Chemicals in MTL
READ LABELS! Be sure to select the proper chemicals.
Use exhaust hoods for all chemical processes.
Know where showers and eyewash stations are located in the lab.
Check MSDS online or in the lab.
Using Chemicals Do's and Don'ts
Do:
- Use chemical carrier cart to transport chemicals to a wet station.
- Use proper protective gear when transporting chemicals.
- Report all chemical spills to a lab staffer.
- during normal working hours: call the lab staff
- outside of normal working hours:
- Minor spills: call x3-1500 or FIXIT (x3-4948)
- Major spills: call 100 (from campus phone) or (617) 253-1212
- Return partially-filled and/or empty bottles in the proper location
of the pass-through.
- Fully deplete the contents of one chemical bottle before opening and
Using a new one
Don't:
- Carry acid bottles through the lab to a process station.
- Transport acids without wearing full protective gear.
- Return wet acid containers to pass-through.
- Pour used chemicals back into bottles.
- Set chemical bottles on the floor, ever!
Mixing acids
Always add acid to water slowly!
- Beware of exothermic reactions ----> mixtures can get very HOT
- Never mix acids with solvents.
Disposal of chemicals
- Solvents ---> Place in properly-labeled solvent waste bottles
- Acids ---> Use aspirators.
- DO NOT throw empty chemical containers or glass into trash! Put them
back into the pass-throughs.
Exposure to Chemicals
In general if you suffer an exposure to any chemical, flush the exposed
area with a lot of water for 15 minutes. Remove clothing as necessary.
If you have been exposed to hydrofluoric acid (HF) flush area with water
for 5 minutes and apply calcium gluconate paste. Report to the
Medical Department immediately, accompanied by someone. If necessary, transportation
is available by dialing 100.
Shower and eyewash stations are located near
chemical wet stations in each lab.
Hazards of Commonly Used Chemicals in MTL
- Hydrochloric (HCl) and Nitric Acid (H2NO3)
- Cause severe burns.
- Piranha - Sulfuric Acid (H2SO3) & Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
- Produces an exothermic reaction. Keep it away from organics.
- Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
- Does NOT produce skin burns – it penetrates the skin and reacts
with bone calcium. Its effect may be delayed.
- Hydrogen Peroxide (30%)
- Burns skin. Its effect may be delayed. It is a strong oxidizer! Keep
it away from organics.
- Ammonium Hydroxide (NH4OH)
- Burns skin. Can cause respiratory failure.
- Organic Solvents
- Readily absorbed through skin. Can be carcinogenic. Potential fire hazard.
