COMPLIANCE INFO 1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

SULFURIC ACID (Oil of Vitriol) This Product Safety Information Sheet is principally directed to managerial, safety, hygiene and medical per- sonnel. The description of physical, chemical and toxi- cological properties and handling advice is based on experimental results and past experience. It is intended as a starting point for the development of safety and health procedures. I. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Chemical Composition: H2S0. Formula Weight: 98.08 Physical State: Clear, colorless to cloudy liquid (20° C/68° F) , Odor: None Specific Gravity: Varies with concentratien Vapor Pressure: 0'C/32'F: 1 mmHg 21.10C/70017: 1 mmHg 37.70C/99.9°F: 1 mmHg Water Miscibility: Completely miscible in all proportions. II. CHEMICAL REACTIVITY Sulfuric acid will react with many metals. This reaction may evolve hydrogen gas. The acid, in its concentrated form, is a strong oxidizing agent and may cause ignition on contact with organic materials'and chemicals such as nitrates, carbides, chlorates, etc. It also will react exo- thermically with water. III. STABILITY Sulfuric acid is stable under atmospheric pressures and temperatures. Do not add water to the acid because a --large amount of heat will be produced and- localized boiling and spattering may occur. When diluting, always add the acid slowly to water. IV. FIRE HAZARD The acid itself is not flammable; but in its higher concen- trations, it may cause ignition by contact with combus- tible liquids and solids. Hydrogen, a highly flammable and explosive gas, may be generated by the action of the acid on most metals. The rate of hydrogen generation increases with decreas- ing acid concentration. V. FIREFIGHTING TECHNIQUE Concentrated vapors of sulfuric acid are extremely irri- tating to the respiratory tract and may cause breathing difficulty and pulmonary edema. Prevent human exposure to fire, smoke, fumes, or products of combustion. Evacuate nonessential person- nel from the fire area. Maintain a safe distance from the fire and storage area because excessive heat may cause tank to rupture. Wearfull-face, self-contained breathing apparatusand impervious clothing (such as gloves, 1-uods, suits and rubber boots). Use water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or halogenated extinguishing agents. If tar7k is not leak- ing, keep cooled using a fog spray nozzle to minimize the reactivity of water and acid. Under no circumstances should water or other liquid be introduced into acid tanks. Take care not to ignite hydrogen gas which can accumulate inside metal tanks containing acid. VI. TOXICOLOGY Due to its corrosive and oxidizing properties, sulfuric acid produces rapid destruction of tissues and severe burns on contact with body surfaces. 1. Ingestion Ingestion of sulfuric acid may cause severe injury or death. 2. Eye Effects - Contact with the eyes very rapidly causes damage which may be followed by total loss of sight. 3. Dermal Effects - Concentrated solutions are rapidly destructive to any body tissues with which they come in contact. Repeated contact -with diluted solutions may cause a dermatitis. 4. Inhalation Inhalation of concentrated vapor or mist will rapidly cause injury to the mucous membranes of the respira- tory tract. Inhalation can result in bronchitis, respiratory infections and emphysema. 5. Threshold Limit Value (TLV) The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has established a TLV of 1 mg/m' for Sulfuric Acid. For Stauffer Reference Only: T-4054 VII. FIRST AID CALL A PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY In case of suspected sulfuric acid poisoning, refer to the procedure and emergency contacts in Section VII -- FIRST AID. In case of spillage, refer to procedure and emergency contacts in Section IX—SPILL HANDLING. In case of animal poisoning, call a veterinarian or call collect, day or night, (203) 226-6602 (Stauffer Chemical Company) or call (800) 424-9300 (Chemtrec). In case of contamination of other materials with sulfuric acid, call (800) 424-9300 (Chemtrec). An rr:40r121,on n ahereC M 90W faith. wrthout guaa^'re a 7, a:an tot the accuracy or ssboercy STAUFFER CHI-IMICAL COI PANY thereof, or the rest'=s•cDta-ned arta is acceptea at ase: s ns+. Tne uses retertee to are t« the pu.pose Stauffer or mustra:ron onty.users,o-.Ad rhvestgate and es+a5::sh the s.rantty of such use(s) rn every case NcWxv INDUSTRIAL CHEP.IICAL DIVISION