1.      Process

Use of inorganic bases in a laboratory environment including:

q       Calcium Hydroxide

q       Potassium Hydroxide

q       Sodium Hydroxide

2.      Physical Hazards

q       CALCIUM HYDROXIDE

·          White, odorless, deliquescent solid

·          Corrosive

·          On contact with air calcium hydroxide can readily absorb carbon monoxide to form calcium carbonate

·          Incompatibilities and reactivities: violent reactions may occur when in contact with maleic anhydride, nitroethane, nitromethane, nitroparaffins, nitropropane, phosphorus and acids

q       POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

·       Solid

·       Corrosive

·       Incompatible and Reactivities: acids, tin, nitro compounds, zinc, organic materials, magnesium, copper, water and aluminum

·       Do not heat above melting point.

        SODIUM HYDROXIDE

·          White, odorless, deliquescent solid

·          Corrosive

·          On contact with air sodium hydroxide can readily absorb carbon monoxide to form sodium carbonate

·          Incompatible and Reactivities: Do not allow water to enter container because of violent reaction, strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and organic materials.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Acute exposure to these inorganic bases can cause severe irritation of the eyes with pain, redness, impaired vision and even blindness.

q       Irritation to the upper respiratory tract with coughing, shortness of breath, chemical bronchitis or severe pneumonitis.

q       Ingestion can result in severe burns to the mouth, throat, and stomach.  Symptoms may include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea and drop in blood pressure.

q       Skin contact may cause severe burns, blistering and scarring depending on duration of contact.

q       Chronic exposure may lead to respiratory illness and/or severe skin irritation or dermatitis.

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·         Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which inorganic bases might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution). 

·         Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. 

·         Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exists for inorganic bases exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Use of Ultraflex™ Neoprene Gloves are recommended which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-11778.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

·         Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling organic bases. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with inorganic bases.

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to inorganic bases, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. 

·         Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

5.      Designated Area for Use and Containment Devices

q       All inorganic bases work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood.

q       The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved. 

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Keep in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from sources of heat, moisture and incompatibilities.

q       Spill-X-C Neutralizer which is available from Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14627 must be available for use in case of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

q       Excess inorganic bases and all waste material containing inorganic bases must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE INORGANIC BASES ". Full containers of inorganic bases waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

q       Small amounts of alkaline waste may be neutralized to a pH of between 5 and 10 and discharged to the sanitary sewer.

q       Empty containers (with secured lids) may be thrown in the regular trash.

8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

9.      Spill and Accident Procedures

In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.