MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

PRODUCT : HYDROCHLORIC ACID SOLUTION (HCl) - 32%

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IDENTIFICATION
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COMMON NAME : CHEMICAL NAME :

Hydrochloric Acid, Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid

CHEMICAL FORMULA : HAZARD CLASS :

HCl (aq) Corrosive

DOT UN : DOT LABEL:

1789 Poison gas, corrosive

USE :
- As a laboratory reagent
- For pickling and heavy duty cleaning of metal parts; rust and scale removal
- For hydrolyzing starch and proteins in preparations for food
- As “spirits of salts” for cleaning of lime and masonry from new brickwork
- As flux of flux component for soldering; manufacture of “killed spirits”.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION / PROPERTIES

APPEARANCE : Clear, colorless to pale yellow ODOUR : Sharp, suffocating odour

SOLUBILITY IN WATER : Soluble BOILING POINT : > 120o C

SPEC. GRAVITY : 1.155 for 32% conc. At 20 MELTING POINT : -20o C

CORROSIVITY : highly corrosive to most metals FLAMMABILITY : Non flammable

FLASH POINT : Not combustible VAPOUR PRESSURE : < 24.8 kpa @ 25 o C

INGREDIENTS
CHEMICAL ENTITY CAS NO. PROPORTION
Hydrochloric Acid 7647-01-0 Min. 32%
Free Chlorine - Max. 10 ppm
Fe - Max. 10 ppm
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
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EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE
HEALTH EFFECTS :

ACUTE
SWALLOWED: Considered an unlikely route of entry in commercial/industrial
environments. The liquid is extremely corrosive if swallowed and is
capable of causing burns to mouth, throat, esophagus, with extreme
discomfort, pain and may be fatal if swallowed in quantity. Ingestion may
result in nausea, abdominal irritation, pain and vomiting.

EYE CONTACT: Eye contact is extremely painful and may cause rapid corneal damage.
The liquid is extremely corrosive tot he eyes and capable of causing
severe damage with loss of sight. The vapor is highly irritating and may
be corrosive to the eyes. The vapor from heated material is extremely
irritating.

INHALED : The vapor is highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract. Inhalation
hazard is increased at higher temperatures. The vapor from heated
material is extremely irritating to the upper respiratory tract and lungs
and any contact may cause rapid tissue destruction if inhaled.

SKIN : The liquid is extremely corrosive to the skin and contact may cause
rapid tissue destruction with severe burns if exposure is prolonged. The
vapor is irritating to the skin. Bare unprotected skin should not be
exposed to this material. The material may accentuate any pre-existing
skin condition.

CHRONIC
Highly corrosive and considered toxic by all exposure routes. Principal routes of exposure
are usually by skin contact/eye contact with the liquid. As with any product contact with
unprotected bare skin; inhalation of vapor, mist or dust in work place atmosphere; or
ingestion in any form; should be avoided by observing food occupational work practice.

EMERGENCY FIRST AID PROCEDURES

SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth out with plenty of water. If poisoning occurs, contact a doctor or poisons
information center. If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Give a glass of water.

SKIN : If this product comes in contact with the skin, immediately flush body and clothes with
large amounts of water, using safety shower, if available. Quickly remove all
contaminated clothing, including footwear. Wash affected areas with water ( and soap
if available ) for at least 15 minutes. Transport to hospital of doctor.
EYES : If this product comes in contact with the eyes, immediately hold the eyes open and
wash continuously for at least 15 minutes with fresh running water. Ensure irrigation
under eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids. Transport to hospital or
doctor without delay. Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be
undertaken by skilled personnel.

INHALED: If fumes or combustion products are inhaled, removed to fresh air. Lay patient down.
Keep warm and rested. If breathing is shallow or has stopped, ensure clear airway and
apply resuscitation. Transport to hospital or doctor.

FIRST AID FACILITIES : Eye / skin wash station.

ADVICE FOR DOCTOR :

For acute or short term repeated exposures to strong acids :

1. Airway problems may arise from laryngeal edema and inhalation exposure. Treat with 100 %
oxygen initially.
2. Respiratory distress may require cricothyroidotomy if endotracheal intubation is contraindicated by
excessive swelling.
3. Intravenous lines should be established immediately in all cases where there is evidence of
circulatory compromise.
4. Strong acids produce a coagulation necrosis characterized by formation of a coagulum (eschar) as
a result of the desiccating action of the acid on proteins in specific tissues.
Ingestion :
1. Immediate dilution (milk or water) within 30 minutes post ingestion is recommended.
2. Do not attempt to neutralize the acid since exothermic reaction may extend the corrosive injury.
3. Be careful to avoid further vomit since re-exposure of the mucosa to the acid is harmful. Limit
fluids to one or two glasses in an adult.
4. Charcoal has no place in acid management.
5. Some authors suggest the use of lavage within 1 hour of ingestion
Skin :
1. Skin lesions require copious saline irrigation. Treat chemical burns as thermal burns with non-
adherent gauze and wrapping.
2. Deep second degree burns may benefit from topical silver sulfadiazine.
Eye :
1. Eye injuries require retraction of the eyelids to ensure thorough irrigation of the conjunctival cul-de-
sacs. Irrigation should last at least 20-30 minutes. Do not use neutralizing agents or any other
additives. Several liters of saline are required.
2. Cycloplegic drops (1% cyclopentolate for short term use 5% homatropine for longer term use)
antibiotic drops, vasoconstrictive agents or artificial tears may be indicated dependent or the
severity of the injury.
3. Steroid eye drops should only be administered with the approval of a consulting opthalmologist.

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PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
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EXPOSURE STANDARD :
Non assigned for mixture
Hydrogen Chloride
TLV C : 5 ppm, 7.5 mg/m3
IDLH Level : 100 ppm
ES peak : 5 ppm; 7.5 mg/m3
Note : detector tubes for Hydrogen Chloride, measuring in excess of 1 ppm, are available commercially.

ENGINEERING CONTROL :
Use in well ventilated area and local exhaust ventilation required. If risk of inhalation or
overexposure exists, wear SAA approved respirator or work in fume hood. Hydrogen Chloride
vapours will not be adequately absorbed by organic vapours respirators.

PERSONAL PROTECTION :

EYE : Chemical goggles; full face shield; contact lenses pose a special hazard; soft
lenses may absorb irritants and all lenses concentrate them.

HANDS/FEET : Barrier cream and neoprene rubber gloves or PVC gloves or butyl rubber gloves.
PVC boots or PVC safety gumboots or safety footwear.

OTHER : Operator should be trained in procedures for safe us of this material. Acid
resistant overalls or PVC apron or PVC protective clothing. Ensure there is ready
access to an emergency shower and eyewash unit. The local concentration of
material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of personal protective
equipment required. For further information, consult site specific CHEMWATCH
data (if available) or your Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.

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SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
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REACTIVITY DATA
STABILITY : YES
INCOMPATIBILITY :
Strong bases, metals, metal oxides, hydroxides, amines, carbonates & other alkaline materials,
cyanides, sulfides.

CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY :

Containers may burst when heated.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCT :

Toxic gases and vapors such as chlorine may be released in a fire involving hydrochloric acid.

CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:

Material is not known to polymerize.

STORAGE & TRANSPORT

SUITABLE CONTAINER :
Packaging as recommended by manufacturer. Check that containers are clearly labeled. Packs of
2.5 litres or less require a child-resistant closure. Glass container or plastic carboy or Polylined
drum are normally used.

STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
 Segregate from alkalies, oxidizing agents and chemical readily decomposed by acid, i.e. cyanides,
sulfides, carbonates. Avoid storage with metals, metal oxides, hydroxides, amines, carbonates,
alkaline materials, acetic anhydride, cyanides, sulfides, sulfites, phosphides, acetylides, borides,
carbides, silicates, vinyl acetate, formaldehyde and potassium permanganate.

STORAGE REQUIREMENT :
Floor should be covered or coated with acid resistant material. Store in original containers. Keep
container securely sealed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Store away from incompatible
materials and foodstuff containers. Protect containers against physical damage and direct sunlight.
Check regularly for leaks. Observe manufactures storing and handling recommendations.

TRANSPORTATION :
Class 8 : Corrosive shall not be loaded in the same vehicle or packed in the same freight container
with :
Class 1 – explosives
Class 4.3 – Dangerous when wet substances
Class 5.1. – Oxidizing agents
Class 5.2. – Organic peroxides
Class 7 – Radioactive substances
Class 8 – Acid only
Foodstuff and empty foodstuff containers

SPILLS AND DISPOSAL

MINOR SPILLS
DO NOT touch the spill material clean up all spillage immediately. Wear fully protective PVC
clothing and breathing apparatus. Contain and absorb spillage with sand, earth, inert material or
vermiculite. Use soda ash or slaked lime to neutralize. Collect residues and place in labeled plastic
containers with vented lids.

MAJOR SPILLS
DO NOT touch the spill material clear area of personnel and move upwind. Alert Fire Brigade and
tell them the location and nature of hazard. Shut off all possible sources of ignition and increase
ventilation. Wear full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus. Prevent, by any means
available, spillage from entering drains or water courses. Contain and absorb spill with sand,
earth, inert material or vermiculate. Use soda ash or slaked lime, mixed and sprayed with water, to
neutralize. DO NOT USE WATER OR NEUTRALIZING AGENTS INDISCRIMINATELY ON
LARGE SPILL. If contamination of drains or waterways occurs as a result of the above actions,
advice emergency services. Collect residue and place in labeled plastic containers with vented
lids, water spray or fog may be used to disperse vapour. Collect recoverable product into labeled
containers for recycling.

DISPOSAL
Recycle wherever possible. Consult manufacturer for recycling options. Consult State Land Waste
Management Authority for Disposal. Treat and neutralize at an effluent treatment plant. Bury
residue in an authorized landfill. Decontaminate empty containers with a lime slurry. Return empty
containers to supplier or bury empty containers at an authorized landfill.
 FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD

Non combustible liquid. Will not burn, but heat produces highly toxic fumes/vapours. Heating may cause
expansion or decomposition leading to violent rupture of containers. Decomposes on heating and
produces toxic fumes of Hydrogen Chloride. Decomposition may produce toxic fumes of chlorine.

FLASH POINT : None

SPECIAL PROTECTION PROCEDURES : Wear full protective clothing and NIOSH

Approved Self Breathing Apparatus with full-
face piece operated in the positive pressure
mode.

UNUSUAL FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS : NA

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA : If involved in a fire, use water spray.

EXPLOSIVE LIMITS: UPPER : Unknown / LOWER : Unknown

AUTOIGNITION TEMPERATURE : Nonflammable