ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
AMMONIUM PERCHLORATE (NH4Cl04)
SYNONYMS
Perchloric acid - ammonium salt, perchlorate.
CHARACTERISTICS
White or colourless, orthorhombic crystals. Odourless.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Explosive substance, protect from shock or impact. Keep away
from heat or sources of ignition. Contact with the following can
be explosive: oxidising substances, finely divided metals and
metal oxides, acids especially sulphuric acid, any combustible,
sulphur, and sources of ignition. Heating also produces toxic
fumes of chlorides.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Ammonium perchlorate is an explosive when dry and should be
handled with great care. It may explode upon impact, shock or if
heated. It is an irritant to the eyes, skin and respiratory
tract.
Prolonged exposure to skin can cause dermatitis. It is a toxic
substance when ingested causing nausea and vomiting. It can
cause methaemoglobinaemia. In severe cases this will cause
headache, weakness and breathlessness. The vapour is also toxic
and corrosive.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from reducing substances.
Protect against physical shock.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Handle with extreme care. Avoid sudden shock. Use a fume hood to
minimise exposure to this substance with an explosion shield in
place. Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat
or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash the
affected area with soap or mild detergent and large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek 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 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 persists or develops seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back
of the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere, protected from shock, away from
all sources of heat and ignition and away from incompatible
substances.
DISPOSAL
Caution: keep your stock low and date each container as
received. Never transfer to glass stoppered containers or screw
cap bottles which can cause dangerous friction. Wear rubber
gloves, large heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work under
a flash proof fume hood and from behind a heavy body shield.
SPILLS: Eliminate all sources of ignition. Surround the spill
site with inert absorbent material. Spills may be absorbed in a
large quantity of vermiculite, sand, or inert absorbent
material. Using a soft, plastic scoop, carefully place the
mixture in a plastic container. Spread on a steel pan or in a
deep pit. Ignite from a safe distance with a torch or fuse. Wash
the scoop and container with 20% sodium hydroxide. Burn the
original cartons and bags or dispose of by commercial waste
disposal contractor.
Small quantity - a very small amount of solid or liquid may be
destroyed by adding 10 volumes of 20% sodium hydroxide. after 24
hours, neutralise using litmus paper as an indicator then
discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT
No data available.
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