Corrosive Materials

Process or Equipment Description

This standard operating procedure (SOP) is intended to provide general guidance on how to safely work with corrosive materials. This general use SOP only addresses safety issues specific to corrosive hazards of chemicals. In some instances, specific SOPs will need to be developed by the Principle Investigator (PI) for a specific chemical (i.e. for perchloric acid, both the general use SOP for corrosives and unstable reactives would apply). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any item listed in this SOP contact the PI, Laboratory Director or Supervisor of your lab or Environmental Health and Safety & Emergency Management (EHSEM).

Hazardous Chemicals/Class of Hazardous Chemicals

Corrosive materials cause destruction of tissue through chemical action at the point of contact. As corrosive chemicals can be liquids, solids, or gases, corrosive effects can affect the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Examples of corrosive chemicals include: liquids such as acids and bases, bromine, and hydrogen peroxide; gases such as chlorine and ammonia; and solids such as phosphorous and phenol.

Control of Hazards - General

Handling processes should be designed to minimize the potential for splash, splatter, or other likely scenarios for accidental contact.

• Do not pour water into acid. Slowly add the acid to the water and stir.
  • Never empty carboys or drums of chemicals by means of air pressure. Use a tilting rack, a safety siphon, or a liquid pump.
  • Use a mechanical aid or a pipette bulb for pipetting.
  • Open bottles or carboys slowly and carefully and wear protective equipment to guard hands, face, and body from splashes, vapors, gases and fumes.
  • Wipe drips from containers and bench tops. Be especially careful to wipe up visible residues of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide from all surfaces. Skin contact with dry residue will result in burn.

Engineering/Ventilation Controls

Use a properly functioning lab fume hood when handling strong acids/bases, or other chemicals that can form mists/vapors upon contact with air (often referred to as "fuming").

If the process does not permit the handing of such materials in a fume hood, contact EHSEM at x3-4914 to review the adequacy of ventilation measures.

Personal Protective Equipment

At minimum, safety glasses, lab coat, long pants, and closed toed shoes are to be worn when entering laboratories having hazardous chemicals. When handling corrosive materials, safety goggles (not safety glasses) provide the appropriate eye protection. Additionally:

• A face shield should be worn when splash or spray is foreseeable (in addition to safety glasses).
• When handling hazardous chemicals or contacting potentially contaminated surfaces, protective gloves are to be worn. For proper selection of glove material, review our Glove Use page.