Research 1 Homework 1.

6/27/16

10 Safety Measures in Handling Corrosive Metals

1. Before you begin working with any chemical, determine if it's a corrosive and learn as
much about it and its reactions as possible. Corrosive chemicals can be identified by
their container labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
2. Appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, fire-resistant or all cotton lab
coat, and safety goggles) must be worn when working with corrosive chemicals.
3. Eyewashes and safety showers must be readily available in areas where corrosive
chemicals are used and stored. In the event of skin or eye contact with a corrosive
chemical, the affected area should be immediately flushed with water for 15 minutes.
4. Appropriate spill clean-up material should be available in areas where corrosive
chemicals are used and stored.
5. Corrosive chemicals should be handled in a fume hood to ensure that any possible
hazardous or noxious fumes generated are adequately vented.
6. Before storing corrosives, inspect all incoming containers of corrosives to ensure that
they are undamaged and properly labelled. Do not accept delivery of defective
containers because corrosives can destroy containers made of improper materials.
7. Always add corrosives to water, slowly, in small amounts, with frequent stirring. Always
use cold water because when put in water fast, the reaction may produce boiling,
explosion and inhalation of harmful gases, which is bad.
8. Immediately flush contaminated area with copious amounts of water after contact with
corrosive materials.
9. Do not attempt to handle a large spill of corrosives. Vacate the laboratory immediately
and call for assistance.
10. Less is better, keep on hand only the amount of corrosive chemical you need for your
immediate work.