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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