ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
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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