Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Acids
University of Kansas Medical Center
Safe Operating Procedure
ACIDS
Purpose/Scope:
The purpose of this safe operating procedure is to guide laboratory staff in the safe handling,
storage and use of acidic chemicals. It provides general safety recommendations to reduce the
risk of exposure and accidents.
This procedure applies to all laboratories that use acidic chemicals.
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or ehs@kumc.edu )
Definition:
A corrosive material means a liquid or solid that causes full thickness destruction of human skin
at the site of contact within a specified period of time; or, a liquid that has a severe corrosion rate
on steel or aluminum based on the criteria in the code of federal regulations sec. 173.137 ( c )(2).
Under corrosive material, they are categorized by either being basic or acidic;
Acid- any corrosive material that has a pH 4 or below.
Examples
Acids- Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Nitric Acid, Acetic Acid etc.
Hazards
Very hazardous in case of skin contact, eye contact, and ingestion. Slightly hazardous in case of
inhalation. Liquid or spray mist may produce tissue damage particularly on mucous membranes
of eyes, mouth and respiratory tract. Skin contact may produce burns. Inhalation of the spray
mist may produce severe irritation of respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, choking, or
shortness of breath. Severe over-exposure can result in death. Inflammation of the eye is
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Acids
characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching,
scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.
Routes of Exposure
If any symptoms should occur, seek medical advice.
Eye contact: Immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Inhalation: Report to fresh air, keep calm and at rest. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. DO NOT induce vomiting and seek medical attention.
Handling/Storage:
Handling
Acids- Keep locked up and container (s) dry. Do not ingest or breathe gas / fumes / vapor / spray.
Never add water to these chemicals. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory
equipment. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents,
organic materials, metals, alkalis, moisture. May corrode metallic surfaces. Store in a metallic or
coated fiberboard drum using a strong polyethylene inner package.
Storage
Acids- Keep container (s) tightly closed and in a cool, well-ventilated area. Make sure to
segregate Acids away from any cyanides. Make sure to keep Nitric acid and Perchloric acid
segregated from any flammable material as it is an oxidizer.
Spills and Accidents:
Acids- Stop leak if without risk. Absorb with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material.
Do not get water inside container (s). Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray curtain to
divert vapor drift. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or
confined areas; dike if needed. Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of sodium carbonate.
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Acids
Be careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the
MSDS and with local authorities. Ensure eye wash and safety shower locations are known.
Fill out incident report form: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/incident-report-form.html
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or ehs@kumc.edu )
PPE (personal protective equipment) and Engineering/Ventilation Controls:
Engineering/ventilation controls and/or proper work practices should be used to eliminate
hazards. If these alone do not eliminate the hazards present then PPE should be used. PPE is
ineffective if it is not used properly.
PPE
Personal protection: Avoid contact with skin and eyes when handling the product. Use only in
well ventilated areas.
Inhalation: In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
Hands and Skin: wear suitable protective gloves (nitrile), lab coat, etc.
Eyes: Wear safety glasses/goggles.
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Use only in well ventilated areas.
Work conducted under a certified chemical fume hood is recommended. Please see the
following link for information regarding work with chemical fume hoods:
http://www.kumc.edu/Documents/compliance/safety/2012%20Chemical%20Fume%20Hood%20Plan.pdf
Waste Disposal:
The EHS office is required by Federal Regulations, the EPA, to properly dispose of all hazardous
waste. Once a lab is ready to discard any hazardous materials, please fill out chemical pickup
form located on the EHS website or follow the link below:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/chemical-pick-up-form.html
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Acids
Special Precautions for animals:
For any projects involving the use of chemicals or drugs on animals, all researchers must review
and comply with the IACUC Chemical and Drug Hazard Policy. Additionally, the “Section H”
portion within the IACUC protocol form is the designated location for disclosing all hazards
(including chemical and drug use) for research involving animal models. The policy can be
found at: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/office-of-animal-welfare/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/iacuc-policies.html.
Resources:
Consult the individual chemical’s MSDS (or SDS) for additional information about the hazards
and proper handling of each specific chemical. If you do not have an MSDS, several can be
found on the following websites:
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html
http://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/msdssearchhome?showMSDSSearch=Y&storeId=10652
Other Resources:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-.html
Keegan, Robert. J. (2011/2012). Hazardous Materials, Substances & Wastes Compliance Guide. Kutztown, PA: Robert J. Keegan.