ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL (CH3COOH) UN No. 2789; Hazchem 2P
SYNONYMS
Ethanoic acid, vinegar acid, methane carboxylic acid.
CHARACTERISTICS
A translucent crystalline mass below 16°C. At temperatures above
16°C a clear, colourless liquid with a pungent vinegar odour.
Hygroscopic and lachrymator. Flammable liquid, keep away from
heat or naked flames.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Acetic acid is incompatible with chromic acid, nitric acid,
caustic soda, caustic potash, oxidising agents and most metals.
The reaction with metals releases hydrogen which can lead to a
potentially explosive situation.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
The liquid is a corrosive substance, a splash will cause severe
burns to exposed areas of the body. A liquid splash to the eye
can cause permanent eye damage. Swelling and blistering can
occur to the skin. Skin contact can cause sensitisation in some
individuals. The vapour is also corrosive and will cause severe
irritation to eyes and the respiratory tract. Prolonged eye
exposure to vapour can cause conjunctivitis. Inhalation of
vapour or droplets may cause bronchitis, pneumonia and pulmonary
oedema. Ingestion of liquid will cause dental erosion,
bronchitis and respiratory difficulties. Prolonged exposure to
vapour can lead to dental erosion, skin thickening and
discolouration. Worksafe Australia odour threshold is 0.2 to 1
ppm.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from metals except stainless steel or aluminium.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold level, i.e. 25 mg/m3 (NH & MRC). If the
level of exposure is expected to exceed this limit then a
respirator is recommended. Wear protective clothing; a long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves (PVC, neoprene or
nitrile), safety goggles and a face mask. If a splash is likely
to occur wear a full face shield. Do not handle close to heat or
a naked flame. Do not spray as explosive air-vapour mixtures can
form.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or burning persists seek medical attention. Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse. Skin and clothing can be
treated with 1% sodium bicarbonate to neutralise acid residues.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If an eye splash has occurred seek
medical advice after irrigation. If irritation or pain persist
seek medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation or pain persist seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water, do not
induce vomiting but give water to drink and seek immediate
medical advice.
STORAGE
Protect from freezing. If freezing occurs thaw by immersion of
the container in warm water. DO NOT apply direct heat or the
container may rupture. Avoid contact with metals except for
stainless steel or aluminium. Store away from incompatible
substances.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat or gown. A
body shield and self contained breathing apparatus should be
available.
Spills: Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover the
contaminated surface with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix
and add water if necessary. scoop up the slurry, check for
neutrality with litmus then discharge to the sewer with a large
excess of water. Wash the spill site with soda ash solution.
Package lots: Either - 1. Liquid acid may be injected at the
base of an incinerator after mixing with a flammable solvent.
the incinerator should be equipped with an afterburner and
scrubber OR
2. A solid acid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and
burned as above.
OR
3. A solid acid may be packaged in paper or other flammable
material and burned in an incinerator equipped with an
afterburner.
ENVIRONMENT:
Harmful to aquatic life. Avoid contamination of waterways.
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