1. Tips for using Acids in School Labs
Acid Safety

2. Safety Precautions Acids are strongly corrosive to all body tissue
Whenever using concentrated acids or acid solution.
Wear splash goggles
Not safety goggles
Wear chemical resistant gloves
Nitrile rubber gloves are the best choice
Wear chemical resistant aprons

3. Purchasing Purchase dilute acids whenever possible
Purchase small quantities (smaller bottles) to keep acids fresh.
Easier to handle and safer
Always purchase concentrated acids in PVC-coated glass bottles.
Reduces spills and breakage
PVC-coating may discolor acid, but does not affect quality.

4. Storage Best cabinets for acids is a wood cabinet
Acid fumes quickly corrode metal cabinets
Wood provides years of safe and durable storage.
Acids and bases can be stored together if separated by shelves
If NH3Cl forms from HCL and NH3 fumes, wash with Na3PO4.

5. Storage
Prepared acids must be labeled with name, concentration, and date of preparation.
Keep appropriate color-coded acid bottle caps
Never use caps on other bottles
Used to identify concentration

6. Color Code for Acid Concentration
Acetic Acid – Brown
Phosphoric Acid –
Ammonium Hydroxide - Green
Hydrochloric Acid – Blue
Sulfuric Acid – Yellow
Nitric Acid – Red
White

7. Uniqueness of Acids Concentrated HCl Constantly release fumes
Fumes are responsible for damage to chemical storage cabinet
MUST be kept in wood acid cabinet.

8. Uniqueness of Acids Nitric Acids
Stored in separate liquid-tight compartment
If mixed with acetic acids, can produce heat and ignite other flammable materials.
Slowly destroys plastic red caps
May turn yellow over time, but does not affect its usefulness

9. Uniqueness of Acids Glacial Acetic Acid
Must be isolated from nitric acids
Glacial acetic acid freezes at 16.6˚C and crystalize
Warm bottle to ambient temperature, 25˚C

10. Uniqueness of Acids Concentrated Sulfuric Acid
Reacts violently to organic materials
sugar, wood, paper
If it turns brown, it is contaminated with organic material
Its purity should be questioned.

11. Uniqueness of Acids Concentrated phosphoric acid
Melting point close to ambient temperature
Crystallizes in cool storage room
Will absorb water over time
Keep tightly sealed.

12. Preparation & Dispensing
Add acid to water (not tap)
Diluting sulfuric acid
Place flask in ice bath
May melt plastic containers or crack non-pyrex glassware.
HCl, H2NO3, CH3COOH, must be used in fume hood.
Have students bring a graduated cylinder or test tube to dispensing area
Helps minimize spills and accidents

13. First Aid Best first aid is dilution of exposed area If ingested
For 15 to 20 minutes
If acid is spilled onto skin and clothing,
safety shower is ideal, and then begin to
remove affected clothing
Modesty must take a back seat to potential chemical burns.
If ingested
Do not induce vomiting
Rinse mouth with water
Drink water or milk
Use antacids, but do not give any sodium bicarbonate or any carbonated drinks
Call poison control and hospital

14. Disposal Before disposing acids Neutralize it with a base
Pour in the sink found inside the fume hood.

15. The End