Many chemicals found in chemistry laboratories or the workplace can be dangerous. These include poisonous, flammable, explosive, and corrosive chemicals, as we’ll explain in this article.Acids and bases are particularly corrosive. They can cause skin burns and damage to the mucous membrane. Continue reading to understand how to safely handle corrosive chemicals, such as by wearing appropriate PPE and being trained in spill processes. But first…What are corrosive chemicals?Corrosive chemicals can degrade other substances through different types of chemical reactions. These mainly involve the breaking of bonds of compounds into either simpler constituents or creating new compounds by dissolving the original compound. For example, elemental metals like aluminium can be ‘dissolved’ in acids. This occurs when the hydrogen atom in an acid is replaced by the metal. Hence, acids are classified as corrosive. Other types of chemicals deemed as corrosive include strong bases, oxidising agents, and reducing agents.Definition and propertiesCorrosive chemicals are typically liquid in form or in a solution. Depending on their concentration and strength, they can cause damage or degradation of other substances, such as in the case of rock weathering. The carbonates in the rocks break down to form salts and water as they react with acid rain. When it comes to organic substances such as proteins, corrosive chemicals can cause the denaturation of the polymers of proteins, breaking the peptide bonds. The reactions of corrosive chemicals to other substances are almost always exothermic. The heat energy released corresponds to the breaking of chemical bonds.Common types of corrosive chemicalsThe most common types of corrosive chemicals are acids, bases, oxidising agents, and reducing agents. Acids corrode metals by allowing the metal atoms to replace the hydrogen atoms. The hydrogen is released as gas while a new compound, a salt, is formed. Bases corrode organic substances, such as proteins and fats, by breaking their peptide bonds; proteins are hydrolysed. Meanwhile, the saturated or unsaturated covalent bonds of fats are broken with the help of heat generated with the reaction of the base with water. Saponification occurs. Finally, redox or oxidation-reduction reactions of oxidising agents and reducing agents occur simultaneously. They corrode substances by either stripping away the electrons or donating electrons.How can you safely handle corrosive chemicals? Corrosive chemicals are dangerous to handle, but you can safely handle them if you follow proper regulations and standards, which can be found on the chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet. This might include wearing certain types of PPE.Following safety standards and protocols is crucial when working with corrosive chemicals.Personal protective equipment (PPE)Wearing goggles, rubber gloves, and laboratory aprons or gowns is a standard safety practice when working in a chemistry laboratory or with any type of chemical in the workplace.However, more specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) might be necessary when handling highly corrosive chemicals in an industrial setting. For example, you may need to wear more protective outerwear when handling concentrated sulphuric acid.How should you store corrosive chemicals?Corrosive chemicals are highly reactive to metals, most minerals (especially carbonates), oxides, living tissues, and some organic materials. Some acids, such as hydrofluoric acid, can even dissolve glass in varying degrees. In most cases, glass bottles are used for storing corrosive chemicals. However, it isn’t practical to use glass containers for large amounts of corrosive chemicals. Plastic containers, especially polyethylene barrels and tanks, are used.What are the safe transportation methods?Some corrosive chemicals are potentially flammable and explosive when they react with other substances. They also release toxic fumes. It’s important to store them in inert and sealed containers when being transported. Some corrosive chemicals also need to be kept at a stable temperature to avoid gaseous pressure buildups inside the containers.What should you do in a chemical emergency?In a chemical emergency, whether in the laboratory, in the manufacturing plant, or in an open air environment during transportation (e.g. in the case of a road accident), the priority is saving lives and preventing injuries. There are standard protocols and regulations for handling chemical emergencies. The specific methods vary depending on the type of chemicals. However, evacuation of people who might be affected is the main priority. The second step is containment to prevent the further spread of the chemical. The chemical may be physically contained, such as in the case of oil spills, or they may be chemically neutralised. In other cases, such as in toxic gas leaks, there is no other option but evacuation. Finally, an appropriate cleanup must be carried out as soon as possible.Always check the Safety Data Sheet for the chemical you’re handling.Responding to a chemical spillThe specific response to a chemical spill varies depending on the type of chemical and the location of the spillage. Your first step might be to evacuate anyone affected by the spill. Secondly, whenever possible the chemical must be contained. This might include putting up barriers to prevent the chemical from spreading further or at least preventing people from entering the danger zone. If the chemical can be neutralised, then neutralising agents must be applied.Spill training at ReAgentImportance of training & complianceProfessional first responders, such as paramedics and firefighters, are well-trained in handling chemical emergencies. However, employers and employees are also under obligation to have the proper training on how to handle chemical emergencies. This training must be included in the standard fire drills for anyone who might be affected by a corrosive chemical spill or accident.What should employee training include?The specific content of an employee training will vary depending on various factors, such as your work setting, the type of chemical, and their level of expertise or existing knowledge. Generally speaking, training should include safety protocols such as wearing PPE, evacuation plans, containment protocols, and cleanup protocols.  What are the regulatory requirements and standards?Regulatory requirements and standards for corrosive chemicals vary depending on the jurisdiction or country. However, these regulations may overlap and there are similarities. These similarities cover things like handling, manufacturing, storing, labelling, and transporting corrosive chemicals. Regulatory standards might mandate wearing PPE, the use of inert materials as storage containers, and the proper facilities such as wash or shower stations and ventilation systems. Regulations and standards also mandate the proper training of employees.Some chemical regulations in the UK include:CDG: Carriage of dangerous goodsCLP: Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and MixturesCOSHH: Control of substances hazardous to healthDSEAR: The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)(PIC) Prior Informed Consent – Export and import of dangerous chemicals from and into EuropeREACH: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals (REACH)Best practices for handling corrosive chemicalsThe health and safety of your employees are the primary concerns when it comes to the best practices for handling corrosive chemicals. Whether it’s in the laboratory, manufacturing plant, or when transporting corrosive chemicals, safety standards must be followed. The most common of these is wearing proper PPE. There should be proper ventilation, conveniently located wash stations, and automatic safety systems in place. Employees should be properly trained and equipped with the knowledge of the chemical based on the MSDS.How to conduct risk assessmentsConducting risk assessments is a multi-faceted, multi-step process. The main objective is to determine the level of danger that the corrosive chemical poses under specific circumstances. A risk assessment might include the following steps:Identifying the physical and health hazardsSpecifying the locations and circumstances the chemical is used or storedEnumerating the possible dangerous events, ailments, or injuriesRate the severity of each possible dangerous event, illness, or injuryDetermining the health and environmental hazards of the chemicalEstablish a system of hazard managementWhat safety protocols should be implemented?The safety protocols for handling corrosive chemicals can be classified into two categories: general and specific protocols. General protocols include wearing and using safety equipment, installing safety facilities, and following first responder guidelines, which include first aid and evacuation. The specific protocols are based on the type of chemical and its hazards. This includes proper containment and neutralisation of the chemical.ConclusionHandling corrosive chemicals requires various levels of responses depending on the type of chemical. It could be general safety protocols such as evacuation. There could also be specific protocols such as applying neutralising agents to the corrosive chemicals. There are industry best practices and regulatory requirements that should be followed, which include the proper training of employees.
