- What are the health risks associated with this chemical?
Inhalation - May be harmful if inhaled.
Material- is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Skin -May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes -Causes eye burns.
Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
- Is the chemical a carcinogen?
EPA has not classified hydrochloric acid for carcinogenicity
- What personal protective equipment or special precautions should be taken when working with this chemical?
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted). Regulations require the use of a respirator. An employer requires the use of a respirator. There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of
PEL)
As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S.
Type of eye protection used to handle the chemical: Splash goggles. If used in large quantities, please
use appropriate face shield.
Skin and body protection
Lab coat, long pants, closed-toed shoes
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Hydrochloric acid.
- If this is a chemical found in your workplace, what training/education were you given about any risks associated with this chemical?
Burning sensation, cough, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, spasm, inflammation and edema of
the larynx, spasm, inflammation and edema of the bronchi, pneumonitis & pulmonary edema
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material.
Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower
for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300
immediately
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for 15
minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention
Compared to ToxNet's findings, the information found was accurate.
Compared to ToxNet's findings, the information found was accurate.
sources: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/hydrochloric-acid.pdf
I'm curious what type of training or education you were given before using this chemical? It seems very harmful and I hope that proper training was given before anyone handles this chemical.
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