Safe Handling,
Use and Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
OXIDIZING MATERIAL
Of Special Concern: Perchloric
Acid
Description of Hazard
Handling and Storage
Venting
Description of Hazard
A very strong acid that can cause sever burns to the skin,
eyes, and respiratory tract. Perchloric acid is also a strong
oxidizing agent capable of reacting violently with reducing
agents or organic substances. It can form explosive mixture
with organic materials such as wood, paper, cardboard and
many organic solvents. Aqueous perchloric acid can cause violent
explosions if not handled properly. Clothing and rubber materials
become highly flammable if contaminated with perchloric acid.
Anhydrous perchloric acid is unstable even at room
temperature, decomposing spontaneously and exploding violently.
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Handling and Storage
- Handle it in a specially-constructed fume hood used only
for this purpose. This hood should be of the water wash-down
type and of non-combustible construction.
- Always destroy any organic material with nitric acid
before adding perchloric acid
- Never mix perchloric acid with sulfuric acid because
through dehydration, anhydrous perchloric acid is obtained,
which is even more unstable.
- Perchlorate esters, when exposed to impact, behave in
the same manner as nitroglycerine.
- Do not use direct flame or oil baths for heating perchloric
acid. Use electric hot plate, steam heated sand baths, or
steam bathes to heat perchloric acid
- Do not store anhydrous perchloric acid for more than
one day
- Use only freshly prepared anhydrous perchloric acid,
and dispose of any unused portion at the end of each experiment
or at the end of the work shift (which ever comes first)
- Not more than 6.4 kg can be stored in the laboratory,
no more than one 0.45 kg bottle can be handled in the point
of use
- Inspect all bottles of perchloric acid once a month,
keep inspection records
- If you notice any color change, dispose of the bottle
immediately
- Spill of perchloric acid is a fire and explosion hazard,
in case of a spill isolate and evacuate the area and call
911
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Venting
Perchloric acid vapors condense to form perchlorate crystals,
which are highly explosives and sensitive to physical shock,
especially inside fume hood and duct linings
- Use perchloric acid in especially designated fume hood,
used exclusively for perchloric acid
- A notice posted on the fume hood must identify it as
being used for perchloric acid and prohibit the use or storage
of combustibles in the fume hood
- Exhaust duct must be as short as possible
- The fume hood and duct work are usually made of stainless
steel and must have wash down facilities
- The ducting and fume hood must be washed down at least
once a day when in use
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•last updated on
February 15, 2006
Contact the Safety Advisor if you have any safety concerns:
chemsafe@chem.ubc.ca
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