ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

DI SODIUM HYDROGEN ORTHOPHOSPHATE (Na2HPo4.12H2O)

SYNONYMS
Disodium phosphate, sodium phosphate, dibasic.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals.
INCOMPATIBILITY
None Known.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA The substance may be absorbed into the body by inhalation and ingestion causing sore throat, coughing and abdominal pain. Skin contact causes redness, eye contact causes redness and pain.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid inhalation ­ respiratory irritant.
Avoid ingestion ­ causes abdominal pain.
Avoid skin or eye contact ­ irritant.
Local exhaust or breathing protection advisable. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, gloves and safety goggles as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and wash 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 redness 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 persists seek medical advice.
Inhalation ­ remove from 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 ­ if victim is conscious and convulsions are not present, give plenty of water to drink and seek medical advice.
STORAGE
Room temperature.
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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