ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
ACID SULPHATES
Ammonium hydrogen sulphate (NH4HSO4).
Colourless crystals.
Syn: Ammonium bisulphate, ammonium acid sulphate.
Potassium hydrogen sulphate (KHSO4). Colourless
crystals.
Syn: Potassium bisulphate.
Potassium pyrosulphate (K2S2O7).
White powder.
Sodium hydrogen sulphate (NaHSO4.H2O).
White crystalline solid.
Syn: Sodium bisulphate.
Sodium pyrosulphate (Na2S2O7).
White crystalline powder. Contains sodium hydrogen sulphate.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Acid sulphates are incompatible with alkalis, hypochlorites and
any material which reacts with sulphuric acid, such as oxidising
material, organic material and other acids. Heating produces
toxic fumes of sulphur.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
All of the above compounds are highly acidic as solids and as
strong solutions. They will cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
They also cause severe internal irritation and permanent damage
if inhaled or ingested.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from alkalis.
Keep away from hypochlorites.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wearing protective clothing to avoid any sort of contact. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves and a face mask
as a minimum standard. If there is any chance of a splash
occurring wear a full face shield.
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 persists or burns develop seek immediate medical
attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists or blurred
vision develops seek immediate 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 immediate
medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink followed by milk of magnesia. Seek immediate
medical attention. Milk of magnesia should be part of your
laboratory first aid kit if acid sulphates are handled in your
laboratory. Milk of magnesia is available off the shelf in
pharmacies.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool dry atmosphere
away from heat.
DISPOSAL
Wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
Spills: Solid - collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount
of water. Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid and discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution - cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of
water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a
fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
Package lots: Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in
a slight excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked
lime. Let stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another
container and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. The sludge may be added to
land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:
Acid sulphates form sulphuric acid when exposed to moisture and
as such will harm animal, plant and water life. Corrosion of
sewers can occur so must never be disposed of to sewer.
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