OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane.
 OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletins - Table of Contents
- Information Date: 19840423
- Record Type: Hazard Information Bulletin
- Subject: 1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane.
April 23, 1984
| MEMORANDUM FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| |
| THRU: |
JOHN B. MILES Director Directorate of Field Operations |
| |
| FROM: |
EDWARD J. BAIER Director Directorate of Technical Support |
| |
| SUBJECT: | Health Hazard Information - 1,1,2-Trichloro, 1,2,2-Trifluoroethane |
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane is generally used as a refrigerant, a
dry cleaning solvent and an intermediate. It is also referred as
Fluorocarbon 113, Freon 113, FC-113, Refrigerant 113, Ucon 113, or Arklone
R-113. The OSHA permissible exposure limit for fluorocarbon 113 is 1,000
parts per million (ppm) or 7,600 mg/M3 for an eight-hour, time-weighted
average.
As with most fluorocarbons, the fluorocarbon 113 is considered low to
moderately toxic and its major health effect is narcosis at moderate
concentrations. However, exposure to elevated concentrations of fluorocarbon
113 in confined spaces can rapidly cause serious irregular heart beats or
heart stoppage especially for persons with cardiovascular disease.
The attached bulletin issued by the Michigan State Division of Occupational
Health provides additional information on Fluorocarbon 113. Please assure
that all area offices will receive this information.
Attachment
SPECIAL BULLETIN
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-Trifluoroethane (Fluorocarbon 113, Freon 113, FC-113,
Refrigerant 113, UCON 113, Arklone R-113)
FLUOROCARBON 113...DON'T BE CAUGHT...DEAD!
In November of 1983 a man entered a military vehicle. He found himself in
trouble and signaled for help. Although rescuers assisted him and
administered oxygen almost immediately, it was not soon enough. Diagnosis:
cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart beats) followed by sudden death.
Two months earlier, a man entered into a confined space and was subsequently
overcome. He was found unconscious by fellow workers, was taken to the
hospital and remained hospitalized for a period of seven days. Medical tests
confirmed cardiac arrhythmia.
Although neither of the above men had previous heart conditions, both
experienced life threatening heart problems. The common elements in these
two cases, as well as a number of similar incidents, include the following:
1. The areas were insufficiently ventilated,
2. The air within the areas was not tested,
3. Personal protective equipment was not used,
4. None of the persons experienced warning signs or symptoms (such
as strong odors or irritations) to alert them of a hazard, and
5. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF FLUOROCARBON 113 WERE USED OR PRESENT IN THE AREAS PRIOR TO THE
INCIDENTS.
Although most fluorocarbons are considered low to moderately toxic, exposure
to elevated concentrations of fluorocarbon 113 can rapidly cause serious
irregular heart beats or heart stoppage.
The Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) value for fluorocarbon 113, as
specified in the Michigan Occupational Health Standards, is 1,000 parts of
fluorocarbon 113 per million parts of air (ppm) based upon an eight-hour,
time-weighted average. Exposures above this MAC value may cause drowsiness,
irritation of the throat and eyes or mild lethargy. fluorocarbon 113 has
been promoted as a "safety solvent" for cold degreasing operations because
its MAC is considerably greater than other commonly used chlorinated
hydrocarbon solvents. The compound does not appear to cause significant
chronic effects from short term exposures which are less than 4,000 ppm.
However, animal research data (1) indicate that concentrations of
fluorocarbon 113 which exceed 4,500 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and
health and may cause the cardiac abnormalities noted above. Additional
precautions are indicated for persons with cardiovascular disease.
___________
FOOTNOTE(1) Reinhardt, C.F. et al., Journal of Occupational Medicine 15:953 (1973).
Fluorocarbon 113 can be safely used if appropriate precautions and
procedures are implemented. The following are recommended:
1. Local exhaust ventilation, general dilution ventilation or
process enclosure must be provided when feasible to maintain exposures within
the MAC value of 1,000 ppm.
2. Fluorocarbon 113 should be used in a manner which minimizes
airborne concentrations (i.e., use sparingly, keep containers covered,
etc.).
3. The odor of fluorocarbon 113 must not be used as an indicator of
exposure. Concentrations at the MAC value do not provide adequate or
recognizable warning for most individuals.
4. If exposures cannot be maintained within the MAC value through
engineering and/or workpractice controls, a self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA) or a supplied air respirator must be used. Rule 3502:
General Respiratory Protection is also applicable whenever respirators are
provided. (Due to the inadequate warning properties noted above, organic
vapor respirators do not provide satisfactory protection.)
5. If the operation involves a confined or process space, the
provisions of Rule 3301: Control Methods for Process Spaces Containing a
Known or Suspected Non-respirable Atmosphere and Rule 3302: Use of
Respirators in Dangerous Atmospheres--General must be followed. These
provisions include ventilation, air testing and/or respirator use
requirements. Occupational Health Guide C: Confined or Process Space Entry
also provides additional information.
Additional information regarding toxicity, chemical and physical properties,
monitoring, respirators, personal protective equipment, emergencies and
spills or leaks can be found in Occupational Health Guide No. 16:
1,1,2-Trichloro-1,2,2-Trifluoroethane.
Animal studies have indicated that some other fluorocarbons may cause
similar heart irregularities. These include the following:
1. Fluorocarbon 12 (dichlorodifluoromehtane),
2. Fluorocarbon 11 (trichlorofluoromethane),
3. Fluorocarbon 21 (dichlorofluoromethane),
4. Fluorocarbon 22 (chlorodifluoromethane),
5. Fluorocarbon 114 (dichlorotetrafluoroethane),
6. Fluorocarbon 112 (tetrachlorodifluoroethane),
7. Fluorocarbon 113 (trichlorotrifluoroethane),
8. Fluorocarbon 13Bl (bromotrifluoromethane), and
9. Fluorocarbon 13 (chlorotrifluoromethane).
This list may not contain all of the fluorocarbons which can cause heart
abnormalities (check with the manufacturer of your particular material).
This guide is intended for the benefit of the public and may not contain all
of the information pertinent to a specific hazard identification and/or
control of personnel exposure. For further information, consult the Michigan
Department of Public Health, Occupation Health Services Division, 3500 North
Logan Street, P.O. Box 30035, Lansing, MI 48909. Phone: 517/373-1410.
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
DIVISION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH GUIDE NO. 16
1,1,2-TRICHLORO-1,2,2-TRIFLUOROETHANE
(Fluorocarbon 113, Freon 113, FC-113, Refrigerant 113, UCON 113, Arklone R-113)
CCl2FCClF2, MW=187.4
PROPERTIES:
Fluorocarbon 113 is a colorless, nonflammable liquid with a slight, carbon
tetrachloride-like odor at elevated concentrations. It decomposes at high
temperatures to toxic gases such as hydrogen chloride, phosgene, hydrogen
fluoride and carbon monoxide. Fluorocarbon 113 also reacts with chemically
active metals such as calcium, powdered aluminum, zinc, magnesium and
beryllium. The boiling point is 117.6F (47.6C); specific gravity is 1.55
(H2O=1); vapor density is 6.5 (air=1); vapor pressure is 284 mm Hg at 20C;
solubility in water at 20C is 0.017g/100g water; and evaporation rate is
greater than 1 (butyl acetate=1).
Fluorocarbon 113 is used as a cold degreasing agent, dry cleaning solvent,
refrigerant, blowing agent, chemical intermediate and drying agent.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATION: (eight-hour, time-weighted average)
1,000 parts per million parts of air (ppm); 7600 milligrams per cubic meter
of air (mg/m3).
CEILING LIMIT:
None established by regulation.
SHORT TERM LIMIT:
None established by regulation.
The American conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has
recommended a short term exposure limit of 1250 ppm for a 15-minute period.
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has
indicated that concentrations of 4500 ppm or greater are immediately
dangerous to life and health.
TOXIC EFFECTS:
Short term exposure to fluorocarbon 113 at concentrations between 1000 and
4000 ppm may cause irritation of the eyes and throat, drowsiness or
significant impairment of manual dexterity and vigilance. Breathing
concentrations greater than 4500 ppm may cause the heart to beat irregularly
(cardiac arrhythmia) or to stop.
The liquid dissolves the natural oils of the skin. Prolonged or repeated
skin contact may cause dermatitis.
Adverse long term (chronic) effects form a brief elevated exposure or
repeated exposures at concentrations which are within the MAC have not been
reported. An Ames bacterial mutagen test was negative. There are no reports
of carcinogenic studies regarding fluorocarbon 113.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
Replacement: Employees should be screened for history of skin or
cardiovascular diseases. Since fluorocarbon 113 is a defatting agent,
persons with pre-existing skin disorders may be more susceptible to these
effects. Persons with impaired cardiovascular function, especially those
with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, may experience more severe symptoms
upon exposure to fluorocarbon 113.
Periodic: Any persons developing the above conditions should be referred to
a physician for further medical evaluation.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
In the event of an emergency, institute first aid procedures and send for
first aid or medical assistance.
Eye Exposure: If fluorocarbon 113 gets into the eyes, wash eyes immediately
with large amounts of water, lifting the lower and upper lids occasionally.
Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when
working with this chemical.
Skin Exposures: If fluorocarbon 113 gets on the skin, promptly wash the
contaminated skin using soap or mild detergent and water. If it soaks
through the clothing, remove the clothing promptly and wash the skin using
soap or mild detergent and water. If irritation persists after washing, get
medical attention.
Breathing: If a person breathes in large amounts of fluorocarbon 113, move
the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform
artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get
medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallowing: When fluorocarbon 113 has been swallowed, get medical attention
immediately. If medical attention is not immediately available, get the
afflicted person to vomit by having him touch the back of his throat with his
finger or by giving him syrup of ipecac as directed on the package. This
non-prescription drug is available at most drug stores and drug counters and
should be kept with emergency medical supplies in the workplace. Do not make
an unconscious person vomit.
EXPOSURE CONTROL:
In operations where significant airborne concentrations of fluorocarbon 113
may be produced, general and/or local exhaust ventilation or process
enclosure must be provided when feasible to maintain exposures within the MAC
value of 1000 ppm. fluorocarbon 113 should also be handled in a manner which
minimizes airborne concentrations (use as little as possible, store in closed
containers, etc.).
Respirators may be used to control exposures when engineering or
workpractice controls are not feasible, when such controls are in the process
of being installed, when such controls fail or in emergencies. Table 1
describes the appropriate respirators. A complete respiratory protection
program must also be implemented which includes training, maintenance,
inspection, cleaning and evaluation.
Employees must be provided with and required to use impervious clothing,
gloves or face shields as appropriate to prevent repeated or prolonged skin
contact. Gloves or clothing made of polyvinyl alcohol are recommended
because fluorocarbon 113 may readily degrade natural rubber. Safety goggles
must be provided and worn where there is a potential of liquid fluorocarbon
113 contacting the eyes.
If fluorocarbon 113 is spilled or leaked, persons without protective
equipment should be evacuated. The area should be ventilated. Wearing
protective equipment, the material should be collected using an absorbent
material and placed in closed metal drums.
LIMITATIONS:
As with all halogenated hydrocarbons, fluorocarbon 113 vapors readily
decompose into more hazardous substances when in contact with very hot
surfaces. Accordingly, caution is needed to avoid using it near welding,
heat treating, other hot operations or into air that enters combustion
equipment.
MONITORING:
Occupational exposures to fluorocarbon 113 may be monitored using activated
charcoal tubes followed by desorption and analysis by gas chromatographic
procedures. Direct reading monitors for fluorocarbon 113 are also available.
However, they must be properly calibrated and other halogenated hydrocarbons
may cause interferences in measurement.
TABLE 1
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION FOR FLUOROCARBON 113
| Condition |
Minimum Respiratory Protection (1)
Required Above 1000 ppm |
| |
| Vapor Concentration |
| |
| 4500 ppm or less |
Any supplied-air respirator.
Any self-contained breathing apparatus. |
| |
| Greater than 4500 ppm or entry and escape
from unknown concentrations |
Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
A combination respirator (2) which includes a Type C supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous-flow mode. |
| |
| Fire Fighting |
Self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. |
| |
| Escape |
Any gas mask providing protection against organic vapors.
Any escape self-contained breathing apparatus. |
__________
FOOTNOTE (1) Only NIOSH-approved or MSHA-approved equipment should be used.
FOOTNOTE (2) A supplied-air respirator equipped with an auxiliary self-contained
breathing apparatus for escape.
Note: This guide is intended for the benefit of the public and may not
contain all of the information pertinent to a specific hazard identification
and/or control of personnel exposure. For further information consult the
Michigan Department of Public Health, Occupational Health Services Division,
P.O. Box 30035, 3500 N. Logan, Lansing, MI 48909. Phone: (517) 373-1410.
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