Compliance Checklist: Working Safely with Corrosives

There are four basic types of corrosives:

• Acids, such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, can destroy body tissue.
• Alkalis, or bases, such as potassium and sodium hydroxide, can cause severe burns, lung damage, and scarring.
• Dehydrating agents are corrosive because of their strong affinity for water. When they react with water they generate a lot of heat.
• Halogens and halogen salts include bromine and sodium hypochlorite give off acid gases that are soluble in water and will damage your skin or eyes on exposure to body moisture.

Workers can be exposed to corrosives through breathing, accidental swallowing, or skin or eye exposure. Because corrosives are reactive, a fire or explosion can occur if they come in contact with other chemicals or combustible materials.

The following recommendations address the safety concerns and responsibilities for both you and your employees.

Hazards

• Eye contact. Mists and splashes can cause irritation, scarring, or blindness.
• Skin contact. Can cause dermatitis or burns, or destroy tissue.
• Ingestion. Can burn or destroy tissue in the mouth, throat, esophagus, or stomach.

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Precautions

• Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before working with any corrosive.
• Store corrosives separately in properly labeled containers.
• Work in a properly ventilated area or use respiratory protection.
• Wear required protective gear, including eye and face protection, gloves and body protection, and chemical-resistant footwear.

What to Do if Exposure Occurs

• Eye contact: Rinse immediately for at least 15 minutes and then get medical help right away.
• Skin contact: Use the safety shower immediately and seek medical help.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. The victim should drink water to dilute the corrosive. Seek medical treatment.
• Inhalation: Evacuate the area. Seek medical treatment.

Proper Leak or Spill Response

• Read the SDS before handling corrosives.
• Know substances that will trigger a fire or explosion with the chemical in use.
• Have specialized spill kits on hand.

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