ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
NITRIC ACID (HNO3)
SYNONYMS
Aqua fortis.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from organic materials.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not dilute with tap water
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless to yellow, fuming liquid with a choking odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Nitric acid is a highly corrosive substance and must be handled
with great care. It will cause severe burns to any exposed
areas. The vapour is a strong irritant and also corrosive. The
vapour will corrode teeth. The recommended maximum level of
exposure without selfcontained breathing apparatus is 2 parts
per million (5 mgm/m3) (National Health & Medical
Research Council). Using tap water as a diluent may cause nitric
acid to explode. Tap water contains many contaminants some of
which may be incompatible with the acid. Use only de ionised or
distilled water as a diluent.
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 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). Seek 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. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical
advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. Incompatible
with oxidising agents, acids, alkalis, many organic materials (eg.
wood, paper), brass, bronze, polythene and plasticised PVC. May
be incompatible with ceratin tap waters.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from direct sunlight, 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.
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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