ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM ACETATE (CH3COOK)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep the lid tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White crystalline powder, deliquescent in moist air.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a combustible substance and readily ignites
when exposed to a naked flame. It is an eye and
gastrointestinal tract irritant. It is deliquescent and will
absorb moisture readily so that prolonged skin contact may cause
irritation and dermatitis. It may irritate the respiratory
tract. It is used as a diuretic in medicine.
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 contact
was prolonged rub a body cream into the affected area. If
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 discomfort persists seek medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
irritation or discomfort persist seek medical advice.
Ingestion wash the mouth thoroughly with water and give plenty
of water to drink. If discomfort persists seek medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from heat or moisture.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid skin and eye contact or
ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves
and safety goggles as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid: collect in a beaker, dissolve in a large amount of water.
Add soda ash, mix and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and
discharge to sewer with large excess of water.
Solution: cover with soda ash, mix and scoop into a beaker of
water. Neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid and discharge to
sewer with a large excess of water. If a spill contains a
fluoride, add slaked lime in addition to the above treatment.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large container of water. Stir in a slight
excess of soda ash. If fluoride is present add slaked lime. Let
stand for 24 hours. Decant or siphon into another container and
neutralise with 6M hydrochloric acid. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. The sludge may be added to land fill.
ENVIRONMENT:
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