1.      Process

Use of mineral acids in a laboratory environment.

2.      Physical Hazards

q       Highly corrosive to steel

q       Incompatibilities and Reactivities: protect from moisture, do not allow contact with water, strong oxidizing agents, carbides, chlorates, fulminates, nitrates, picrates, cyanides, alkali halides, zinc chloride, permanganates, hydrogen peroxide, azides, perchlorates, nitromethane, phosphorous, cyclopentadiene, cyclopentanone oxime, nitroaryl amines, hexlithium disiclide, phosphorous (III) oxide, alcohols, acetic anhydride, pyridine, nitric and perchloric acids.

3.      Health Hazards

q       Corrosive chemicals are substances that cause visible destruction or permanent changes in human skin tissue at the site of contact.

q       Poisonous

q       Carcinogenic

4.      Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·         Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which Mineral Acids 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 Mineral Acids exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Safeskin ™ Purple Nitrile Xtra Exam Gloves are recommended for use with mineral acids which are available through Fisher Scientific, catalog #19-149-864.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

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

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to Mineral Acids, 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       Manipulation of corrosive substances shall be carried out in a fume hood if corrosive vapor production is anticipated.

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       Acids shall be separated from bases and organic solvents.

q       Specially designed corrosion resistant cabinets shall be used for the storage of large quantities of corrosive materials.

q       Store corrosives on plastic trays.

q       Do not store corrosive materials on high cabinets or shelves.

q       Spill-X-A Neutralizer which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14626 must be available for use in case of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

7.      Waste Disposal

Excess Mineral Acids and all waste material containing Mineral Acids must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following "HAZARDOUS WASTE MINERAL ACIDS ". Full containers of Mineral Acids waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

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.