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Lab Safety Training  Corrosives

Great new laboratory Safety series created in PowerPointtm. These new customizable courses provide comprehensive coverage of important lab safety topics in a complete course package containing:

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Laboratories are the site of many potential hazards, including the many hazards presented by the chemicals themselves. Corrosive burns are among the most common injuries in the lab. Yet, the term corrosives describes many hazards. The definition includes chemicals that destroy tissue and corrode steel.

The hazards of corrosive chemicals cross many other hazards of chemicals. Each of the hazards presents serious risks to health, life and property. The following specific hazards related to corrosivity are covered:

Destruction of tissue
Corrosion of metal
Release of hydrogen in reaction with metals
Reactivity
Oxidation
Dehydration
Toxicity
Instability

Other chemicals besides acids and bases are considered corrosive. Because corrosive chemicals are the second most commonly used chemicals in the laboratory, several specific corrosive chemicals are presented with their own specific hazards. The following chemicals are covered in detail:

Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid
Acetic acid
Phenol
Sodium and potassium hydroxide
Halogen acids
Perchloric acid

Handling and storage of corrosive chemicals is easily managed to provide safety for the laboratory employee. Eleven specific practices are covered in detail

The use of proper personal protective equipment is critical for the safe use of corrosive chemicals. Detailed descriptions of goggles, gloves, aprons and arm gauntlets are covered.

Finally, first aid for hazardous exposures to chemicals can mean the difference between normality and tragedy. First aid for corrosive chemicals is simple: water. The reasons for necessity of water are described.

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