Sulfuric Acid (98% Solution) MSDS
Sulfuric Acid (98% Solution) MSDS
Sulfuric Acid (98% Solution) MSDS
CSBP Limited
Address
State
Postcode
Western Australia
6167
Telephone number
(08) 9411 8777 (Australia), +61 8 9411 8777 (Overseas)
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is classified as hazardous and specified in the NOHSC of Designated Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC:1005(1999)].
DANGEROUS GOODS.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is classified for physicochemical hazards and specified as dangerous in the Australian
Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code), 6th Edition, (FORS, 1998).
Risk Phrases
If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious), do not
induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show this label.
Do not mix with hypochlorites, cyanides, strong alkalies, or organic and
combustible materials.
S46/62/64
S50
Poison Schedule
Sulfuric acid
Water
Proportion of ingredients
wt
98 % ( /wt)
Remainder
7664-93-9
Avoid contact with contaminated skin, clothing and equipment by wearing protective gloves to prevent contact
of sulfuric acid (98% solution) with skin;
Wear chemical goggles as a minimum level of eye protection to prevent splashes of sulfuric acid (98%
solution) entering eyes;
Avoid inhalation of sulfuric acid (98% solution) fumes or mist during rescue in contaminate areas by wearing
suitable respiratory protection;
Respiratory protection suggested is: an air supplied breathing apparatus, or positive pressure self-contained
breathing apparatus.
2. Swallowed
Do not give anything by mouth if victim is losing consciousness, or is unconscious, or convulsing. If victim is
conscious, rinse mouth thoroughly with water immediately and give water or milk to drink.
DO NOT induce vomiting.
Seek urgent medical assistance.
3. Eyes
Persons with potential eye exposure should not wear contact lenses. Immediately irrigate with copious
quantities of water, while holding eyelids open, for at least 15 minutes.
Seek urgent medical assistance.
4. Skin
First aid personnel must avoid contact with this chemical. Wear protective gloves when assisting patient. DO
NOT USE HOT WATER. Immediately wash affected areas with copious amounts of water. Remove all
contaminated clothing and launder before re-use. DO NOT apply creams or ointments.
Seek urgent medical assistance.
5. Inhalation
Rescuer should wear appropriate personal protection to avoid skin contamination skin and breathing sulfuric
acid (98% solution) fumes or mist. Remove affected persons from exposure. Allow affected person to assume
most comfortable position and keep warm. Keep at rest until fully recovered. If breathing is laboured, or
affected person is cyanotic (blue), ensure airways are clear and have a qualified person give oxygen through a
face-mask. If breathing has stopped apply expired air resuscitation immediately. If the affected person suffers
cardiac arrest commence cardio-pulmonary resuscitation immediately.
Seek urgent medical attention.
ADVICE TO DOCTOR.
Treatment for sulfuric acid (98% solution) burns to the eyes:
Retract eyelids to ensure thorough irrigation of the conjunctival cul-de-sacs;
Irrigate eyes with several litres of saline for at least 20 minutes;
DO NOT use neutralising agents or any other additives;
Cycloplegic drops, antibiotic drops, steroid drops, vasoconstrictive agents, or artificial tears should
only be administered with the approval of a consulting ophthalmologist.
Treatment for sulfuric acid (98% solution) fume, or mist, inhalation:
Pulmonary oedema may arise symptoms may be delayed for several hours. Affected persons
should not be left unattended during this period;
Airway problems may arise from laryngeal oedema symptoms may be delayed for several hours;
Treat with 100% oxygen initially;
Respiratory distress may require cricothyroidotomy if endotracheal intubation is constrained by
excessive swelling;
Intravenous lines should be established immediately in all cases where there is evidence of
circulatory compromise;
Sulfuric acid (98% solution)may produce a coagulation necrosis characterised by formation of a
coagulum (eschar), which is the result of the desiccating action of the acid on proteins in specific
tissues.
Treatment for sulfuric acid (98% solution) burns to skin:
Skin lesions require copious saline irrigation;
Treat acid burns as thermal burns with non-adherent gauze and wrapping;
Deep second-degree burns may benefit from topical silver sulfadiazine.
Treatment for sulfuric acid (98% solution) ingestion:
Severe burns from acid ingestion may be associated with life-threatening acute complications of
oesophageal, gastric, or intestinal perforation. Oesophageal perforation is associated with chest pain,
dyspnoea, fever, subcutaneous emphysema of the chest or neck, and a pleural rub;
Initial management is primarily supportive. Particular attention should be directed to securing the
airway, fluid resuscitation and provision of opioid analgesia;
Immediate dilution (milk or water) within 30 minutes post ingestion is recommended;
DO NOT attempt to neutralise the acid since exothermic reaction may extend the corrosive injury;
A chest x-ray, upright abdominal film is recommended this may show widening of the
mediastinum, pleural effusions, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. Perforation of the stomach
or small intestine is associated with clinical features of chemical peritonitis: fever, abdominal
tenderness, guarding and rebound, and ileus. Septic shock and multi-organ failure may complicate
perforation;
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;
Charcoal has NO place in acid management as it will interfere with endoscopic evaluation;
The use of gastric lavage within 1 hour of ingestion is suggested;
Symptomatic patients may need the following investigations:
Arterial blood gas analysis;
Coagulation profile;
Complete blood count;
ECG;
Electrolytes;
Glucose;
Liver and renal function;
Type and cross-match;
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, ideally at 6 to 24 hours following exposure. Upper
gastrointestinal endoscopy should also be strongly considered for asymptomatic patients
who have intentionally ingested a strong acid and children, where the history may be
unreliable. The site, extent and severity of mucosal damage can be accurately assessed by
modified endoscopic classification;
Contrast oesaphagography or thoracic CT is useful in the detection of perforation.
Ongoing supportive care includes maintenance of adequate analgesia, fluid, electrolyte and pH
balance, nutritional support, and monitoring for the development of complications. Parenteral
nutrition is necessary in more severe cases;
Subsequent management and prognosis is largely dictated by findings at upper gastrointestinal tract
endoscopy;
There are two methods of treatment of oesophageal stenosis: first conservative treatment including dilatation,
hydrocortisone and antibiotic therapy; and second surgical procedure.
Long Term Complications
Long term complications may include oesophageal, gastric or pyloric strictures or stenosis.
Tracheoesophageal fistulae may result from perforation of the anterior oesophageal wall. The fistula may
extend to involve the aorta; both types are fatal complications.
Acid ingestions that cause deep ulceration will result in oesophageal strictures in 70% of patients. If full
thickness necrosis occurs, strictures are highly likely. Strictures do not develop following superficial mucosal
ulceration (the muscularis mucosa is intact).
Eighty percent of strictures will become symptomatic within two months. Strictures may also involve the
stomach but only 40% become symptomatic. Strictures may rarely develop in the mouth and pharynx.
Further information about the treatment for exposure to this product can be obtained from
the Poisons Information Centre on (08) 13 1126 (Australia only)
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is non-flammable and non-combustible. However, on contact with most metals, it
will liberate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and (when confined) explosive. Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is
an oxyacid with a good oxidizing ability therefore, contact with cellulose based products (e.g., paper and
cotton), organic solvents and other organic materials may lead to liberation of large quantities of heat.
Suitable extinguishing media
Water fog (or if unavailable, fine water spray), foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide.
Hazard from combustion products
Wear full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus. Prevent spillage from entering drains or
waterways. Consider evacuation. Use water to control fire and cool adjacent area and fire exposed sulfuric
acid (98% solution) storage containers. Avoid direct water impingement on strong acid since this creates heat
increasing toxic fume evolution. Do not approach sulfuric acid (98% solution) containers suspected to be hot.
If safe and practicable to do so remove sulfuric acid (98% solution) containers from path of fire. Equipment
should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus with a full-face piece operated in pressure-demand or positive
pressure mode.
Hazchem Code
2P
The hazardous nature of sulfuric acid (98% solution) requires emergency and spill procedures to be effective
to avoid both human and environmental exposure. Hazardous conditions may result if material is managed
improperly. Make plans in advance to handle possible emergencies, including obtaining stocks of absorbent
materials.
Always wear recommended personal protective equipment and respiratory protection. Good ventilation is
necessary.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) dissolves very readily in water, giving off large quantities of heat. Avoid direct
water contact with sulfuric acid (98% solution) leaks.
Methods and Materials for containment and clean up
For ALL spills, evacuate unprotected personnel upwind and out of danger.
Shut off sulfuric acid (98% solution) supply, if safe to do so. Shut off all possible sources of ignition. Stay
upwind of vapours. Restrict access to spill site.
Small Leaks
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) fumes: Increase ventilation and allow fumes to vent to a safe area
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) liquid: If possible contain the surface area of a spill by bunding with sand, earth
or vermiculite. Do NOT use sawdust. Dilute spill with water, then neutralise with lime or soda ash to pH 6 to
10.
Prevent run-off into drains and waterways.
Large Leaks
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) fumes: Use water fog to dampen cloud of sulfuric acid (98% solution) fumes and
reduce vapours. Do not spray water directly on the leak or sulfuric acid (98% solution) container.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) liquid: If possible contain the surface area of a spill by bunding with sand, earth
or vermiculite. Do NOT use sawdust. Use water fog to dampen sulfuric acid (98% solution) fumes and reduce
vapours.
Regulated dangerous goods as Class 8 Corrosive. Proper protective clothing must be worn that encapsulates
the body including the face. A safety shower and eyewash should be available. Do not breathe vapour or mist.
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.
Do not add water to sulfuric acid (98% solution) this may generate spitting and splashing of acid. In dilution
process, sulfuric acid (98% solution) should be added to plenty of water.
Do not smoke anywhere near the storage and handling of sulfuric acid (98% solution) or associated pipework
and equipment.
Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate personal protective
equipment.
Change and wash clothing, and personal protective equipment if contaminated, or before storing and/or reusing. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before work breaks, eating, drinking, smoking and
using toilet facilities.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Ensure sulfuric acid (98% solution) in bulk is stored and handled in accordance with Australian Standard AS
3780 The storage and handling of corrosive substances. Ensure adequate ventilation to keep airborne
concentration below exposure standard. Where necessary, use local exhaust ventilation in conjunction with P2
canister respirator, or as appropriate, self contained breathing apparatus.
Store away from strong alkalis, hypochlorites, cyanides, organic and combustible materials.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is highly corrosive to most metals. Many plastics (except for Teflon - PTFE) do
not resist sulfuric acid (98% solution).
ES-STEL
3 mg/m3
ES-Peak
No data available
No data available.
Engineering controls
Handle sulfuric acid (98% solution) within closed systems whenever possible. Provide adequate ventilation
particularly at low level.
Personal protective equipment
Whenever the risk of exposure exists, such as tanker loading/unloading procedures, non-routine operations
and emergency circumstances, the following personal protection measure are recommended:
Respiratory protection:
Supplied air or full face mask and filter respirator self contained breathing apparatus may be required if
working with sulfuric acid (98% solution) or if decomposition fumes exits, for prolonged periods.
Hand protection:
PVC or butyl rubber gauntlet-type gloves.
Eye protection:
Chemical splash goggles (gas tight type preferred) and full face shield.
Skin protection:
PVC overalls or jacket and pants and butyl rubber Wellington boots.
No appreciable odour.
pH
Freezing/melting point
Solubility
Not applicable.
Upper and lower flammable (explosive) limits in air
Not applicable.
Ignition temperature
Not applicable.
Viscosity
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) reacts violently with water, alkalis and most organic materials to liberate large
quantities of heat. Dilute acid on contact with most metals, will liberate hydrogen gas, which is flammable and
(when confined) explosive.
Incompatible materials
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) can react with most metals generating flammable hydrogen gas. Most plastics do
not resist concentrated sulfuric acid greater than 50 to 60% strength.
Hazardous decomposition products
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) reacts vigorously, violently or explosively with many organic and inorganic
chemicals including water, acrylonitrile, alkali solutions, carbides, chlorates, fulminates, nitrates, perchlorates,
permanganates, picrates, metal acetylides or carbides, epichlorohydrin, aniline, ethylenediamine, alcohols
with strong hydrogen peroxide, chlorosulfonic acid, cyclopentadiene, hydrofluoric acid, nitromethane, 4nitrotoluene, phosphorus (iii) oxide, potassium, sodium, ethylene glycol, isoprene, styrene. Acetaldehyde and
allyl chloride may polymerise violently in the presence of sulfuric acid (98% solution). Hazardous gases such
as hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, and acetylene, are evolved when sulfuric acid (98% solution) contacts
cyanide, sulfides and carbides, respectively.
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is slightly to moderately toxic to aquatic life. Large discharges into the
environment may contribute to lowering of water pH and be fatal to aquatic life and soil micro-organisms.
Persistence and degradability
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is soluble in water and remains indefinitely in the environment as sulfate.
Mobility
Sulfuric acid (98% solution) is soluble in water and has high mobility in soil. During transport through the
soil, sulfuric acid (98% solution) will dissolve some of the soil material; in particular, the carbonate based
materials. The acid will be neutralised to some degree with adsorption of the proton also occurring on clay
materials. However, significant amounts of acid are expected to remain for transport down towards the ground
water table. Upon reaching the ground water table, the acid will continue to move, now in the direction of the
ground water flow. Lime addition may be required to rectify low pH resulting from sulfuric acid (98%
solution) spillages.
Environmental fate (exposure)
Large discharges may contribute to the acidification of effluent treatment systems and injure sewage treatment organisms.
96 hr LC50 (Bluegill sunfish): 105 ppm.
Bioaccumulative potential
Due to its inherent properties, hazardous conditions may result if material is managed improperly. Dispose of
all contained and neutralised spill residue in accordance with Department of the Environment requirements.
As required under the ADG Code treat empty containers as filled containers.
Special precautions for landfill or incineration
No data available.
1830
UN Proper shipping name
Sulfuric Acid.
Class and subsidiary risk
II
Special precautions for user
Not to be loaded with explosives (Class 1), dangerous when wet substances (Class 4.3), oxidizing agents
(Class 5.1), organic peroxides (Class 5.2),toxic and infectious substances (Class 6) where the Class 6
substance is a cyanide, radioactive substances (class 7) and foodstuffs and foodstuff empties.
Hazchem code
2P
SUSDP POISON Schedule 6. Licensing is required for this chemical in some States and Territories.
Listed on the Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS).
Additional national and/or international regulatory information
NOHSC
SUSDP
ES-TWA
ES-STEL
ES-Peak
FORS
LC50:
LD50
%(wt/wt)
%(wt/vol)
PPM
Zone 1 Class 1
Literature references
Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, State Law Publisher, Western Australia, Reprinted 15
October 1999.
National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets, [NOHSC:2011(1994)],
Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, March 1994.
Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 6th Edition, Australian Government
Publishing Service, Canberra, January 1998.
Chemical Rubber Handbook, D.R. Lide, CRC Press, 65th Edition, Boca Ratn, 1987.
Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook, R.H. Perry & D. Green, 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1984.
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Council, 1st Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1928.
Condensed Chemical Dictionary, G.G Hawley, 8th Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1950.
Dangerous Properties of Industrial Chemicals, N.I.Sax & R.J. Lewis (Sr), 7th Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold,
New York, 1984.
Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, F.A. Patty, 3rd Revised Edition, G.D. & F.E. Clayton (Editors),
John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981.
Matheson Gas Data Book, W.Braker & A.L. Mossman, 6th Edition, Matheson Gas Products, Secaucus, 1980.
Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety, International Labour Office, 4th Edition, J.M. Stellman
(Editor), Geneva, 1998
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology, 4th Edition, Wiley InterScience, New York, 1997.
Ullmann's Encyclopaedia of Industrial Chemistry, F. Ulmann, 6th Edition, Wiley Interscience, New York,
2001.
Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons, National Health and Medical Research Council,
Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, 1992.
Poisons Act 1964, State Law Publisher, Western Australia, Reprinted 22 January 1999.
Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environmant,
[NHSC:1003(1991)].
Hazardous Materials Handbook for Emergency Responders, Onguard Training for Life, J. Varela (Editor),
Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1996.
Chemwatch www.chemwatch.net
Guidance for the Compilation of Safety Data Sheets for Fertilizer Materials, European Fertilizer
Manufacturers Association, online at www.efma.org/Publications/Guidance/Index.asp
Sources for data
Important Notes
1.
To the best of our knowledge this document complies with the National Code of Practice for the
Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2011 (2003)].
2.
This material safety data sheet summarises our best knowledge of the health and safety hazard
information of the product and how to safely handle and use the product in the workplace. Each user
should read this material safety data sheet and consider the information in the context of how the
product will be handled and used in the workplace, including in conjunction with other products.
3.
If clarification or further information is needed to ensure that an appropriate risk assessment can be
made, the user should contact the Safety and Emergency Services Department, CSBP Limited on
(08) 9411 8777 (Australia), +61 8 9411 8777 (Overseas).
4.
Our responsibility for products sold, is subject to our terms and conditions, a copy of which is sent to
our customers, and is also available on request.
5.
CSBP reserves the right to make change to material safety data sheets without notice.