ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
OXALIC ACID [(COOH)2.2H2O]
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder or dust.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from sodium chlorite.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals or crystalline powder, no odour.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a severe eye and respiratory tract irritant
and a corrosive. It will irritate the skin and may cause burns
and dermatitis. It is very toxic, when inhaled as a powder or
dust, or when ingested. It causes severe pain followed by
collapse.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or burning persist or dermatitis develops, 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 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 or pain persist or signs of
toxicity develop seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink followed by Milk of Magnesia. Seek immediate
medical attention. Milk of Magnesia is available off the shelf
from pharmacies. If oxalic acid is handled in your laboratory
then Milk of Magnesia should be in your laboratory first aid
kit.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon. Mixtures with sodium
chlorite can explode when water is added to the mixture.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact,
inhalation or ingestion. The recommended threshold limit of
exposure for oxalic acid is 1 mg/m3. Wear a long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard. If exposure is expected
to exceed the recommended threshold limit then a respirator is
recommended.
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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