ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM CITRATE (K3C6H5O7.H2O)
SYNONYMS
Tripotassium citrate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder, odourless.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA There is no data available about the effect
of this chemical on skin. It is an eye, respiratory tract and
gastrointestinal tract irritant. Large amounts can cause
nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
TREATMENTS
Skin wash the affected area with large amounts of water until
all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes). If irritation or discomfort develop seek medical
advice.
Eyes eye contact is said not to be dangerous and should cause
only temporary discomfort. Immediately wash the affected eye
with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical
has been removed (approximately 15 minutes).
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
irritation persists seek medical advice.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
plenty of water to drink. Seek medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic fumes of carbon.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid eye contact, inhalation or
ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask 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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