Corrosive Chemicals
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are intended to provide you with general guidance on how to safely work with a specific class of chemical or hazard. This SOP is generic in nature. It addresses the use and handling of substances by hazard class only. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e. both the SOPs for flammable liquids and carcinogens would apply to benzene). If you have any questions concerning the applicability of any items listed in this procedure, contact EH&S 1-2356 or the Principal Investigator.
Corrosive
chemicals are substances that cause visible destruction or permanent changes in
human skin tissue at the site of contact, or are highly corrosive to
steel. The major classes of corrosives
include strong acids, bases, and dehydrating agents.
Decontamination
Procedures:
Personnel: Immediately flush contaminated area
with copious amounts of water after contact with corrosive materials. Remove any jewelry to facilitate removal of
chemicals. If a
delayed response is noted report immediately for medical attention. Be prepared to detail what chemicals were
involved.
If the incident involves hydrofluoric acid
(HF), apply calcium gluconate gel immediately and seek medical attention.
If there is any doubt about the severity of
the injury, seek immediate medical attention.
Area: Decontamination procedures vary depending on the
material being handled. The corrosivity
of some materials can be neutralized with other reagents.
See Spill Response Procedure
Eyewash: Where the eyes or body of
any person may be exposed to corrosive chemicals, suitable facilities for quick
drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work
area for immediate emergency use. Bottle
type eyewash stations are not acceptable.
Fume hood: Manipulation of corrosive
chemicals should be carried out in a fume hood.
If the use of a fume hood proves impractical refer to the section of
special ventilation.
Gloves: Gloves should be worn when
handling corrosive chemicals. Disposable
latex or nitrile gloves provide adequate protection against accidental hand
contact with small quantities of most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact EH&S 1-2356
for advice on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged
contact with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
Hazard
Assessment: Hazard assessment should
focus on proper use and handling; spill control; and splash protection.
Protective
Apparel: Lab coats,
closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling
corrosive chemicals. Additional
protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin contact is
likely.
Shielding: Safety shielding is required
any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic
reaction. All manipulations of corrosive
chemicals that pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the
lowest feasible position. Portable
shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants, are acceptable.
Shower: A safety or drench shower
should be immediately accessible at all times when working with corrosive chemicals .
Labels: Containers: All corrosive
chemicals must be clearly labeled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten labels are acceptable; chemical
formulas and structural formulas are not acceptable.
Storage: Segregate the various types
of corrosives. Separate acids and
bases. Liquids and solids should also be
separated. Specially designed corrosion
resistant cabinets should be used for the storage of large quantities of
corrosive materials. Store
corrosives on plastic trays. So
not store corrosive materials on high cabinets or shelves.
Waste
Disposal: All waste shall be placed in
closed containers, properly labeled and moved to the Hazardous Waste
Accumulation Structure (south west corner of SGM). Notify Roger Clark of Waste to be picked up
from the Hazardous Waste Accumulation area.