ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE (KMnO4)
SYNONYMS
Cony's crystals.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from oxidising materials.
Keep away from acids.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark purple crystals with a metallic lustre.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidising agent and is toxic
when inhaled or ingested. Inhalation or ingestion may cause
damage to the central nervous system. 10 gm is sufficient to
cause death. It is a corrosive substance and will cause burns to
the skin and eyes. Eye damage may be permanent. Small quantities
will cause irritation to skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
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). Burns will require 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 or
vision remains blurred after irrigation, 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 central nervous system
disturbances are noted seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting but seek immediate
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Potassium permanganate is incompatible with acids, combustible
material, powdered metals, glycerol, ethylene glycol, hydrogen
peroxide and ammonium compounds. Heat and moisture produce
instability. Heading produces toxic fumes.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
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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