ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
BORIC ACID (H3BO3)
SYNONYMS
Boracic acid, orthoboric acid.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless brilliant plates, white crystals or crystalline
powder, unctuous to the touch, odourless.
INCOMPATIBILITY
None known.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is an eye and respiratory tract irritant and is
toxic when ingested. Under conditions of normal use should not
present a significant hazard. Avoid repeated or prolonged skin
contact, particularly if the skin is broken. Ingestion will
produce vomiting and if not rapidly treated will induce coma.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact,
inhalation or ingestion of the powder. A long sleeved laboratory
coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a
minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately 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
advice. 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 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 persists seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and then
give milk 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.
DISPOSAL
SPILLS:
Cover the contaminated surface with sodium bicarbonate or soda
ash-slaked lime mixture (50/50). Mix, and add water if necessary
to form a slurry. scoop up the slurry and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.. wash the spill site with a soda
ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large volume of an agitated solution of soda ash
and slaked lime until the solution is neutral. Discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT
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