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3.4. Corrosive Chemicals - Procedures For Safe Handling and Storage

Corrosive chemicals cause visible destruction or irreversible damage to living tissue through chemical action. They can harm the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when handling corrosives. Corrosives should be stored separately based on their reactivity, below eye level, and in corrosion-resistant containers. Appropriate spill cleanup materials and safety equipment like eyewashes must be available for safe handling and storage of corrosive chemicals.

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36 views2 pages

3.4. Corrosive Chemicals - Procedures For Safe Handling and Storage

Corrosive chemicals cause visible destruction or irreversible damage to living tissue through chemical action. They can harm the skin, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when handling corrosives. Corrosives should be stored separately based on their reactivity, below eye level, and in corrosion-resistant containers. Appropriate spill cleanup materials and safety equipment like eyewashes must be available for safe handling and storage of corrosive chemicals.

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navyn
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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3.4.

Corrosive Chemicals – Procedures for Safe Handling and Storage


Corrosives (liquids, solids, and gases) are chemicals that cause visible destruction or
irreversible alterations to living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Corrosive
effects can occur not only to the skin and eyes, but also to the respiratory tract through
inhalation and to the gastrointestinal tract through ingestion. Corrosive liquids have a high
potential to cause external injury to the body, while corrosive gases are readily absorbed into
the body through skin contact and inhalation. Corrosive solids and their dusts can damage
tissue by dissolving rapidly in moisture on the skin or within the respiratory tract when inhaled.
In order to minimize these potential hazards, precautionary procedures must be observed
when handling corrosives.
3.4.1. Handling
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, fire-resistant or all cotton
lab coat, and safety goggles) must be worn when working with corrosive chemicals.
A face shield, rubber apron, and rubber booties may also be appropriate depending
on the work performed.
• Appropriate protective gloves that are resistant to permeation or penetration from
corrosive chemicals must be selected and tested for the absence of pin holes prior
to use.
• Eyewashes and safety showers must be readily available in areas where corrosive
chemicals are used and stored. In the event of skin or eye contact with a corrosive
chemical, the affected area should be immediately flushed with water for 15
minutes. Contaminated clothing should be removed and medical attention sought.
• Corrosive chemicals should be handled in a fume hood to ensure that any possible
hazardous or noxious fumes generated are adequately vented.
• When mixing concentrated acids with water, add the acid slowly to the water. Allow
the acid to run down the side of a container and mix slowly to avoid violent reactions
and splattering. Never add water to acid.
• Appropriate spill clean-up material should be available in areas where corrosive
chemicals are used and stored.
• Protective carriers shall be used when transporting corrosive chemicals.
3.4.2. Storage
• Containers and equipment used for storage and processing of corrosive material
must be corrosion resistant.
• Corrosive chemicals must be stored below eye level, preferably near the floor to
minimize the danger of their falling from cabinets or shelves.
• Acids and caustics (i.e. bases) must be stored separately from each other.
Secondary containers or trays must be used to separate acids and bases or other
incompatible corrosives within a corrosive cabinet.
• Oxidizing acids must be separated from organic acids and flammable/combustible
materials (oxidizing acids are particularly reactive with organics and
flammable/combustible materials).
• Acids must be segregated from active metals (e.g., sodium, potassium, and
magnesium) and from chemicals that can generate toxic gases (e.g., sodium
cyanide and iron sulfide).
• Corrosive gas cylinders must be returned for disposal every two years.

In general, when handling toxic materials:

 Use only the smallest amount necessary to do the job.


 Prevent the release of toxic vapours, dusts, mists or gases into the workplace air.
 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (if necessary) to avoid exposure
(eye, respiratory or skin) or contact with contaminated equipment/surfaces.
 Be aware of the typical symptoms of poisoning and first aid procedures. Report any
signs of illness or overexposure immediately to the supervisor. Depending on the
material, medical attention for an exposure may be required even if the exposure did
not seem excessive. With some materials, symptoms of a severe exposure can be
delayed.
 Do not return contaminated or unused material to the original container.
 Ensure containers are clearly labeled and inspect containers for leaks or damage
before handling.
 Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
 Ensure suitable emergency equipment for fires, spills and leaks are readily available.
 Ensure emergency eyewash/shower stations are readily available and are tested
regularly.
 To prevent spillage, use proper tools to open containers and to transfer material.
 Pour toxic liquids carefully from the container to avoid splashing and spurting.
 Avoid any welding, cutting, soldering or other hot work on an empty container or
piping until all toxic liquid and vapours have been cleared.
 Maintain good housekeeping (e.g. clean surfaces, no accumulation of dust).

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