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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