ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE (KClO4)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep away from combustible substances.
Keep away from reducing agents.
Keep away from metal powders.
Keep away from strong bases.
Keep away from alcohols.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Potassium perchlorate is harmful if swallowed, inhaled or
absorbed through the skin. It is a severe irritant with high
concentrations causing destruction of mucous membranes, upper
respiratory tract, eyes and skin. Symptoms include burning
sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath,
headache, nausea and vomiting.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately remove contaminated clothing and 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 hypersensitivity develops 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 irritation or pain persist seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. If irritation persists or signs of toxicity
develop seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
With strong reducing agents, finely powdered metals and strong
acids. Forms explosive mixtures with alcohols.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or ignition
sources.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown,
rubber gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum
standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, face shield and laboratory coat. A body shield
should be available for the more active agents. Replace the face
shield with self contained breathing apparatus for such agents
as chlorine and bromine.
SPILLS:
Gas leak: if the valve is leaking because it cannot be closed,
the gas can be bubbled through a reducer (sodium sulphite) and
excess sodium bicarbonate solution. Be sure to include a trap in
the line to prevent the solution being sucked back into the
cylinder. If this cannot be done the cylinder should be placed
in or adjacent to a fume hood and left to bleed off. If the leak
is in the valve assembly, a plastic bag can be fastened over the
head of the cylinder which can then be taken outside or to a
fume hood.
Liquid or solid: cover with a reducer (sodium thiosulphate, a
bisulphite or a ferrous salt not carbon, sulphur or strong
reducing agent). Mix well and spray with water. A sulphite or a
ferrous salt will require addition of 3mol/l sulphuric acid to
promote a rapid reduction. Scoop the slurry into a container of
water and neutralise with soda ash. Discharge to sewer with a
large excess of water. Wash the site thoroughly with a soap
solution containing some reducer.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add to a large volume of concentrated solution of reducer
(sodium thiosulphate, a bisulphite or a ferrous salt and acidify
with 3mol/l sulphuric acid). When the reduction is completed add
soda ash or dilute hydrochloric acid to neutralise the solution.
Discharge to sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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