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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