Safe Use Category #9:
Corrosives — Concentrated Acids with
a pH Less Than (<) 4
Safe Use Category #10:
Corrosives — Acid or Base Powders,
Flakes, and Salts
Safe Use Category #11:
Corrosives — Concentrated Bases
(Alkalis) with a pH
Greater Than (>) 10
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Copyright © 2003
UAW-GM Center for Human Resources
All rights reserved.
No material in this book may be copied, reproduced, or used in any way
without written permission.
Inventory Code:
HA106BK
Safe Use Category #9:
Corrosives Concentrated Acids
with a pH Less
Than (<) 4
Introduction
Safe Use Category #9 describes health hazards and basic precautions for the safe use and
handling of corrosives – concentrated acids with a pH less than 4. You must always refer
to the Safe Use instructions, located in your department’s Employee / Supervisor Reference
Manual, for more detailed information on the safe use and handling of these materials.
More information about potential health hazards of these materials can be found in:
„ Labels
„ Safe Use Instructions
„ Material Safety Data Sheets
About Acids
Acids are very strong (reactive) chemicals that erode metals and alloys. These chemicals
are both irritants and corrosives. They are usually labeled “corrosive” because of their
serious health effects. Acids can damage body tissue upon contact. The stronger they are,
the more damage they cause to skin, eyes, or lungs.
1
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
All solutions can be ranked on the pH scale, which measures the acidity or basicity of a
solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 – 14. Refer to the scale on the next page.
„ A pH of 7 means a solution is “neutral.” Pure water has a pH of 7.
„ A pH of less than 7 means the solution is “acidic.” An acid with a pH of 7 is mild. An
acid with a pH of 0 is very strong.
„ A pH of greater than 7 means the solution is “basic.” A base with a pH of 7 is mild. A
base with a pH of 14 is very strong. Bases are also called caustics or alkalis.
pH Scale
Acids
0
1
2
Neutral
3
4
Vinegar
Very
Corrosive
5
6
7
Bases
8
Pure
Water
Non-Corrosive
9
10
11
12
13
14
Shampoo
Very
Corrosive
The graphic above shows the relationship on the pH scale between different solutions.
Pure water is a neutral 7. Shampoo has a caustic value of 10. Vinegar has an acid value of
about 4.
The UAW-GM Hazard Communication Program addresses only corrosives between 0 – 4
and 10 – 14 on the pH scale. Treat any product with a pH higher than 10 as a hazardous
caustic. Treat any product with a pH lower than 4 as a hazardous acid.
There are three categories of corrosives. They are:
„ Safe Use Category #9: Corrosives – Concentrated Acids with a pH Less than (<) 4
„ Safe Use Category #10: Corrosives – Acid or Base Powders, Flakes, and Salts
„ Safe Use Category #11: Corrosives – Concentrated Bases with a pH Greater than (>) 10
2
Safe Use Category #9
This module focuses on Safe Use Category #9: Corrosives – Concentrated Acids with a pH
Less than (<) 4.
pH Scale
CONCENTRATED
ACIDS
0
1
2
3
HAZARDOUS
Very
Corrosive
Neutral
4
5
6
7
Bases
8
Pure
Water
Non-Corrosive
9
10
11
12
13
14
Very
Corrosive
Acids can be liquid concentrate, powders, flakes, or crystals. They are water-soluble. The
amount of water mixed with an acid determines its reactive and corrosive capabilities. If it
is mixed with a small amount of water, the acid is concentrated. If it is mixed with a large
amount of water, the acid is diluted.
Concentrated acids have a pH between 4 (medium strong) and 0 (very strong). They are
highly corrosive and can damage body tissues (eyes, skin, or lungs) or clothing. Liquid
concentrated acids are used in plating, laboratories, etching, maintenance, sanitation, metal
preparation, waste water treatment, descalers, and boiler-water supply. Concentrated
acids in this category include sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid).
When concentrated acids come in contact with strong bases, they release heat and cause
violent splattering. Acids also generate heat when they react with water and other
substances. Splash, fumes, or mists created by chemical reactions may result in inhalation,
skin, and eye hazards.
Most acid solutions appear colorless. Two exceptions are nitric acid and chromic acid,
which may be yellow or orange, depending on the concentration. Many concentrated acids
have a sharp, pungent odor.
Containers holding acids must be properly labeled. If the container is not labeled, do not
use the material. Consult your supervisor. Always handle acids with extreme caution.
Keep aerosol containers of acids away from heat, sparks, open flame and direct sunlight.
Aerosol contents are under pressure — do not puncture! In high heat conditions, aerosol
cans may vent, rupture, rocket or explode.
3
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Health Hazard Information
Routes of Entry
There are three major routes of entry for concentrated acids:
„ Inhalation
„ Direct contact
„ Ingestion
Concentrated acids may be harmful if you breathe them (inhalation). They are also unsafe
if they touch your eyes or skin (direct contact). Concentrated acids that enter your body
through your mouth (ingestion) can also cause harm.
Effects of Overexposure
Overexposure to concentrated acids may result in:
„ Upper respiratory tract irritation
„ Lung disorders
„ Eye irritation and damage
Short-term exposure to fumes, mists, and dusts from acids can irritate the upper
respiratory tract (nose, throat) if inhaled. The extent of irritation depends on the
concentration of the acid (low pH), the amount inhaled, and the length of exposure.
Irritation from acids may cause a buildup of water in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Pulmonary edema may occur several hours after exposure and it can lead to suffocation.
Hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acids can cause pulmonary edema.
Long-term exposure to airborne acids may produce breathing disorders and changes in
lung capacity.
If you get an acid in your eyes, you may suffer a range of symptoms, from minor irritation
to permanent eye damage.
4
Safe Use Category #9
Skin contact with acids can cause corrosive damage to the mouth, esophagus, and
stomach. Strong acid on the skin usually burns and hurts immediately.
If you experience any irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat from exposure to acids, contact
your supervisor or Medical immediately.
Emergency First Aid
Emergency first aid treatment depends on the route of entry:
„ Inhalation: If you inhale an acid, seek fresh air immediately. Go to Medical for further
treatment. If a co-worker is overcome by fumes, remove him or her to fresh air. You
may have to use artificial resuscitation. Take the person to the Medical for further
treatment.
„ Direct Contact – Eye: If there is eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with large
amounts of water. Continue to flush the eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Go to Medical for further treatment. A delay could mean permanent eye damage. Be
familiar with eye wash locations.
„ Direct Contact – Skin: If there is skin contact, immediately flush the affected area with
large amounts of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. Go to Medical for further
treatment. The longer an acid stays on your skin, the more skin damage you will have.
Be familiar with safety shower locations.
„ Ingestion: If you accidentally swallow an acid, drink large amounts of water
immediately. Go to Medical for further treatment. If a co-worker accidentally swallows
an acid, give him or her large amounts of water immediately. Take the person to
Medical for further treatment. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person.
5
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Use Information
Acids present special problems in confined spaces. Do not use these materials in a
confined space without following your facility’s Confined Space Entry Procedure. Using
acids in a confined space requires a written permit and specialized training.
Breathing fumes, mists, or dusts from acids may be harmful. Special engineering controls
(ventilation) may be needed to keep concentrations below allowable limits (OSHA, GM
Occupational Exposure Guidelines).
Additional tips for working with acids include:
„ Avoid getting acids in your eyes or on your skin.
„ Acids are highly reactive chemicals. When you mix them with other chemicals, violent
reactions (fire and explosions) can occur.
„ Add an acid to water slowly. Never add water to an acid. Adding water to an acid
may result in a mixture that boils and splatters. Take the proper precautions to avoid
contact with the mixture.
„ Always wash your hands after use and before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying
cosmetics.
„ Immediately remove clothing that has been soaked through to the skin. Launder the
clothing before reuse.
„ Never wear contact lenses when working with acids.
6
Safe Use Category #9
Personal Protective Equipment
You must wear the following personal protective equipment (PPE) when you work with
acids:
„ Chemical goggles or face shield with safety glasses: if potential for splashing exists
„ Acid-resistant gloves, arm protectors, and aprons
„ Respirators: specially selected if engineering controls cannot adequately remove
airborne acid contaminants
The Safe Use Instruction Sheet, located in your department’s Employee / Supervisor
Reference Manual, lists the recommended glove, apron, and respirator type for the specific
acid you are using. If you have any questions, consult your Local Joint Health and Safety
Committee.
Fire Fighting Information
Acids are not flammable by themselves, but they are highly reactive. Mixing them with
other chemicals can cause fires and violent reactions.
In the event of a fire involving acids, notify Security immediately or follow your facility’s
Emergency Response Procedure. Only people trained and properly equipped should be
involved in fire fighting.
Reactivity Information
Acids are highly reactive. This means that when they are mixed with other materials, they
generate heat and can cause fires and explosions. If you add an acid to a concentrated base
or a base to a concentrated acid, violent splattering can occur. When heated, acids may
yield toxic fumes. Concentrated acids are incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
7
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Spill and Leak Information
Be aware of all chemical materials in your work area. In the event of a spill or leak:
„ Stop the leak only if it can be done without risk to you.
„ Notify Security immediately or follow your facility’s Emergency Response Procedure.
You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and receive
specialized training to clean up spills.
„ Use appropriate PPE, contain the spill, and prevent it from entering drains. Sweep up
any solid. Place the solid in a drum for disposal. Seal and label the drum properly.
Storage Information
Store acids away from other highly reactive materials such as oxidizing agents, flammable
or combustible materials, cyanides, alcohol, and organic materials. If acids are combined
with other reactive materials, a violent reaction may occur.
Clearly label containers. Store tightly closed containers in cool, dry, and well-ventilated
areas.
Disposal Information
Contact your supervisor for the appropriate disposal procedures when you discard acids.
8
Safe Use Category #10:
Corrosives – Acid or
Base Powders,
Flakes, and Salts
Introduction
Safe Use Category #10 describes health hazards and basic precautions for the safe use and
handling of corrosives – acid or base powders, flakes and salts. You must always refer to
the Safe Use instructions, located in your department’s Employee / Supervisor Reference
Manual, for more detailed information on the safe use and handling of these materials.
More information about potential health hazards of these materials can be found in:
„ Labels
„ Safe Use Instructions
„ Material Safety Data Sheets
About Acids and Bases (Alkalis)
Acids and bases are very strong (reactive) chemicals that erode metals and alloys. These
chemicals are both irritants and corrosives. They are usually labeled “corrosive” because
of their serious health effects. Acids and bases can damage body tissue upon contact. The
stronger they are, the more damage they cause to skin, eyes, or lungs.
All solutions can be ranked on the pH scale, which measures the acidity or basicity of a
solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 – 14. Refer to the scale on the next page.
9
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
„ A pH of 7 means a solution is “neutral.” Pure water has a pH of 7.
„ A pH of less than 7 means the solution is “acidic.” An acid with a pH of 7 is mild. An
acid with a pH of 0 is very strong.
„ A pH of greater than 7 means the solution is “basic.” A base with a pH of 7 is mild. A
base with a pH of 14 is very strong. Bases are also called caustics or alkalis.
pH Scale
Acids
0
1
2
Neutral
3
4
Vinegar
Very
Corrosive
5
6
7
Bases
8
Pure
Water
Non-Corrosive
9
10
11
12
13
14
Shampoo
Very
Corrosive
The graphic above shows the relationship on the pH scale between different solutions.
Pure water is a neutral 7. Shampoo has a caustic value of 10. Vinegar has an acid value of
about 4.
The UAW-GM Hazard Communication Program addresses only corrosives between 0 – 4
and 10 – 14 on the pH scale. Treat any product with a pH higher than 10 as a hazardous
caustic. Treat any product with a pH lower than 4 as a hazardous acid.
There are three categories of corrosives. They are:
„ Safe Use Category #9: Corrosives – Concentrated Acids with a pH Less than (<) 4
„ Safe Use Category #10: Corrosives – Acid or Base Powders, Flakes, and Salts
„ Safe Use Category #11: Corrosives – Concentrated Bases with a pH Greater than (>) 10
This module focuses on Safe Use Category #10: Corrosives – Acid or Base Powders, Flakes,
and Salts.
10
Safe Use Category #10
Acids and bases can be powders or flakes. They can also combine with each other or with
metals to form salts. When acids or base powders, flakes and salts are mixed with water,
they generate a corrosive liquid. For example, chromic acid comes in flake form. When
mixed with water, it becomes a corrosive liquid that is used in plating.
The amount of water mixed with an acid or base determines its reactive and corrosive
capabilities. If it is mixed with a small amount of water, the acid or base is concentrated. If
it is mixed with a large amount of water, the acid or base is diluted.
Acids and bases generate heat when they react with water and other substances. Splash,
fumes, or mists created by chemical reactions may result in inhalation, skin, and eye
hazards.
Most acid and base solutions appear colorless. Two exceptions are nitric acid and chromic
acid, which may be yellow or orange, depending on the concentration. Many concentrated
acids have a sharp, pungent odor.
Containers holding acids and bases must be properly labeled. If the container is not
labeled, do not use the material. Consult your supervisor. Always handle acids and bases
with extreme caution.
Health Hazard Information
Routes of Entry
There are three major routes of entry for corrosive chemicals:
„ Inhalation
„ Direct contact
„ Ingestion
Corrosive chemicals may be harmful if you breathe them (inhalation). They are also
unsafe if they touch your eyes or skin (direct contact). Corrosive chemicals that enter your
body through your mouth (ingestion) can also cause harm.
11
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Effects of Overexposure
Overexposure to corrosive acids or bases, may result in:
„ Upper respiratory tract irritation
„ Lung disorders
„ Eye irritation and damage
Short-term exposure to fumes, mists, and dusts from acids and bases can irritate the upper
respiratory tract (nose, throat) if inhaled. The extent of irritation depends on the
concentration of the acid (low pH) or base (high pH), the amount inhaled, and the length of
exposure.
Irritation from acids and bases may cause a buildup of water in the lungs (pulmonary
edema). Pulmonary edema may occur several hours after exposure and it can lead to
suffocation. Hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acids can cause pulmonary edema.
Long-term exposure to airborne acids and bases may produce breathing disorders and
changes in lung capacity.
If you get an acid or base in your eyes, you may suffer a range of symptoms, from minor
irritation to permanent eye damage. Bases can be more hazardous than acids because they
are difficult to wash out.
Skin contact with acids and bases can cause corrosive damage to the mouth, esophagus,
and stomach. Strong acid on the skin usually burns and hurts immediately. Caustic
materials feel soapy and do not hurt immediately. However, they may cause more harm
because they may not be washed away as quickly as an acid.
If you experience any irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat from exposure to acids or bases,
contact your supervisor or Medical immediately.
12
Safe Use Category #10
Emergency First Aid
Emergency first aid treatment depends on the route of entry:
„ Inhalation: If you inhale an acid or base, seek fresh air immediately. Go to Medical for
further treatment. If a co-worker is overcome by fumes, remove him or her to fresh air.
You may have to use artificial resuscitation. Take the person to the Medical for further
treatment.
„ Direct Contact – Eye: If there is eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with large
amounts of water. Continue to flush the eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Go to Medical for further treatment. A delay could mean permanent eye damage. Be
familiar with eye wash locations.
„ Direct Contact – Skin: If there is skin contact, immediately flush the affected area with
large amounts of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. Go to Medical for further
treatment. The longer an acid or base stays on your skin, the more skin damage you
will have. Be familiar with safety shower locations.
„ Ingestion: If you accidentally swallow an acid or base, drink large amounts of water
immediately. Go to Medical for further treatment. If a co-worker accidentally swallows
an acid or base, give him or her large amounts of water immediately. Take the person
to Medical for further treatment. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person.
Use Information
Acids and bases present special problems in confined spaces. Do not use these materials
in a confined space without following your facility’s Confined Space Entry Procedure.
Using acids and bases in a confined space requires a written permit and specialized
training.
Breathing fumes, mists, or dusts from acids and bases may be harmful. Special
engineering controls (ventilation) may be needed to keep concentrations below allowable
limits (OSHA, GM Occupational Exposure Guidelines).
13
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Additional tips for working with acids and bases include:
„ Avoid getting acids and bases in your eyes or on your skin.
„ Acids and bases are highly reactive chemicals. When you mix them with other
chemicals, violent reactions (fire and explosions) can occur.
„ Add an acid or base to water slowly. Never add water to an acid or base. Adding
water to an acid or base may result in a mixture that boils and splatters. Take the
proper precautions to avoid contact with the mixture.
„ Solid forms of alkali (base powder, flake, and salts) must be added slowly to water.
Avoid splashing.
„ Always wash your hands after use and before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying
cosmetics.
„ Immediately remove clothing that has been soaked through to the skin. Launder the
clothing before reuse.
„ Never wear contact lenses when working with acids and bases.
Personal Protective Equipment
You must wear the following personal protective equipment when you work with acids
and bases:
„ Chemical goggles or face shield with safety glasses: if potential for splashing exists
„ Acid or base-resistant gloves, arm protectors, and aprons
„ Respirators: specially selected if engineering controls cannot adequately remove
airborne acid/base contaminants
The Safe Use Instruction Sheet, located in your department’s Employee / Supervisor
Reference Manual, lists the recommended glove, apron, and respirator type for the specific
acid/base you are using. If you have any questions, consult your Local Joint Health and
Safety Committee.
14
Safe Use Category #10
Fire Fighting Information
Acids and bases are not flammable by themselves, but they are highly reactive. Mixing
them with other chemicals can cause fires and violent reactions.
In the event of a fire involving acids or bases, notify Security immediately or follow your
facility’s Emergency Response Procedure. Only people trained and properly equipped
should be involved in fire fighting.
Reactivity Information
Acids and bases are highly reactive. This means that when they are mixed with other
materials, they generate heat and can cause fires and explosions. If you add an acid to a
concentrated base or a base to a concentrated acid, violent splattering can occur. When
heated, acids and bases may yield toxic fumes. Concentrated acids are incompatible with
strong oxidizing agents.
Spill and Leak Information
Be aware of all chemical materials in your work area. In the event of a spill or leak:
„ Stop the leak only if it can be done without risk to you.
„ Notify Security immediately or follow your facility’s Emergency Response Procedure.
You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and receive
specialized training to clean up spills.
„ Use appropriate PPE, contain the spill, and prevent it from entering drains. Sweep up
any solid. Place the solid in a drum for disposal. Seal and label the drum properly.
15
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Storage Information
Store acids and bases away from other highly reactive materials such as oxidizing agents,
flammable or combustible materials, cyanides, alcohol, and organic materials. If acids and
bases are combined with other reactive materials, a violent reaction may occur.
Clearly label containers. Store tightly closed containers in cool, dry, and well-ventilated
areas.
Disposal Information
Contact your supervisor for the appropriate disposal procedures when you discard acids
and bases.
16
Safe Use Category #11:
Corrosives –
Concentrated Bases
(Alkalis) with a pH
Greater Than (>) 10
Introduction
Safe Use Category #11 describes health hazards and basic precautions for the safe use and
handling of corrosives – concentrated bases (alkalis) with a pH greater than 10. You must
always refer to the Safe Use instructions, located in your department’s Employee /
Supervisor Reference Manual, for more detailed information on the safe use and handling
of these materials.
More information about potential health hazards of these materials can be found in:
„ Labels
„ Safe Use Instructions
„ Material Safety Data Sheets
17
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
About Bases (Alkalis)
Bases are very strong (reactive) chemicals that erode metals and alloys. These chemicals
are both irritants and corrosives. They are usually labeled “corrosive” because of their
serious health effects. Bases can damage body tissue upon contact. The stronger they are,
the more damage they cause to skin, eyes, or lungs.
All solutions can be ranked on the pH scale, which measures the acidity or basicity of a
solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 – 14. Refer to the scale on the next page.
„ A pH of 7 means a solution is “neutral.” Pure water has a pH of 7.
„ A pH of less than 7 means the solution is “acidic.” An acid with a pH of 7 is mild. An
acid with a pH of 0 is very strong.
„ A pH of greater than 7 means the solution is “basic.” A base with a pH of 7 is mild. A
base with a pH of 14 is very strong. Bases are also called caustics or alkalis.
pH Scale
Acids
0
1
2
Neutral
3
4
Vinegar
Very
Corrosive
5
6
7
Bases
8
Pure
Water
Non-Corrosive
9
10
11
12
13
14
Shampoo
Very
Corrosive
The graphic above shows the relationship on the pH scale between different solutions.
Pure water is a neutral 7. Shampoo has a caustic value of 10. Vinegar has an acid value of
about 4.
The UAW-GM Hazard Communication Program only addresses corrosives between 0 – 4
and 10 – 14 on the pH scale. Treat any product with a pH higher than 10 as a hazardous
caustic. Treat any product with a pH lower than 4 as a hazardous acid.
18
Safe Use Category #11
There are three categories of corrosives. They are:
„ Safe Use Category #9: Corrosives – Concentrated Acids with a pH Less than (<) 4
„ Safe Use Category #10: Corrosives – Acid or Base Powders, Flakes, and Salts
„ Safe Use Category #11: Corrosives – Concentrated Bases with a pH Greater than (>)
10
This module focuses on Safe Use Category #11: Corrosives – Concentrated Bases with a
pH Greater than (>) 10.
pH Scale
Acids
0
1
2
CONCENTRATED
BASES
Neutral
3
Very
Corrosive
4
5
6
7
8
Pure
Water
Non-Corrosive
9
10
11
12
13
14
CAUSTIC
Very
Corrosive
Bases can be liquid concentrate, powders, flakes, or crystals. They are water-soluble. The
amount of water mixed with a base determines its reactive and corrosive capabilities. If it
is mixed with a small amount of water, the base is concentrated. If it is mixed with a large
amount of water, the base is diluted.
Concentrated bases have a pH between 10 (medium strong) and 14 (very strong). They can
cause deep burns that aren’t felt until later. Lack of immediate pain does not mean that
you have not been injured.
Liquid concentrated bases are used in plating, maintenance of drains, sanitation, metal
cleaning, water treatment supplies, waste and boiler feeds, blueprinting, and laboratories.
Common liquid concentrated bases (alkalis) are sodium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia.
When concentrated bases come in contact with strong acids, they release heat and cause
violent splattering. Bases also generate heat when they react with water and other
substances. Splash, fumes, or mists created by chemical reactions may result in inhalation,
skin, and eye hazards. Most base solutions appear colorless.
19
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Containers holding bases must be properly labeled. If the container is not labeled, do not
use the material. Consult your supervisor. Always handle bases with extreme caution.
Keep aerosol containers of bases away from heat, sparks, open flame and direct sunlight.
Aerosol contents are under pressure — do not puncture! In high heat conditions, aerosol
cans may vent, rupture, rocket or explode.
Health Hazard Information
Routes of Entry
There are three major routes of entry for concentrated bases:
„ Inhalation
„ Direct contact
„ Ingestion
Concentrated bases may be harmful if you breathe them (inhalation). They are also unsafe
if they touch your eyes or skin (direct contact). Concentrated bases that enter your body
through your mouth (ingestion) can also cause harm.
Effects of Overexposure
Overexposure to concentrated bases may result in:
„ Upper respiratory tract irritation
„ Lung disorders
„ Eye irritation and damage
Short-term exposure to fumes, mists, and dusts from bases can irritate the upper
respiratory tract (nose, throat) if inhaled. The extent of irritation depends on the
concentration of the base (high pH), the amount inhaled, and the length of exposure.
Irritation from bases may cause a buildup of water in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Pulmonary edema may occur several hours after exposure and it can lead to suffocation.
20
Safe Use Category #11
Long-term exposure to airborne bases may produce breathing disorders and changes in
lung capacity.
If you get a base in your eyes, you may suffer a range of symptoms, from minor irritation
to permanent eye damage. Bases can be more hazardous than acids because they are
difficult to wash out.
Skin contact with bases can cause corrosive damage to the mouth, esophagus, and
stomach. Caustic materials feel soapy and do not hurt immediately. However, they may
cause more harm than acids because they may not be washed away as quickly.
If you experience any irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat from exposure to bases, contact
your supervisor or Medical immediately.
Emergency First Aid
Emergency first aid treatment depends on the route of entry:
„ Inhalation: If you inhale a base, seek fresh air immediately. Go to Medical for further
treatment. If a co-worker is overcome by fumes, remove him or her to fresh air. You
may have to use artificial resuscitation. Take the person to the Medical for further
treatment.
„ Direct Contact – Eye: If there is eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with large
amounts of water. Continue to flush the eyes with water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Go to Medical for further treatment. A delay could mean permanent eye damage. Be
familiar with eye wash locations.
„ Direct Contact – Skin: If there is skin contact, immediately flush the affected area with
large amounts of water. Remove any contaminated clothing. Go to Medical for further
treatment. The longer a base stays on your skin, the more skin damage you will have.
Be familiar with safety shower locations.
„ Ingestion: If you accidentally swallow a base, drink large amounts of water
immediately. Go to Medical for further treatment. If a co-worker accidentally swallows
a base, give him or her large amounts of water immediately. Take the person to
Medical for further treatment. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person.
21
The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Use Information
Bases present special problems in confined spaces. Do not use these materials in a
confined space without following your facility’s Confined Space Entry Procedure. Using
bases in a confined space requires a written permit and specialized training.
Breathing fumes, mists, or dusts from bases may be harmful. Special engineering controls
(ventilation) may be needed to keep concentrations below allowable limits (OSHA, GM
Occupational Exposure Guidelines).
Additional tips for working with bases include:
„ Avoid getting bases in your eyes or on your skin.
„ Bases are highly reactive chemicals. When you mix them with other chemicals, violent
reactions (fire and explosions) can occur.
„ Add a base to water slowly. Never add water to a base. Adding water to a base may
result in a mixture that boils and splatters. Take the proper precautions to avoid
contact with the mixture.
„ Solid forms of alkali (base powder, flake, and salts) must be added slowly to water.
Avoid splashing.
„ Always wash your hands after use and before eating, drinking, smoking, or applying
cosmetics.
„ Immediately remove clothing that has been soaked through to the skin. Launder the
clothing before reuse.
„ Never wear contact lenses when working with bases.
22
Safe Use Category #11
Personal Protective Equipment
You must wear the following personal protective equipment when you work with bases:
„ Chemical goggles or face shield with safety glasses: if potential for splashing exists
„ Base-resistant gloves, arm protectors, and aprons
„ Respirators: specially selected if engineering controls cannot adequately remove
airborne base contaminants
The Safe Use Instruction Sheet, located in your department’s Employee / Supervisor
Reference Manual, lists the recommended glove, apron, and respirator type for the specific
base you are using. If you have any questions, consult your Local Joint Health and Safety
Committee.
Fire Fighting Information
Bases are not flammable by themselves, but they are highly reactive. Mixing them with
other chemicals can cause fires and violent reactions.
In the event of a fire involving bases, notify Security immediately or follow your facility’s
Emergency Response Procedure. Only people trained and properly equipped should be
involved in fire fighting.
Reactivity Information
Bases are highly reactive. This means that when they are mixed with other materials, they
generate heat and can cause fires and explosions. If you add an acid to a concentrated base
or a base to a concentrated acid, violent splattering can occur. When heated, bases may
yield toxic fumes.
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The UAW-GM
Hazard Communication Program
Spill and Leak Information
Be aware of all chemical materials in your work area. In the event of a spill or leak:
„ Stop the leak only if it can be done without risk to you.
„ Notify Security immediately or follow your facility’s Emergency Response Procedure.
You must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and receive
specialized training to clean up spills.
„ Use appropriate PPE, contain the spill, and prevent it from entering drains. Sweep up
any solid. Place the solid in a drum for disposal. Seal and label the drum properly.
Storage Information
Store bases away from other highly reactive materials such as oxidizing agents, flammable
or combustible materials, cyanides, alcohol, and organic materials. If bases are combined
with other reactive materials, a violent reaction may occur.
Clearly label containers. Store tightly closed containers in cool, dry, and well-ventilated
areas.
Disposal Information
Contact your supervisor for the appropriate disposal procedures when you discard bases.
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