Chemistry Laboratory Safety, Essay Example

To clean a hydrochloric acid spill, it is first important to gather the necessary protective equipment, including a mask, goggles, gloves, acid resistant apron, absorbent barrier, broom, plastic dustpan, and Amphomag or another spill absorbent compound. First, the absorbent barrier should be spread around the perimeter of the spill to ensure that the acid does not spread. Then, a spill absorbent compound should be added directly to the spill to neutralize it. If Amphomag is used, it will participate in a chemical reaction with the acid, and turn a red/pink color. This is useful to confirm the identity of the chemical that has spilled. Even if the identity of the spilled acid is known, the Amphomag color indication is useful because it will turn to a yellow/green color once it is neutralized. In a case in which a spill absorbent compound ideal for acids is not available, the HCl can be neutralized using a strong base, such as NaOH. This reaction will yield salt and water. The broom and dustpan can be used to remove the Amphomag compound that has reacted. If NaOH was used, a paper towel or mop can be used to remove the harmless solution that has formed from the floor (Amphomag).

Since Mercury spreads quickly and is toxic, it is important to wear gloves, and clean the spill, working from the outside of it towards the center. A stiff piece of paper should be used to push the pieces of Mercury back together. A flashlight should be used to shine in the area surrounding the noticeable spill in order to detect components that were missed during the initial examination. An eyedropper can be used to pick up any of these small pieces. Sulfur powder should be administered to the spill area and a color change in the substance from yellow to brown will indicate that there is still Mercury and that the cleanup process needs to be repeated. It is important for the individual cleaning the spill to avoid breathing the Mercury in, and a mask may need to be warn. The Mercury should be disposed of in a plastic bag labelled “hazardous materials” (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality).

Silica gel can be cleaned easily, using a vacuum. It is preferable to not use a broom for this purpose to ensure that small particles of the substances will not be suspended in the air, so that individuals in the immediate space of the spill will not breathe it in. A protective mask should be warn independently of the cleaning method used to ensure that the individual cleaning the spill is able to access oxygen. If a broom or vacuum are not available, it would be possible to clean the spill using a shovel. To make the cleaning process easier, it may be necessary to dampen the spillage with water. All efforts should be made to ensure that dust does not form in the air (Agropharm, 2009).

Works Cited

Agropharm. “Safety Data Sheet”. 2009. Web. 2 December 2014.

Amphomag. “Hydrochloric Acid Spill Cleanup”. N.D. Web. 2 December 2014.

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. “Mercury Information”. N.D. Web. 2 December            2014.