University of Minnesota Duluth - SOP
Chemical
name/class:
PI:
Building:
Department:
Corrosive Materials (acids, bases, etc.)
CAS #:
Various
Date:
Room #:
Hazard Class or
DDC Code
This SOP does NOT apply to hydrofluoric, nitric, sulfuric, or perchloric acids, or other corrosive materials that are
extremely hazardous and need their own SOP. See chemical-specific SOP templates for those materials.
1. Circumstances of Use:
Various.
Corrosive materials are the most common toxic substances encountered in most laboratories.
2. Potential Hazards:
Corrosives materials can cause destruction of living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact and can be solids,
liquids, or gases. Corrosive effects can occur not only on the skin and eyes, but also in the respiratory tract and, in
the case of ingestion, in the gastrointestinal tract as well. While acids and bases are familiar corrosives, many other
materials are corrosive to the body as well (including bleach and phenol). Some of these can cause very serious
injuries if inhaled! Check the safety data sheet!
Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the material to determine if it is corrosive and to check for other hazards. If
the material also has physical hazards or other health hazards, follow appropriate SOPs for those hazards as well.
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Engineering Controls:
An eyewash/safety shower combination unit must be available in the immediate work area for any work with
corrosive materials.
Volatile or powdered corrosives shall be handled in a chemical fume hood .
3. Work Practice Controls:
 Purchase corrosives in the smallest containers that are practical for lab use.
 Purchase in shatter-resistant containers if available (such as PVC-coated glass).
 Work with the smallest practicable amount and lowest practicable concentration of corrosive materials.
 When diluting acids, the acid should be added to water slowly, in small amounts.
 Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE):
Personal protective equipment is especially important. Wear a buttoned lab coat, safety goggles, and gloves (nitrile
is generally better than latex) for any work with corrosives. Depending on the quantities and concentrations used, a
face shield (over goggles), impenetrable apron and sleeves (or coverall), and special gloves may be recommended.
Check the manufacturer’s glove guide for glove effectiveness for the corrosive chemical you are using.
5. Transportation and Storage:
 Transport corrosives in secondary containment, preferably a polyethylene or other non-reactive acid/solvent
bottle carrier.
 Store in well-ventilated areas with secondary containment, such as a non-reactive plastic bin. In cases of when
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University of Minnesota Duluth - SOP
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the DDC rating is “PH” store in sealed container within another sealed container.
Store below eye level.
Store away from metal (unless the metal has a corrosion-proof coating), and do not store under the sink.
Store away from incompatibles – many corrosive materials are incompatible with each other – oxidizing acids
are incompatible with organic acids, and acids are incompatible with bases. Check the Safety Data Sheet for
incompatibility information and/or the list of Compatible Storage Groups in Prudent Practices, and store
accordingly.
Avoid storing on the floor. If storing on the floor is necessary, use secondary containment.
6. Waste Disposal:
Handle and store corrosive wastes following the guidelines above while accumulating wastes and awaiting chemical
waste pickup. Waste must be disposed of following your laboratory-safety plan. For additional information and
waste pick-ups contact 218-726-6764.
7. Exposures/Unintended contact:
Refer to SDS for first aid procedures. Contact the EHSO at 218-726-6917 for medical advice on occupational
chemical exposures. For an actual chemical exposure or injury, complete the work-related injury or illness report
found at: http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/ReportInjPg.html.
8. Spill Procedure:
Contact EHSO at 218-726-6917 or 911.
9. Training of personnel:
All personnel are required to complete several on-line safety sessions found at
http://www.d.umn.edu/ehso/TrainPg2.html.
Furthermore, training on these specific procedures must be performed by the PI or knowledgeable designee for all
personnel working with highly corrosive materials, and must be documented (topics covered, date, employee names
and signatures).
“I have read and understand this SOP. I agree to fully adhere to its requirements.”
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