Nickel(II) chloride (CAS 7718-54-9): storage and disposal
Green nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate sits in school, college and university stores, usually in a plastic jar that has been there for years. It is classified as toxic if swallowed and toxic if inhaled, as a skin and respiratory sensitiser, as able to cause cancer by inhalation, as suspected of causing genetic defects, as able to damage the unborn child and as very toxic to aquatic life. Its dust is the main route of harm.
- CAS number
- 7718-54-9
- Form
- Solid
- Storage class
- Toxic
- Signal word
- Danger
- Usual EWC code, laboratory stock
- 16 05 06*
Acute toxicity
Serious health hazard
Hazardous to the environment
What to do this week
- Without moving anything that looks damaged, check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
- Check it is stored as toxic stock, and apart from anything listed under "Do not store with" on this page. If nothing is listed, that does not prove it is safe with everything.
- If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it can be included in a collection.
Safe storage in a school or lab
Within a prep room this belongs in the locked toxic-stock cupboard, not on the open shelf beside the other chlorides, which it resembles only in the formula. Keep it in the locked toxic-stock cupboard, separated from substances identified as incompatible in its safety data sheet. A tray under the jar catches crystals shed from the cap. The salt takes water from the air, so a tight lid matters. Technicians who weigh it out should keep a dedicated spatula and avoid any action that raises dust. Record the date received and the quantity left, and do not let students collect the jar themselves.
How to tell it has deteriorated
What shows first is moisture. Nickel chloride hexahydrate draws water from the air, so an old jar turns from loose green crystals into a sticky mass, with a damp green ring on the tray beneath. A crust or wet stain at the cap thread is a sign that the seal has failed, and metal caps may corrode. Crystals can also lose water and look paler in a dry, warm store. Peeling labels, a lost date or a jar that no longer matches the stock record are the other warning signs, particularly for a salt that is classified as a carcinogen by inhalation.
How it is disposed of
We arrange this by specialist collection. We do not publish a drain or general waste route for any chemical. It is normally packed in a toxic laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.
A cake of damp green crystals should be packed as found. It is not dried out, scraped or broken up, because dust is the hazard. Leave a leaking or contaminated closure undisturbed, record the condition and arrange appropriate containment through the specialist collection supplier. Describe the form as hexahydrate, say whether it has caked or wet, and give the quantity. A laboratory pack usually uses 16 05 06*, subject to the producer's classification, and discarded inorganic stock outside a pack uses 16 05 07*. Never wash it into a sink or put it in the bin. The carrier groups it away from acids and oxidisers on a specialist collection.
| Usual EWC code, laboratory stock | 16 05 06* |
|---|---|
| Discarded inorganic chemical, not a laboratory pack | 16 05 07* |
| Usually classed as hazardous waste | Yes |
The code depends on where the waste came from and what it contains, and classifying it is the producer's duty. Use the waste code finder to see why.
Do not store with
- OxidiserToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- AcidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Named chemicals to keep apart
- Acetic acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Calcium hypochloriteToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Hydrochloric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Hydrogen peroxideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Nitric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
- Potassium nitrateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Potassium permanganateToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
- Sulfuric acidToxic stock is stored apart from acids. Several toxic salts release toxic gas in contact with acid.
Common quantities
Usually held as: hexahydrate.
Tell us the container size and how many you hold. An estimate is enough to start with, and some items cannot be priced until someone has looked at them.
Where it is commonly held
Hazard statements
- H301 Toxic if swallowed.
- H315 Causes skin irritation.
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H331 Toxic if inhaled.
- H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
- H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects.
- H350i May cause cancer by inhalation.
- H360D May damage the unborn child.
- H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
- H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary statements
- P203 Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P233 Keep container tightly closed.
- P260 Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- P273 Avoid release to the environment.
- P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
- P301+P316 IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
- P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P316 Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P318 If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P319 Get medical help if you feel unwell.
- P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
- P330 Rinse mouth.
- P332+P317 If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
- P333+P317 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
- P342+P316 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P391 Collect spillage.
- P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.
- P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P405 Store locked up.
- P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.
Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.
Questions
Why is nickel chloride kept locked away?
It is classified as toxic if swallowed and if inhaled, as a sensitiser and as able to cause cancer by inhalation. A locked cupboard with a stock record keeps access controlled.
Can we dry out a caked jar before disposal?
No. Drying or breaking up the lump risks raising dust, and inhalation is the main concern. Leave it as found and tell us the crystals have caked.
Why is the jar sticky and green around the cap?
The salt has drawn water from the air and escaped through the thread. Treat it as a leak. Record the contamination and arrange suitable containment through the specialist collection supplier without disturbing the leaking closure.
What about leftover nickel chloride solution?
It must never be poured away because it is very toxic to aquatic life. Collect it in a labelled bottle with a volume and include it with the solid in the request.