CORROSIVES (ACIDS AND ALKALIES)DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93Hazards of Chemicals and GasesCH-05Rev. 0Page 2AlkaliesAlkalies (bases) are corrosive caustic substances that dissociate in water and yield hydroxyl ions(OH ). Alkalies include: ammonia, ammonium hydroxide; calcium hydroxide and oxide;-potassium, potassium hydroxide and carbonate; sodium, sodium hydroxide; carbonate, peroxideand silicate; and trisodium phosphate.The alkalies, whether in solid form or concentrated liquid solution, are more destructive to tissuethan most acids. Alkali dusts, mists, and sprays may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratorytract and lesions of the nasal septum. Strong alkalies combine with tissue, causing severe burns,frequently deep ulceration, and ultimate scarring. Severe burns result not only from contact withsolid alkalies, but also from solutions of these compounds. Potassium and sodium hydroxide arethe most active materials in this group. Even dilute solutions of the stronger alkalies tend tosoften the epidermis (skin) and emulsify or dissolve the skin fats. Exposure to atmospherescontaminated with alkalies may result in damage to the upper respiratory tract and to lung tissue,depending upon the severity of the exposure. The effects of inhalation may vary from mildirritation of the nasal mucous membranes to severe inflammation of the lungs.Ingestion causes severe damage to mucous membranes or deeper tissues with which contact ismade. Perforation of these tissues may follow, or there may be severe and extensive scarformation. Death may result if penetration into vital areas occurs.Even though alkalies are not flammable and will not support combustion, much heat is evolvedwhen the solid material is dissolved in water. Therefore, cold water must be used to dissolvesolid alkalies, otherwise the solution may boil, and splatter corrosive liquid over a wide area.GeneralSafetyPrecautionsCorrosives are available in numerous forms and varying concentrations. Some forms andconcentrations are more hazardous than others, but the potential for serious accidents existsregardless of the substance in question.Many of the safety precautions necessary for safe handling and storage are equally applicable toacids and alkalies. Some of the more common precautions are contained in this section. Theseprecautions are not all inclusive, nor are they meant to be. Specific corrosives may requirespecific precautions, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be consulted in all cases.The MSDS will be discussed later in this module.Safety in handling hazardous chemicals depends to a great extent upon effective employeeeducation, proper safety practices, intelligent supervision, and the use of safe equipment.Workers should be thoroughly informed of the hazards that may result from improper handling.Each employee should know what to do in an emergency and should be fully informed aboutproper first-aid measures. Hazards from spills and leaks should be minimized by an adequatesupply of water for washing-down. Drainage of hard-surfaced or diked areas should be directedto minimize the exposure of personnel and equipment. Adequate ventilation should be providedin areas where chemical mist or dust is present.
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