Corrosives irritate or burn the eyes and skin by direct contact, the respiratory tract by inhalation, and/or the gastrointestinal system by ingestion. Corrosive liquids present a significant hazard by accidental contact via spills and splashes. Corrosive gases cause severe nose, eye and throat irritation or penetrate the lungs. Corrosive solids can cause burns to the skin and eyes. Dust from corrosive solids can be inhaled and cause irritation or burns to the respiratory tract
When storing and using corrosives in the laboratory, be aware of the following to ensure proper safety practices:
- Eye and, when using large amounts with a potential for spill/splash, face protection shall be worn when corrosive liquid chemicals are handled.
- Chemically compatible gloves and chemically resistant protective clothing (i.e. lab coat, apron) shall be worn to protect against skin contact.
- Always add acids or bases to water and not the reverse.
- Acids and bases must be segregated for storage.
- Mineral (inorganic) acids must be segregated from organic acids for storage.
- Liquid corrosives shall be stored below eye level and contained in spill trays/bins.
- Adequate quantities of spill control materials should be readily available. Specialized spill kits for acids and bases are available through most chemical and laboratory safety supply catalogs.
- Manipulations of materials that pose an inhalation hazard from fumes or dust shall be performed in a chemical fume hood to control exposure. If this is not possible for procedures to be performed, personnel must be evaluated for whether a respiratory protection program is needed for the lab.
- Regulators and valves should be closed when a corrosive gas cylinder is not in use and flushed with dry air or nitrogen after use. When corrosive gases are to be discharged into a liquid, a trap, check valve, or vacuum break device should be employed to prevent dangerous reverse flow.