ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
SULPHURIC ACID (H2SO4)
SYNONYMS
Oil of vitriol, disulphuric acid, pyosulphuric acid.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the fumes.
Avoid ingestion.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from acids, alkalis and oxidising agents.
Keep away from metals and metal surfaces.
Never add water to acid.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Colourless, odourless, oily liquid. Hygroscopic.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Highly corrosive liquid and corrosive vapour. Will cause severe
burns to skin, eyes, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal
tract. The vapour is a corrosive and severe irritant. Never add
water to acid, always add acid to water. Heat is generated by
the reaction which can be violent.
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). Burns will require 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
medical attention. Burns will require 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. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical
attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Sulphuric acid is incompatible with oxidising agents, acids,
alkalis, organic material and small amounts of water.
Potentially explosive hydrogen gas may be released if contact
with most metals occurs. Heating produces toxic fumes of sulphur
and potentially explosive hydrogen.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat and incompatible
substances.
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, laboratory coat and self contained breathing
apparatus. have a body shield available.
SPILLS:
Cover the contaminated surface with sodium bicarbonate or soda
ash-slaked lime mixture (50/50). Mix, and add water if necessary
to form a slurry. scoop up the slurry and discharge to the sewer
with a large excess of water.. wash the spill site with a soda
ash solution.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Add slowly to a large volume of an agitated solution of soda ash
and slaked lime until the solution is neutral. Discharge to the
sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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