Corrosives

Common corrosive acids

 Sulfuric acid – battery acid,
drain opener, cleaner

 Acetic acid – contained in

vinegar

 Hydrochloric acid – also called

muriatic acid

1a
Common corrosive acids
 Nitric acid – also an oxidizing agent

 Chromic acid

 Hydrofluoric acid – a very strong acid

that can be used to etch glass

 Corrosive acids you work with

1b
Common corrosive
bases
 Ammonium hydroxide –
contained in household
ammonia products

 Potassium hydroxide – potash

 Sodium hydroxide – lye

1c
Common corrosive
bases
 Calcium hydroxide – hydrated
lime

 Sodium carbonate – soda ash

 Corrosive bases you work with

1d
Recognizing corrosives
 Corrosives can be liquids,
powders, pellets, or gases

 Most have a strong, irritating

odor

2a
Recognizing corrosives
 Read the label

 Litmus paper test

2b
Chemistry of corrosives
 Can be either acids or bases

 Chemically reactive

 Contact with metal

 pH level
3
Health hazards of
corrosives
 Explained in MSDSs
 Chemical burns to skin and the
mucus membranes of
your eyes, nose,
mouth, and
respiratory tract

4a
Health hazards of
corrosives
 Respiratory ailments due to a
build up of fluid in the lungs

 Poisoning, many
corrosives are toxic

4b
Physical hazards of
corrosives
 Explained in MSDSs
 Reactive with many materials.
Many react with water
 Combustible or
flammable, can easily
ignite and burn

5
Engineering controls
 Ventilation systems

 Chemical transfer equipment

6a
Personal protective
equipment (PPE)
 See MSDSs for PPE
recommendations

 You must be
trained in use
and demonstrate
understanding

7
Safe work procedures
 Refer to MSDS for handling
information

 Take fire prevention precautions

 Remove all jewelry

 Use only the amount you need

8a
Safe work procedures
 Dispense from one container at
a time

 When mixing, always add the

corrosive to the water

 Be cautious about skin contact

8b
Safe storage procedures
 Refer to MSDS for storage
information

 Store in original container

9a
Safe storage procedures
 Storage areas should be well-
ventilated

 Inspect containers for damage

prior to use

9b
Proper clean-up and
disposal procedures
 Report all leaks and spills

 Follow all instructions

10a
Proper clean-up and
disposal procedures
 Collect waste corrosives in
proper containers

 Refer to MSDS for

clean-up and
disposal information

10b
Proper first aid and
emergency procedures
 Refer to MSDS for first aid and
emergency information

 Workers overexposed to
corrosives must be
removed to an area
with fresh air

11a
Proper first aid and
emergency procedures
 In case of direct contact flush
the affected area with plenty of
clean water for at least 15
minutes

 Medical attention
may be necessary

11b