Question 1

Why is it important to wear proper personal protective equipment when handling mineral acids?

Accepted Answer

Mineral acids are highly corrosive and can cause severe tissue damage through skin contact, inhalation, or eye exposure. Proper personal protective equipment including safety goggles, face shields, long sleeves, full-length pants, closed-toed shoes, and acid-resistant lab coats protects against these hazards. Double nitrile, neoprene, or PVC gloves must be worn and replaced after any splash to prevent burns and chemical penetration.

Question 2

What are the main hazardous properties of mineral acids?

Accepted Answer

Mineral acids are corrosive, causing irritation and damage to human tissue. Some mineral acids like nitric acid and sulfuric acid are strong oxidizing agents that react violently with metals and organic materials, potentially causing explosions or fires. Sulfuric acid also has dehydrating properties and reacts exothermically with organic compounds, releasing heat that can cause boiling and splashing of the solution.

Question 3

What is the correct procedure for diluting mineral acids with water?

Accepted Answer

Never add water to acid; always add small amounts of acid to water. Many acids react exothermically upon dilution, and adding water to acid releases heat that could bring the solution to boil and splash acid out of the container, causing severe burns. This procedure prevents dangerous thermal reactions and maintains safe handling conditions.

Question 4

How should mineral acids be stored in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Mineral acids should be stored together in a labeled acid cabinet made of plastic rather than metal due to their corrosive nature. Containers must be stored upright in a dry, well-ventilated place away from heat or ignition sources. Mineral acids must not be stored with bases, oxidizing agents, organic materials, or combustibles. Nitric acid requires separate storage in a chemically resistant secondary container made of polyethylene, PYREX, or Nalgene.

Question 5

What immediate steps should be taken in case of skin contact with mineral acid?

Accepted Answer

Immediately remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes. For hydrofluoric acid, after rinsing with water, treat the area with calcium gluconate to bind fluoride ions. Seek immediate medical attention in all cases of mineral acid skin contact to prevent severe tissue damage and chemical burns.

Question 6

How should mineral acid waste be disposed of properly?

Accepted Answer

Mineral acid waste must be kept separate from organic waste and disposed through the organization's chemical waste management system in labeled containers. Alternatively, acid waste can be disposed down the drain if it contains no metals, but must first be diluted with ice water and neutralized using aqueous basic solutions like 1 M sodium hydroxide or saturated sodium bicarbonate until the pH is neutral before pouring down the drain.

Question 7

What makes hydrofluoric acid different from other mineral acids?

Accepted Answer

Hydrofluoric acid is not only highly corrosive but also reacts with most materials including glass and ceramics. It is very toxic and can penetrate skin, reacting with calcium and magnesium ions in the body to cause severe tissue damage and chemical burns. Special neoprene or thick butyl rubber gloves must be worn in addition to standard personal protective equipment when handling hydrofluoric acid.

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