eChapter Name: Handling of Acid/Base and Titration in Laboratory
9789358877465
eBook Name: BASIC LABORATORY SKILLS
by Suresh Kumar, Simardeep Kaur
Introduction
Use of acid/base is common in laboratories for experiments like titration and proper safety in their handling laboratory is necessary. In this chapter we will briefly discuss about the safety measures necessary to be adopted while using acids/bases in laboratory for any experiment.
Handling of Strong Acid/Base
There are four major points that need to be taken care of while working with strong acids or bases that might be quite harmful if any accident happens.
1. Protect Yourself
Wear a lab-coat and acid-resistant gloves: Always use lab-coat/apron and make it sure that the sleeves properly cover your arms. More importantly, use gloves made of acid-resistant materials and also wear shoes to protect your feet while wearing long-pants/jeans. Female with long hair, must tie her hair properly (with rubber band) to avoid any disturbance caused by appearance in between.
Wear safety goggles: It is important to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes using larger and fitting goggles that cover front as well as sides of your eyes. Always use properly fitting and adjustable goggles because smaller/ loose goggles may not protect the areas around your eyes against accidental acid spills and it may fall down from your face, if it is too loose.
Locate emergency wash area: There must be an emergency washing area nearby the work place or laboratory containing lab spill management kits. All the workers in the laboratory must be aware of using the kits and emergency plans.
Neutralize acid: Don’t panic even if an acid or chemical spill happens. Stay calm and act as quickly as possible. In case an acid spills, neutralize it by using sodium bicarbonate so that they can be cleaned and disposed safely. If acid comes in contact of skin, wash it off under running tap water but do not use/ apply sodium bicarbonate on skin.