ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
MAGNESIUM SULPHATE (MgSO4.3H2O)
SYNONYMS
Magnesium sulphate heptahydrate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the dust.
Keep away from heat.
Keep the container tightly closed.
Wash hands well after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Odourless, white efflorescent crystals or powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Moderately toxic and a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant.
Avoid inhalation of the dust. The most detrimental route of
exposure is by the respiratory system.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical
attention.
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 persists seek
immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air.
Allow to rest. If irritation persists or pain develops seek
medical attention.
Ingestion rinse the mouth with water and give large amounts of
water or milk to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of sulphur.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat or flame.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or
gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
should be available for the more active agents. Replace the face
shield with self contained breathing apparatus for such agents
as chlorine and bromine.
SPILLS:
Gas leak: if the valve is leaking because it cannot be closed,
the gas can be bubbled through a reducer (sodium sulphite) and
excess sodium bicarbonate solution. Be sure to include a trap in
the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into the
cylinder. If this cannot be done the cylinder should be placed
in or adjacent to a fume hood and left to bleed off. If the leak
is in the valve assembly, a plastic bag can be fastened over the
head of the cylinder which can then be taken outside or to a
fume hood.
Liquid or solid: cover with a reducer (sodium thiosulphate, a
bisulphite or a ferrous salt not carbon, sulphur or strong
reducing agent). Mix well and spray with water. A sulphite or a
ferrous salt will require addition of 3mol/l sulphuric acid to
promote a rapid reduction. Scoop the slurry into a container of
water and neutralise with soda ash. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. Wash the site thoroughly with a soap
solution containing some reducer.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add to a large volume of concentrated solution of reducer
(sodium thiosulphate, a bisulphite or a ferrous salt and acidify
with 3mol/l sulphuric acid). When the reduction is completed add
soda ash or dilute hydrochloric acid to neutralise the solution.
Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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