Sulphuric Acid MSDS

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

It is known as Sulphuric Acid and is available in various grades for use as analytical reagent for use in lead batteries and commercial grade for use in various industrial processes.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Molecular wt:98.07

Physical state : Liquid

Colour : Colourless

Oduor : Odourless

Density : 1.84

Hygroscopicity : Hygroscopic

Corrosivity : Corrosive

Chemical formula : H₂SO₄

MAJOR USES:

Sulphuric Acid is one of the two basic industrial heavy chemicals which finds endless applications in various industries.  Some of the major applications are listed below:-

It is used in various industries like manufacture of fertilizers particularly Superphosphate and Ammonium Sulphate industries.

It is used for manufacture of steel, heavy chemicals, various sulphates like Aluminium Sulphate, Sodium Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, ferrous sulphate, zinc sulphate etc.

It is used for leather tanning, oil refining, galvising industries

Sulphuric Acid is produced and supplied in various grades for storage acid, battery acid, rayon acid, dye-intermediate acid.

It is used in dilute concentrations for pH control.

HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION:

POISON  ! DANGER! CORROSIVE.  Liquid and mist cause severe burns to all body tissue.  May be fatal if swallowed or contacted with skin.  Harmful, if inhaled, water reactive.

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:

INGESTION: Corrosive, swallowing can cause severe burns of the mouth, throat and stomach.

SKIN CONTACT: Corrosive, symptoms of redness, paid and severe burn can occur.

EYE CONTACT: Corrosive, contact can cause blurred vision, redness, pain and severe tissue burns.  Can cause blindness. 

FIRST AID

If the substance has got into eyes, immediately wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.

In case of skin contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes

Seek medical treatment.  Keep patient at rest.

FIRE FIGHTING:

- Cannot  catch fire

- Contact with combustibles may cause fire

- Explosive concentrations of hydrogen gas can accumulate inside metal tanks containing acid.

- Care must be taken not to ignite hydrogen gas which may accumulate inside tank.

- Care must be taken not to ignite hydrogen gas which may accumulate inside tank.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING MEDIA:

Fires involving small amounts of combustible ignite by contact with Sulphuric Acid may be smothered by dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide.

ACCIDENT RELEASE MEASURES:

Ventilate area of leak or spill.  Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.  Isolate hazard area.  Keep unnecessary and unprotected personnel form entering. Contain and recover liquid when possible.  Neutralize with alkaline material (Soda Ash, lime), then absorb with an inert material (e.g. dry sand, earth) and place in a chemical waste container.  Do not use combustible materials such as saw dust.  Do not flush to sewer.

HANDLING AND STORAGE:

 Concentrated Sulphuric Acid can be stored in mild steel tanks.

 Lead lined tanks are recommended for Sulphuric Acid upto 80% strength.

 Smaller quantities of Sulphuric Acid are stored in metal drums, plastic jerrycans, glass carboys or bottles.

Store in a cool, dry, ventilated storage area with acid resistant floors and good drainage, protect from physical damage.  Do not wash out container and use for other purposes when diluting, always add acid to water, never add water to acid.  When opening metal 

Containers: use non sparking tools because of possibility of hydrogen gas being present.  Containers of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (vapour, liquid); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING:

Workers employed in handling Sulphuric should wear suitable Acid proof personal protective equipment, including chemical clear goggles, face shield, PVC/ rubber hand gloves, neoprene PVC boots, acid resistant trousers, the legs of which should fall over the boots and be tucked into them.

STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.

Concentrated solutions react violently with water, spattering and liberating heat.

HAZARDOUS POLYMERISATION

Will not occur

CONDITIONS TO AVOID

Heat, moisture, incompatibles

INCOMPATIBILITIES:

Water, potassium chlorate, potassium perchlorate, potassium permanganate, sodium, lithium basis, organic material, halogens, metal acetylides, oxides and hydrides, metals, strong oxidizing and reducing agents and many other reactive substances.

DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS:

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste and disposed off as per local regulations.  Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION:

Proper shipping name : Sulphuric Acid (with more that 75% acid)

Hazard class : 8

UN/NA : UN 1830

Packing group : II

All this above information should be prominently displayed on the tanker/lorry carrying the product.  An emergency information panel should be prominently marked at three places on tankers carrying / transporting Sulphuric Acid on each side and at rear of the tanker.