ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SODIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE (NaHCO3)
SYNONYMS
Sodium bicarbonate.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Keep away from heat.
CHARACTERISTICS
Soft, white crystalline powder.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance is generally regarded as being a safe chemical to
handle and will only cause temporary discomfort if inhaled or if
eye contact is made. Overdosing may cause diarrhoea, nausea,
vomiting, hyperpnoea and convulsions.
TREATMENTS
Skin wash the affected area with large amounts of water until
all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes).
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes).
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure and allow to rest.
Ingestion overdose: wash out the mouth thoroughly with water
and give plenty of water to drink. Seek medical advice.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Heating produces carbon dioxide.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat.
HANDLING
Wear protective clothing to avoid eye contact or inhalation. A
long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, 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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