ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences

 


 

ILFORD - ILFOSPEED 2000TL Paper Fixer

CONTAINS
Ammonium Thiosulphate 30 to 60%
Boric Acid 1 to 5%
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Keep away from eyes and skin.
Avoid inhalation and ingestion.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless and odourless liquid
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
All fixing solutions are hazardous to health. They are strong skin and eye irritants. Ingestion can cause nausea and vomiting.
TREATMENTS
Skin - Immediately 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 or dermatitis develops seek medical advice. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes and decontaminate before re-use.
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 immediate medical attention.
Inhalation - Remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek medical advice.
Ingestion - Never give anything by mouth if the victim is losing consciousness, is unconscious or convulsing. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. Give milk to drink. DO NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Incompatible with strong alkalis and strong acids. Decomposes into ammonia and sulphur dioxide. No polymerisation hazard.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown with elasticised wrist bands, rubber gloves and safety goggles as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
The best way to dispose of photographic waste is to collect it into large waste containers for collection by Waste Disposal Contractors. Sewerage Authorities DO NOT allow the discharge of this substance to sewer because of the high silver concentration in the effluent discharge.
At working strength the effluent discharge of the components considered hazardous to the sewerage system in Ilfospeed 2000TL fixer is:
Ammonia/ammoniacal ion (as N) 22,500 mg/L
Sulphite (as S) 2,000 mg/L
Thiosulphate (as S) 49,000 mg/L
Boron (as B) 1,500 mg/L
Silver 3,000 to 8,000 mg/L
BOD5 51 gm/L
COD 48 gm/L
pH 5.1
pH with hardener 4.2
Aluminium (with hardener) 314 mg/L
ENVIRONMENT
This substance is very hazardous in the environment. Silver is highly toxic to micro-organisms and marine life. Its disposal is strictly regulated in Australia. Permissible limits of disposal for silver are in the range 0.1 to 3 mg/L. Therefore, under no conditions is it permissible to dispose of even small quantities of used fixer into the public sewerage system.

 


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