ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
HYDROCHLORIC ACID (HCl)
SYNONYMS
Muriatic acid, spirit of salt.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Always add acid to water.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep away from metals.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless or yellow liquid with pungent, irritating
fume.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Hydrochloric acid is a strong corrosive and a strong irritant.
The vapour is also an irritant and corrosive. Contact will cause
ulcerated burns with possible permanent damage resulting.
Inhalation will cause coughing and choking with ulceration of
the respiratory tract.
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). Burns will require immediate 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
medical attention. If vision remains blurred 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 or pain persist or develop seek
immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting but seek immediate
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces choking fumes of hydrogen chloride. Contact
with most metals produces highly flammable hydrogen gas.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
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. Always add acid to water and never water to acid. The
reaction generates heat and when water is added to acid can be
quite violent.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus. have a body shield available.
SPILLS:
Cover the contaminated surface with sodium bicarbonate or soda
ash-slaked lime mixture (50/50). Mix, and add water if necessary
to form a slurry. scoop up the slurry and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.. wash the spill site with a soda
ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large volume of an agitated solution of soda ash
and slaked lime until the solution is neutral. Discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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