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:

BACK to the top of the Glossary Contents List
BACK to the top of the Chemical Contents List

REFERENCES