ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SODIUM BICARBONATE (NaHCO3)
SYNONYMS
Carbonic acid, baking soda, bicarbonate of soda, sodium hydrogen
carbonate, sodium acid carbonate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation or ingestion of the powder.
Keep away from moisture.
Keep away from acids.
Keep the container tightly sealed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
A fine white crystalline powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Practically nonharmful. Skin contact may cause mild irritation.
Is a mild irritant to eyes and respiratory tract.
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. Induce vomiting by
touching a finger to the back of the throat. Never give anything
by mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical
advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Contact with strong acids results in the production of carbon
dioxide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere.
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, 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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