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Corrosive Chemicals

Corrosive materials include chemicals that will result in an immediate, acute erosive effect on tissue as well as other materials. Corrosive chemicals include strong acids and bases, dehydrating and oxidizing agents, and halogen gases.

When handling corrosive chemicals, the eyes and skin are most commonly at risk, however failure to use proper protective equipment and handling procedures can result in exposures to the respiratory and digestive tract through inhalation and ingestion as well.

Corrosive chemicals exist in solid, liquid and gaseous forms. Some examples and their effects are:

Corrosive Solids - sodium hydroxide, phosphorous, phenol. Dust from these can be inhaled and cause serious damage to the respiratory tract.

Corrosive Liquids - bromine, sulfuric acid, aqueous sodium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide. The danger in liquid form is the speed at which the liquid reacts upon contact, causing immediate destruction of tissue.

Corrosive Gases - chlorine, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen chloride, formaldehyde. Exposure occurs through inhalation, causing damage to the lining of the respiratory tract and lungs.

Special consideration must be given to the use of hydroflouric acid or hydrogen flouride. It should be avoided if at all possible, and if used, workers must be trained in safety procedures, first aid, and spill response. Specific procedures for hydrogen flouride are below:

Hydrogen Fluoride Standard

Introduction

Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and toxic even in a dilute form, therefore any contact with skin or eyes must be treated as a medical emergency. The following procedures will assist the user in the safe handling of Hydrofluoric acid. Further information is available from the Safety Office.

Personal Protective Equipment

The following equipment is to be used when handling hydrofluoric acid:

  1. Eye and face protection as appropriate (approved splash goggle and full face shield).
  2. A splash apron.
  3. Gloves (neoprene or nitrite rubber).
  4. Fume hood (plastic Sash Window).

First Aid

Any laboratory possessing hydrofluoric acid must have:

  1. Hydrofluoric acid burn cream (2.5 % Calcium Gluconate in Muko gel) available from Chemistry Stores (ESC 109).
  2. An approved eye wash and emergency shower.

Skin (Large Burns)

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse affected area until ambulance arrives (protect eyes from contamination and remove contaminated clothing ).

Skin (Small Burns)

  1. Rinse affected area for 15 min. with water and then apply burn cream liberally to affected area.
  2. Get medical aid (Health Services, Family Physician or Hospital).

Eyes (any amount)

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse eyes with water until ambulance arrives.

Ingestion

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse mouth liberally with water.
  3. Do not induce vomiting.

Inhalation

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Remove victim to fresh air.
  3. If breathing stops rinse acid from mouth and administer artificial respiration.

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