ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
FORMIC ACID (HCOOH)
SYNONYMS
Methanoic acid, hydrogen carboxylic acid.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear liquid with a pungent odour.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon. Is incompatible with
alkalis, ammonia, amines, oxidising agents and concentrated
sulphuric acid.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Formic acid is a strong corrosive and an irritant to skin, eyes
and mucous membranes. The vapour is also an irritant and
corrosive. Severe burns can result from exposure. Chronic
bronchitis, painful breathing, nausea, vomiting, dental erosion
and sensitisation may also occur.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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
attention. Burns will require 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 persist 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 or develops seek medical
attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting but seek immediate
medical attention.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or incompatible
substances.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
and self contained breathing apparatus should be available.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition. Cover the contaminated
surface with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix and add water
if necessary. scoop up the slurry, check for neutrality with
litmus then discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
Wash the spill site with soda ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS: Either
1 Liquid acid may be injected at the base of an incinerator
after mixing with a flammable solvent. the incinerator should be
equipped with an afterburner and scrubber.
OR
2 A solid acid may be dissolved in a flammable solvent and
burned as above.
OR
3 A solid acid may be packaged in paper or other flammable
material and burned in an incinerator equipped with an
afterburner.
ENVIRONMENT:
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