Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

1.     Process

q       Perchloric acid is a commonly used laboratory reagent. 

q       Most perchloric acid is commercially sold as 60%-62% or 70%-72% solution in water. 

2.     Physical Hazards

q       Clear, colorless liquid with no odor.

q       A strong oxidizer.

q       Spontaneous ignition or combustion takes place when a substance reaches its ignition temperature without the application of external heat. Organic materials are especially susceptible to spontaneous combustion due to contact with perchloric acid.

q    Incompatibilities and Reactivities: flammables, bases, most metals and organic materials.  

3.     Health Hazards

q       Routes of exposure include inhalation and ingestion.

q       Skin contact results in localized cracking and inflammation.

q       Symptoms of overexposure include irritation and/or burning of the affected area.

q       Inhalation burns are serious and require immediate medical attention.

q       If perchloric acid is ingested, drink approximately 8 oz. of water and seek medical attention.

q     Do not induce vomiting. 

4.     Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

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

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Use of Nitrile gloves are recommended for use when handling perchloric acid which are available through Lab Safety Supply catalogue # 2BD-1414655.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

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

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH 

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to perchloric acid, 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 perchloric acid work shall be done in the perchloric acid hood.

q       Special perchloric acid hoods are located as follows:

·         Hanes Building, North Side, Room 3007 

·         Hanes Building, North Side, Room 4007

·         Hanes Building, North Side, Room 5007

·         Hanes Building, North Side, Room 6007

q       A sign must be posted on the perchloric acid hoods: 

Perchloric Acid Use Only

Organic Material Prohibited

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

q       Care shall be taken to clear the hood of all organics, flammables, and other incompatibles.

q       Heating Perchloric Acid beyond room temperature results in Perchloric Acid mist. This mist has been known to condense in the ductwork of fume hoods and form explosive metallic perchlorates. Special Perchloric Acid fume hoods equipped with a wash down system or trap apparatus are to be required in order to remove these explosive compounds.  

6.     Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Shall be stored in its own acid cabinet or with other inorganic acids within secondary containment

q       Perchloric acid can be boiled safely, but contact of the boiling acid or the hot vapor with organic matter, or even easily oxidized inorganic matter will lead to serious explosions. For this reason, it is imperative that any work involving the application of heat to perchloric acid be performed with the knowledge of the WFUHS EH&S office.

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

7.     Waste Disposal

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

q       Where applicable, segregate perchloric acid from other waste streams and place the container in secondary containment.  

8.     Decontamination of Equipment and Area

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

9.     Spill and Accident Procedures

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