ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
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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