ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM METABISULPHITE (K2S2O5)
SYNONYMS
Potassium pyrosulphate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep away from metals.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White crystals or powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is a strong corrosive and in the presence of
moisture will liberate sulphurous acid. It will cause burns to
the skin, especially if the skin is moist. It will burn the eyes
causing permanent damage unless treatment is rapid. It can cause
severe damage to the respiratory system and the stomach with
severe pain and possible collapse in severe cases.
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 pain persist or blisters develop, seek medical
attention. Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes Immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). If burning or pain persist or vision
is blurred, seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If there is any sign of discomfort seek
immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash the mouth thoroughly with water and give water
to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces toxic sulphur dioxide.
Potassium metabisulphite will corrode metals.
STORAGE
Store in a nonmetal, tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry
atmosphere away from heat.
HANDLING
Handle with extreme care. Use a fume hood if available to help
keep the level of exposure low and to aid with protection. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard. If there is a danger of a splash occurring from a
solution then a full face shield should be worn.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, safety glasses and laboratory coat. Work in a
fume hood or wear a respirator.
SPILLS:
Gas leak: eliminate all sources of ignition. If the valve is
leaking because it cannot be closed, the gas can be bubbled
through a calcium hypochlorite solution. Be sure to include a
trap in the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into
the cylinder.
Solid: cover the spill with soda ash or sodium bicarbonate. Mix
and spray with water. If effervescent wait until the reaction is
complete. Scoop into a large beaker and cautiously add an equal
volume of calcium hypochlorite (the reaction may be vigorous).
Add more water, stir and allow to stand for one hour. Dilute and
neutralise the oxidised solution and discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
If a gas, bubble into a soda ash solution. if a solid, mix with
an equal volume of soda and water to form a slurry, use a large
container. In either case add calcium hypochlorite. Add more
water if necessary and allow to stand for two hours. Neutralise
the oxidised solution then discharge to the sewer with a large
excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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