SODIUM ACETATE (CH₃COONa)

SYNONYMS
Anhydrous sodium acetate, sodium acetate trihydrate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing.
Avoid inhalation of vapour or dust.
Hygroscopic, store in a tightly closed container.
Finely dispersed particles are explosive.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White, hygroscopic powder, slight hazard in dust form when exposed to heat or a naked flame.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Moderately toxic by ingestion and is an eye, skin and mucous membrane irritant. Acute exposure to the eyes and skin may cause redness, pain and irritation. Inhalation may cause cough, dyspnea and respiratory distress. Ingestion may cause nausea, sore throat, coughing and abdominal pain.
TREATMENTS
Skin ­ remove contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 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 irritation persists seek medical advice.
Eyes ­ wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If irritation persists seek medical attention.
Inhalation ­ remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If breathing has stopped apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and allow to rest. Seek immediate medical advice.
Ingestion ­ if the victim is conscious give two to four glasses of water. Controversy exists over whether or not to induce vomiting in victims. Some data sheets recommend that vomiting be induced, others emphasise that vomiting should not be induced. If vomiting is not induced give 1 ounce of Milk of Magnesia (30 ml) or the whites of three eggs, or induce vomiting by touching a finger to the back of the throat. Seek immediate medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Sodium acetate is incompatible with:
Potassium nitrate ­ explosive mixture.
Diketene ­ violent polymerisation.
Sodium acetate may burn but it does not ignite readily.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or naked flames. Store away from incompatible substances.
HANDLING
Exposure limits have not been established for this chemical. Wear protective clothing so as to avoid skin or eye contact and inhalation. 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 exposure to high levels of dust use a respirator or self­contained breathing apparatus.
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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