compound made up of equal parts sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions. Here’s a quick look at some key details about sodium chloride:
Basic Properties
- Formula: NaCl
- Ionic Composition: Contains sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻) in a 1:1 ratio
- Molecular Weight: 58.44 g/mol
- Appearance: Usually colorless or white, found as a crystalline powder or transparent crystals.
- Common Names: Also known as table salt, common salt, or halite (in its mineral form).
Natural Occurrence
- In Seawater: Sodium chloride is the main salt found in seawater.
- In Organisms: Sodium chloride is vital in the extracellular fluid of many organisms, including humans, where it plays a key role in regulating water balance and supporting normal cell function.
Physical Description:
Sodium chloride can be found in various forms, such as:
- Dry Powder: Used in various applications, including culinary and industrial
- Liquid Solution: Used for de-icing and in saline solutions
- Pellets or Large Crystals: Common in water softening systems and de-icing
- Water or Solvent Wet Solid: May appear moist if mixed with water or other solvents
Solubility: It is highly soluble in water, with 36.0 grams dissolving in 100 grams of water at 25°C.
Chemical Properties:
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Corrosive Nature:
Sodium chloride solutions can cause corrosion, particularly to base metals.
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Bonding:
Sodium chloride is an ionic compound with no hydrogen bond donors and one hydrogen bond acceptor, so it does not form hydrogen bonds when dissolved in water.
Did you Know?
Sodium chloride is included in the World Health Organization’s Model List of Essential Medicines. This highlights its importance in healthcare and medicine.
Industries that Use Sodium Chloride:
Beyond its everyday uses, sodium chloride plays a vital role in numerous industries. Here’s a few of them:
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Food and Beverage Industry:
Sodium chloride is widely recognized for its essential role in food production. It is a fundamental ingredient for preserving, flavoring, and curing food. Processed foods frequently incorporate sodium chloride to improve taste and increase shelf life.
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Chemical Industry:
In the chemical industry, sodium chloride is a key raw material used to produce chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and other important chemicals. These chemicals are then utilized in various manufacturing processes, including the creation of plastics and cleaning products.
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Pharmaceuticals:
Sodium chloride is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry to make saline solutions and other medical products. It is important for intravenous fluids, which help rehydrate patients and restore their electrolyte balance.
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Water Treatment:
Sodium chloride is important in water treatment. It helps soften hard water by swapping out calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions, making the water safer and better for both industrial and household use.
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De-Icing and Road Maintenance:
In winter, sodium chloride is commonly used to melt ice on roads, sidewalks, and driveways. It lowers the freezing point of water, helping to prevent ice from forming and making travel safer.
What Information does a Sodium Chloride SDS Include?
A Sodium Chloride SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provides comprehensive information on the safe handling and use of the compound. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) a compliance ready SDS should always include 16 sections. Here are some key sections covered in an SDS:
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Identification
The first section of an SDS provides key information for identifying sodium chloride. It includes the compound’s name, common uses, and identifiers, along with the manufacturer or supplier’s contact details. This section is essential for quick reference in emergencies.
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Hazard Identification
Sodium chloride is usually safe, but this section highlights potential hazards if mishandled. For instance, inhaling dust over time may irritate the respiratory system, and exposure to large amounts can be harmful. This section also informs all the label elements required for Sodium chloride.
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Composition and Ingredients
This part breaks down the chemical composition of sodium chloride. For sodium chloride, it’s straightforward, as it is primarily composed of NaCl. Besides, it also includes the CAS no of this product.
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First-Aid Measures
This section outlines essential first-aid steps in case of accidental exposure. It may advise rinsing eyes or skin after contact or moving to fresh air if dust is inhaled. This information is crucial for responding effectively to emergencies.
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Firefighting Measures
While sodium chloride isn’t flammable, this section guides handling fires in areas where sodium chloride is present, including recommended extinguishing methods and safety precautions.
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Accidental Release Measures
This section explains how to contain and clean up sodium chloride spills, including recommended PPE and safe disposal methods.
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Handling and Storage
This section provides guidelines for safe handling and storage of sodium chloride. It includes tips on maintaining its quality and reducing workplace risks through proper storage conditions and handling practices.
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Exposure Controls and Personal Protection
This section outlines exposure limits, recommended PPE, and ventilation needs. For sodium chloride, basic hygiene, gloves, and dust masks are typically advised.
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Physical and Chemical Properties
This section lists physical properties of sodium chloride. For instance, users should be able to find the melting and boiling points, solubility, and appearance. It helps with the easy identification of the chemical product.
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Stability and Reactivity
This section provides information on sodium chloride’s stability and conditions to avoid. While sodium chloride is generally stable, it also notes any possible reactions with incompatible materials.
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Toxicological Information
This section outlines potential health effects from different types of exposure, like inhaling, ingesting, or skin contact. Although sodium chloride is low-risk, high exposure levels could lead to health concerns.
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Ecological Information
This is the twelfth section of an SDS that informs how to release sodium chloride without causing any harm to the environment. Organizations should be able to receive some disposal guidelines by going through this.
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Disposal Consideration
This section should include an appropriate disposal guide for the product Sodium Chloride.
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Transport Information
This section helps organizations understand how to safely transport the product.
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Regulatory Information
This section includes details on the safety, health, and environmental rules that apply to the substance. It covers regulations such as:
- Chemical safety rules at the federal, state, or local level.
- Environmental guidelines for disposal or emissions.
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Other Information
This section generally shares the date when the SDS was created and also date of revision.
Conclusion:
Sodium chloride is widely used in many industries, making it important for workplaces to have an SDS for proper handling and safety. The SDS provides crucial information on safe usage, emergency procedures, and compliance with regulations. To ensure safety, companies should always get their sodium chloride SDS from a reliable source.
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