General Safety Precautions

Hazards of Chemicals and Gases DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93 CORROSIVES (ACIDS AND ALKALIES) Rev. 0 CH-05 Page 3 Alkalies are much more injurious to the eyes than acids because strong acids tend to precipitate a protein barrier, which prevents further penetration into the tissue. The alkalies do not do this. They continue to soak into the tissue as long as they are allowed to remain in contact with the eye. The end result of a corrosive burn to the eye (alkali or acid) is usually a scar on the cornea and possible permanent damage. Speed in removing corrosives is of primary importance. If the chemical enters the eyes, they should be copiously irrigated with water for at least 15 minutes, and a physician should be consulted immediately. In case of contact with skin or mucous membranes, the safety shower should be used immediately. Clothing can be removed under the shower. Contaminated skin areas should be washed with very large quantities of water for 1 to 2 hours, or until medical help arrives. The ready availability of water, particularly safety showers and eye-washing baths, greatly minimizes the possibility of severe, extensive damage. Contaminated clothing and shoes should be thoroughly washed and decontaminated before re-use. The use of personal protective equipment is not intended as a substitute for adequate control measures, but because corrosives can cause extensive damage to the body this equipment must be available as needed. During handling operations where spills or splashes are possible, whole body protection (eyes, head, body, hands, and feet) may be necessary. All personal protective equipment should be carefully cleaned and stored following use, and any equipment that cannot be decontaminated should be discarded. For the protection of the eyes, chemical safety goggles should be worn. Face shields should be worn if complete face protection is necessary. Eyewash fountains and safety showers must be available at any location where eye and/or skin contact may occur. Protection against mist or dust can be provided by proper respiratory protective equipment. The wearing of protective clothing is also advisable to avoid skin contact. This may consist of rubber gloves, aprons, shoes or boots, and cotton coveralls which fit snugly. Safety shoes or boots made of rubber, chlorobutadiene, or other chemical-resistant materials with built-in steel toecaps are recommended for workers handling drums or in process areas where leakage may occur. Containers should be stored in rooms with trapped floor drains. Curbs or a drained gutter, covered with an appropriate grill, should be constructed at door openings where floor drains are not provided. Tanks should be entered for cleaning or repairing only after these have been drained, flushed thoroughly with water, ventilated, and sampled. Workers entering tanks should be monitored by someone on the outside of the tank. A supplied-air respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus, together with rescue harness and lifeline, should be on hand for rescue purposes. Removal from exposure is the primary, and most important, step where exposure by inhalation is involved. The individual should be made as warm and comfortable as possible, and a physician should be called immediately.