Alkalies (bases) are corrosive caustic substances that dissociate in water and yield hydroxyl ions (OH-). Alkalies include: ammonia, ammonium hydroxide; calcium hydroxide and oxide; potassium, potassium hydroxide and carbonate; sodium, sodium hydroxide; carbonate, peroxide and silicate; and trisodium phosphate.

The alkalies, whether in solid form or concentrated liquid solution, are more destructive to tissue than most acids. Alkali dusts, mists, and sprays may cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract and lesions of the nasal septum. Strong alkalies combine with tissue, causing severe burns, frequently deep ulceration, and ultimate scarring. Severe burns result not only from contact with solid alkalies, but also from solutions of these compounds. Potassium and sodium hydroxide are the most active materials in this group. Even dilute solutions of the stronger alkalies tend to soften the epidermis (skin) and emulsify or dissolve the skin fats. Exposure to atmospheres contaminated with alkalies may result in damage to the upper respiratory tract and to lung tissue, depending upon the severity of the exposure. The effects of inhalation may vary from mild irritation of the nasal mucous membranes to severe inflammation of the lungs.

Ingestion causes severe damage to mucous membranes or deeper tissues with which contact is made. Perforation of these tissues may follow, or there may be severe and extensive scar formation. Death may result if penetration into vital areas occurs.

Even though alkalies are not flammable and will not support combustion, much heat is evolved when the solid material is dissolved in water. Therefore, cold water must be used to dissolve solid alkalies, otherwise the solution may boil, and splatter corrosive liquid over a wide area.

General Safety Precautions

Corrosives are available in numerous forms and varying concentrations. Some forms and concentrations are more hazardous than others, but the potential for serious accidents exists regardless of the substance in question.

Many of the safety precautions necessary for safe handling and storage are equally applicable to acids and alkalies. Some of the more common precautions are contained in this section. These precautions are not all inclusive, nor are they meant to be. Specific corrosives may require specific precautions, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be consulted in all cases. The MSDS will be discussed later in this module.

Safety in handling hazardous chemicals depends to a great extent upon effective employee education, proper safety practices, intelligent supervision, and the use of safe equipment. Workers should be thoroughly informed of the hazards that may result from improper handling. Each employee should know what to do in an emergency and should be fully informed about proper first-aid measures. Hazards from spills and leaks should be minimized by an adequate supply of water for washing-down. Drainage of hard-surfaced or diked areas should be directed to minimize the exposure of personnel and equipment. Adequate ventilation should be provided in areas where chemical mist or dust is present.

Alkalies are much more injurious to the eyes than acids because strong acids tend to precipitate a protein barrier, which prevents further penetration into the tissue. The alkalies do not do this. They continue to soak into the tissue as long as they are allowed to remain in contact with the eye. The end result of a corrosive burn to the eye (alkali or acid) is usually a scar on the cornea and possible permanent damage.

Speed in removing corrosives is of primary importance. If the chemical enters the eyes, they should be copiously irrigated with water for at least 15 minutes, and a physician should be consulted immediately. In case of contact with skin or mucous membranes, the safety shower should be used immediately. Clothing can be removed under the shower. Contaminated skin areas should be washed with very large quantities of water for 1 to 2 hours, or until medical help arrives. The ready availability of water, particularly safety showers and eye-washing baths, greatly minimizesthe possibility of severe, extensive damage. Contaminated clothing and shoes should be thoroughly washed and decontaminated before re-use.

The use of personal protective equipment is not intended as a substitute for adequate control measures, but because corrosives can cause extensive damage to the body this equipment must be available as needed. During handling operations where spills or splashes are possible, whole body protection (eyes, head, body, hands, and feet) may be necessary. All personal protective equipment should be carefully cleaned and stored following use, and any equipment that cannot be decontaminated should be discarded.

For the protection of the eyes, chemical safety goggles should be worn. Face shields should be worn if complete face protection is necessary. Eyewash fountains and safety showers must be available at any location where eye and/or skin contact may occur. Protection against mist or dust can be provided by proper respiratory protective equipment. The wearing of protective clothing is also advisable to avoid skin contact. This may consist of rubber gloves, aprons, shoes or boots, and cotton coveralls which fit snugly. Safety shoes or boots made of rubber, chlorobutadiene, or other chemical-resistant materials with built-in steel toecaps are recommended for workers handling drums or in process areas where leakage may occur. Containers should be stored in rooms with trapped floor drains. Curbs or a drained gutter, covered with an appropriate grill, should be constructed at door openings where floor drains are not provided.

Tanks should be entered for cleaning or repairing only after these have been drained, flushed thoroughly with water, ventilated, and sampled. Workers entering tanks should be monitored by someone on the outside of the tank. A supplied-air respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus, together with rescue harness and lifeline, should be on hand for rescue purposes.

Removal from exposure is the primary, and most important, step where exposure by inhalation is involved. The individual should be made as warm and comfortable as possible, and a physician should be called immediately.

Ingestion, the least common mode of contamination, requires immediate medical attention. Any attempt at first aid beyond drinking large quantities of water should be made only upon the advice of a physician.

If body burns are severe or extensive, or if the eyes are in any way involved, a physician should be consulted as soon as possible after first aid is rendered. No attempt should be made to neutralize the corrosive prior to treatment with water. Any treatment, in addition to the use of water, should be undertaken only with the advice of the physician.

When corrosives are shipped in small containers such as glass or polyethylene bottles, they should be well protected, whether individually packaged or several are packaged in a single case. After careful inspection, the corrosives may be stored in these containers if the containers are maintained in an upright position and under cover. The containers should be kept off the floor on materials that are corrosive resistant, or protected with corrosive-resistant coverings, to facilitate flushing and other cleanup procedures in the event of leakage or spills.

All drums should be stored on individual racks or securely blocked on skids, with the closure (plug) up to prevent leakage. Drums containing corrosives in liquid form should be vented when received, and at least weekly thereafter, to relieve accumulated internal pressure.

Cylinders should be stored in an upright position, preferably in individual racks and with the valve protective cap in place. In all cases, to avoid error, empty and full containers should be stored in different locations.

Under no circumstance should corrosives be transferred from the original labeled container to an unmarked container. All containers must be labeled clearly, concisely, and in simple, easily understood terms. Inspection of containers before handling will disclose conditions such as breakage, leakage, and improperly positioned closures which could readily cause a leak or spill.

In handling bottles, barrels, or drums containing corrosives, the following guidelines must be followed.

1. Carefully inspect containers prior to handling.

2. Use personal protective equipment.

3. Use equipment specifically designed for the purpose of transporting and dispensing the chemical in question.

4. Label all containers into which the chemical is transferred.

Properties of corrosives make several considerations mandatory in the selection of a storage site.

1. The building, or area within the building selected, should be of fire-resistant construction.

2. The floors should be composed of chemical-resistant brick or treated concrete, be washable, and be provided with adequate drainage.

3. A well-lit and ventilated area in which there are adequate outlets for water should be provided.

4. A relatively cool and dry environment should be maintained, preventing extremes of temperature and humidity.

5. Electrical fixtures should be protected against corrosive mists, and wiring should be enclosed and covered with corrosive-resistant material.

The nature of the corrosive will determine the manner in which it is stored. Most acids should, to some extent, be isolated, some from all other chemicals, some from certain other acids and oxidizable materials such as oil and grease, and some from combustible materials.

Generally, adequate natural ventilation is sufficient in areas where corrosives are stored, that is, where the containers remain unopened. Where acid is used in work areas where dust or mists may arise (such as in processing equipment or tanks), some form of mechanical exhaust system must be provided.

Transporting containers within the plant and dispensing at various points throughout the plant are two high-risk procedures that may cause an accident. Proper equipment can be readily obtained, which precludes the necessity of using makeshift or otherwise dangerous methods of transportation.

Handtrucks or power trucks used for transporting containers should have lifting parts, or clamps specially designed for that purpose. If bottles must be transported in the plant or laboratory, they should be enclosed in safety bottle carriers that prevent breakage if the bottle is struck or dropped. All containers (especially acid) must be opened slowly and cautiously because of the possible buildup of pressure within the container. Corrosives may be dispensed from drums by means of siphons, drum transfer pumps, or by gravity with the use of a special fitting, such as a self-closing faucet. Under no circumstances should bottles or drums be subjected to air pressure to expel the contents.

One final, and extremely important, consideration is the type of container or receptacle into which corrosives are to be dispensed. The use of an inappropriate or makeshift receptacle can negate the value of all precautionary measures.

These receptacles may be used for temporary storage or merely as a means of transporting from storage area to place of use. In any event, an appropriate receptacle meets several conditions.

1. It is designed for the application.

2. It is used for no other purpose than that for which it is intended.

3. It is maintained in a safe, clean, and dry condition.