Demystify: 

Dear Colleagues -
I am compelled to comment on this, as a former synthesis chemist. please do not perform chemical reactions on human skin or eyes. That is in fact what you are suggesting, however simplistic. No good will come of it.
I must reiterate the wise words below "Water, water water and nothing but water - only, ever". An immediate 15 minute continuous flushing (no less) is considered best practice. Appropriate PPE & administrative controls can help to mitigate your risk of acid exposure, too.
On the floor, benchtop, etc., bicarb is OK for acid spills when used with due caution, but definitely not on your skin or (good grief!) your eyes!
Best regards,
Frank T. Coppo
EHS Specialist, Environment, Health, & Safety Services

GlaxoSmithKline | 1250 S. Collegeville Rd. | UP2410 | Collegeville, PA | 19426 | USA
: 1-610-917-4548 (GSK shortcode 8282-4548)| |: Environment, Health & Safety

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU] On Behalf Of Mark Pichaj
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 10:29 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] First Aid Kit for Acid

Friends,

What about having some sodium bicarbonate on hand to neutralize spilled/splashed acid? I would have no problem neutralizing a spill of concentrated nitric or sulfuric acid on the floor or benchtop with baking soda, but what about human skin? Eyes? Thanks.

yours,
Mark

Mark Adolf Pichaj . Assistant Professor . Department of Chemistry, Physics and Engineering . Bradley 1 D . x4866
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BIOLA UNIVERSITY . 13800 Biola Avenue . La Mirada, California 90639 . 562-903-4866 . mark.pichaj**At_Symbol_Here**biola.edu

On Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 4:18 PM, Harry Elston wrote:
Water, water water and nothing but water - only, ever. First aid is not "treatment." Water.

On Wed, Jun 6, 2012 at 3:55 PM, Wayne Phan wrote:
Hello,

We mainly use Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid in our lab. Is there a first aid kit designed for acid that you could recommend?

Thanks,

Wayne


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