Training

Don’t Get Burned by Corrosives!

By Chris Kilbourne Feb 4, 2010 Training

Updated: Feb 4, 2010

National Burn Awareness Week is February 7 to 13, and our Safety Training Tips editor says that gives you a good lead-in to talk with your workers about corrosives—and the fact that they can burn their skin and eyes on contact. Be sure to teach your workers how to identify a corrosive by reading labels.

Both OSHA and the DOT require labels for corrosives. A corrosive that’s been shipped by truck, rail, or air must have a special DOT label that shows a corrosive dripping on skin and metal and eating away at them. OSHA’s label has to list a corrosive’s key risks and protective measures as follows:

DANGER! Causes severe burns to skin and eyes.

Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.

Avoid breathing any mist or gas from this material.

Keep this container closed when not in use.

Make sure there is adequate ventilation.

Always wash after handling this material.

Most corrosives are highly acidic or highly alkaline (bases). Not all acids are corrosive, but common ones that are corrosive include hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and glacial acetic acid. Alkalines are used in cleaning agents, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical products. Some alkalines used in industry are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and ammonium hydroxide.

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Corrosive oxidizers include fluorine, chlorine, and concentrated sulfuric acid. In addition, prolonged contact with some solvents, such as methylene chloride, can have corrosive effects. You can customize this discussion by listing the corrosives you use in your workplace.

Train workers to always use the proper protective clothing when handling corrosives. Make sure that before they start a job with corrosives, they check that substance’s MSDS and/or check with you on what to wear:

Goggles, safety glasses, or a face shield or hood to protect eyes and face.

Gloves and clothing made of neoprene, rubber, or some chemically resistant material. Always cover hands and usually, arms and legs.

Boots, overshoes, or shoe covers made of neoprene, rubber, or some chemically resistant material.

Respirators may be needed to protect from inhaling dangerous corrosive gases.

Show them how to inspect protective gear and get a good fit.

Demonstrate how to remove protective clothing if it gets splashed by a corrosive:

Go to the decontamination area quickly.

Keep gloves on while unfastening zippers and snaps.

Remove the most contaminated clothing first.

Remove clothing first from upper body, then lower body.

Have someone wearing proper protective clothing remove gloves.

Dispose of contaminated clothing in the proper containers and wash entire body.

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Finally, train workers on first aid if they ever do come in direct contact with a corrosive. They should follow first-aid instructions on the MSDS for specific corrosives, and at least do the basics:

Skin contact. Remove contaminated clothing according to procedures immediately. Then get into a shower and rinse with water for at least 15 minutes.