COPPER SULPHATE (CuSO₄)

SYNONYMS
Cupric sulphate.
CHARACTERISTICS
Solid, blue crystals or crystalline powder.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Incompatible with hydroxylamine and magnesium.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
An eye and skin irritant and moderately toxic when inhaled or ingested. Kidney and liver damage may result. Damage to the central nervous system has been recorded. The most detrimental routes of exposure are via the respiratory and gastro­intestinal tracts.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the dust.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Wear protective clothing. 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 shoes, immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes).
Eyes ­ immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes).
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has stopped apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion ­ give large amounts of milk or water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere away from incompatible chemicals.
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:

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