C ORROSIVE C HEMICALS 2008 Safety Manual & Laboratory Safety Chemical Hygiene Plan, p M AY 3, 2011

Major classes: strong acids, strong bases, dehydrating agents, oxidizing agents. Cause skin erosion; particularly damaging to the eyes. Inhalation can cause severe bronchial irritation. Flush exposed skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Then seek medical treatment! G ENERAL I NFORMATION

ALL concentrated acids can damage the skin and eyes and their burns are very painful. Nitric, chromic, and hydrofluoric acids are especially damaging because of the types of burns they inflict. Seek immediate medical treatment if you have been contaminated with these materials. S TRONG A CIDS

Burns from these materials are often less painful than acids. Injured person often does not take immediate action and the material is allowed to penetrate into the tissue. Ammonia is a severe bronchial irritant and should always be used in a well-ventilated area, i.e. in a fume hood. S TRONG B ASES

Corrosive chemicals should be used in the fume hood. When working with large quantities of corrosives, wear gloves, face shields, lab coats, and rubber aprons. S PECIAL H ANDLING P ROCEDURES

Store in cabinets, under the hood or on low shelves. Keep containers that are not in use in storage areas and off bench tops. Use a safety carrier or cart for transport. S PECIAL H ANDLING P ROCEDURES