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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