They cause severe and permanent eye damage. At low concentrations, the sensation of irritation may not occur for several hours, and can result in severe ulceration. They are even more hazardous in heated solutions. A: First Aid-Hydrofluoric Acid. Campus Updates Visit the campus updates page for information on Mount Holyoke's response to the global pandemic.
Chemical Safety - Corrosives. Classes Of Corrosive Chemicals Corrosives are one of the most commonly encountered hazards in the laboratory. Hazards Of Selected Corrosives Corrosives can damage human tissue in their solid, liquid and vapor state. Laboratory Use Of Corrosives Always investigate the additional hazards such as flammability and reactivity. If only a small amount is needed, purchase in small quantities for easier handling and storage. Purchase in plastic coated bottles when available.
Use a bottle carrier or some other means of containment when moving chemicals from the stockroom to the laboratory or between laboratories.
Store separately from incompatible materials. Wear appropriate protective equipment, always including splash goggles. Always add chemicals slowly, and always add acid to water. Keep ignition sources away from inorganic acid spills which may produce flammable hydrogen gas on contact with metals, and from glacial acetic acid which is itself a fire hazard. When neutralizing corrosives, never add a concentrated acid to base or a concentrated base to acid.
The number of people using the acid should be limited to the extent possible, and all users should be familiar with the chemistry of the acid, its hazards, proper handling procedures and emergency procedures.
Direct flame heating or use of oil baths is prohibited. Perchloric acid should never be used in areas where the material would be absorbed if spilled. Perchloric acid should be purchased on an as-needed basis in small containers and must be stored separately from incompatible materials. Prior to performing experiments using perchloric acid, disposal procedures should be defined. They should be neutralized and then soaked up with rags or paper towels. The area should then be rinsed with a large quantity of water.
The wet rags or paper towels should be placed in a container, and the container filled with water and tightly closed. The container should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Perchloric Acid and Perchlorates. Special Precautions For Hydrofluoric Acid A written protocol is required for the use of hydrofluoric acid.
The protocol must be submitted to the Chemical Hygiene Officer and reviewed with all laboratory faculty, staff, and students. Protocol requirements are described in Chapter V h.
When possible the acid should be purchased at the concentration to be used to avoid preparation of solutions. Hydrofluoric acid should be purchased on an as-needed basis in small containers. Always use in a functioning fume hood with the sash as low as possible and no higher than 15 inches. Only use in a room equipped with an eyewash station and safety shower. Corrosive substances are defined as materials that can attack and destroy, by chemical action, living tissue, organic compounds and metal.
These corrosive chemicals are highly hazardous when they are inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the eyes or skin. Exposure to these materials can result in the burning of human tissue, which can cause severe scarring, lung problems and even blindness.
Severe exposure to corrosive substances can be fatal. And while we are all familiar with everyday examples of corrosion such as rusty iron, corroded batteries or rusted out cars, corrosive substances can quickly damage or destroy property, transport and other goods that they come into contact. Even a small leak or spill of a corrosive substance requires immediate attention to prevent the destruction of property and the contamination of the immediate environment.
Corroded Metal. So how can you properly manage the handling and storage of corrosive substances in your workplace? Ranked on a scale between 1 and 14, pH is a measurement of how acidic or basic a water-soluble substance is. If a substance is considered neutral, such as pure water, it will have a pH level of 7. As the substance becomes increasingly acidic, the pH level decreases from 7.
For example, lemon juice has a pH level of 2, coffee may have a pH level of 5 and rainwater has a value of 5. Anything with a pH level above 7 indicates that the substance is alkaline.
For example, some hand soap may have a pH level of 10, while bleach may have a pH level of Again, as the pH value increases, the alkaline level also increases. A pH of 4 is ten times more acidic that a pH of 5, and times more acidic than a pH of 6. Likewise, a pH of 13 is 10 times more alkaline than a pH of 12, and times more alkaline than a pH of Therefore, the more acidic or more alkaline a substance is, the more effective it will be as a corrosive substance.
Acids have a pH level lower than 7, while bases have a pH level higher than 7. If a substance is deemed as highly corrosive, it must be stored in compliant storage facilities such as a corrosive storage cabinet.
These purpose-built cabinets will effectively minimise the hazards that corrosive substances pose upon your workplace, such as dangerous vapours and spills. But what are some examples of commonly used acids and bases?
We will now discuss some examples of commonly used acids and bases. Hydrochloric Acid. Hydrochloric acid HCL has a pH level of 1. If this acid accidently came into contact with your eyes or skin, it would immediately begin to dissolve your skin tissue. HCL is commonly used in the production of batteries, fireworks, leather and building materials.
It is also commonly used in water and salt purification. Your body also produces Hydrochloric acid to assist your digestive system. Sulfuric Acid. Sulfuric acid H 2 So 4 has a pH of 0. Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals. As required by Paragraph e of the OSHA Hazard Communication standard, workplaces using any hazardous chemical must have a written plan that includes labeling, information, SDS's, and training in the hazards associated with those chemicals.
In addition, a number of additional OSHA standards for eye protection etc. See our PPE entry and the resources below for more information on how to set up standard procedures for corrosive handling as well as PPE recommendations.
Note : Although this is not explained on most SDS's , corrosives can also etch or pit metals such as stainless steel. This can occur without visible surface damage, but stress cracks invisible to the naked eye can form.
These microscopic cracks can severely weaken or degrade the material, leading to unexpected failure or explosions in the case of pressure vessels. Antislip floor marking signs from Safety Emporium can be part of your standardized procedures for working with corrosive materials.
See also: acid , base , eye wash , pH , PPE , vesicant. Additional definitions from Google and OneLook. Entry last updated: Sunday, February 2, This page is copyright by ILPI. Unauthorized duplication or posting on other web sites is expressly prohibited.
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