Reference source : BIS
On 14 July 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) issued a wide circulation draft for the revision of the Thionyl Chloride Code of Safety (First Revision), prepared by the Chemical Hazards Technical Committee (CHD 7). This updated version of the 1981 standard enhances the safety requirements for the handling, storage, transport, and use of thionyl chloride, bringing them into in line with current safety practices.
Comments and suggestions from stakeholders are invited until 11 September 2026.
Background
Thionyl chloride (CAS 7719-09-7), also known as sulphurous oxychloride, is a pale yellow to red liquid with a sharp odour. It is widely used as a catalyst and chlorinating agent in chemical industries, including organic synthesis, pesticides, dyestuffs, plastics, engineering, rubber vulcanization, wood hardening, and gold extraction.
Scope
This standard covers the general properties, hazards, and safety measures for thionyl chloride, including storage, handling, packing, labelling, disposal, container maintenance, personnel training, protective equipment, and first aid.
Key Changes in the Revision
Incorporation of general physical and chemical property information for thionyl chloride.
Inclusion of detailed information on the hazards associated with thionyl chloride, including its corrosive nature and its reactions with water and incompatible materials.
Updated provisions on health hazards, routes of exposure, symptoms of poisoning, and long-term health effects.
Enhancement of guidelines on personal protective equipment (PPE) for safe handling and emergency situations.
Strengthening of the requirements for the storage, handling, labelling, and transportation of thionyl chloride.
Inclusion of improved safety measures for hazard control, emergency preparedness, firefighting, and spill management.
Addition of provisions for employee training, workplace hygiene, and safe operating practices.
Inclusion of guidelines for health monitoring, medical examination, first-aid, and medical treatment for exposed personnel.
Updated requirements for safe container management, contamination control, and disposal practices.
Extent and Limitations of the Thionyl Chloride Safety Code
The standard provides information on the general properties of thionyl chloride, associated hazards, and essential safety practices. It covers storage, handling, packing, labelling, transport, waste disposal, cleaning and repair of containers, personnel training, protective equipment, health management, and first-aid measures.
However, it does not specify the design of buildings, chemical plants, storage vessels, operational control equipment, or waste disposal systems.