Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment Blog

Spill Containment and Spill Cleanup Solutions

The Dangers of a Nitric Acid Chemical Spill

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Also known as aqua fortis, nitric acid is a highly corrosive acid and potent oxidizing agent. It’s widely used in various industries, including the production of fertilizers, dyes, and explosives.

Danger nitric acid warningHowever, due to its dangerously corrosive characteristics and toxic fumes, nitric acid spills create a serious hazard. As evidenced in February this year, when a tanker truck nitric acid spill in Arizona closed an interstate highway.

Therefore, if you own or manage a company that handles any form of nitric acid, you must have a plan in place for safely cleaning up a spill. Along with recognizing the potential hazards of nitric acid and its proper storage and handling procedures. By understanding the best practices for working with nitric acid, you can help ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

So, to learn more about the dangers of a nitric acid spill and how to safely clean them, keep reading.

Understanding Nitric Acid and Its Hazards

According to the CDC, Nitric acid (HNO₃) is a colorless liquid with yellow or red fumes and an acrid odor. Due to its dangerously corrosive characteristics, combined with toxic fumes, nitric acid spills create a serious hazard to nearby workers.

It is a strong oxidizer, which means it can react violently when in contact with other substances, increasing the risk of fire or explosion. Furthermore, nitric acid can release toxic fumes, primarily nitrogen dioxide (NO2), when it comes into contact with organic matter or is heated. Inhalation of these fumes can lead to severe respiratory distress and other health complications.

A nitric acid chemical spill can result in severe burns, respiratory problems, and even death. As a result, it’s crucial for anyone who works with nitric acid to understand the risks and safety precautions associated with this chemical.

Permissible Exposure Limits in the Workplace

Let’s look at the permissible exposure limits because this is a topic often avoided or misunderstood among companies and business owners.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently states that the permissible exposure for nitric acid is 2 parts per million parts of air (ppm) over the course of eight hours.

Companies can also refer to the NIOSH report for more information on permissible exposure limits of nitric oxide.

Dangers of Nitric Oxide Exposure

Nitric acid gas and fumes may cause eye, throat, respiratory, and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to high levels of nitric acid can lead to severe eye burning and even blindness.

Exposure levels of nitric acid are oftentimes gauged by viewing the employee’s skin; minor exposure may have minimal impact on the skin, but severe exposure can result in significant burns.

Emergency first aid procedures for nitric acid contact with the skin or eyes is using an eyewash or safety shower station to flush the affected area. If nitric acid mist or vapor is inhaled, immediately move to another area for fresh air and seek medical assistance.

Cleaning Up a Nitric Acid Spill

The first step in a nitric acid spill cleanup begins with the right personal protection equipment (PPE). As previously mentioned, both the fumes and direct exposure to liquid nitric oxide are hazardous to humans. Therefore, workers should gear up in a pair of industrial-grade safety glasses, gloves, a lab apron, and a respirator to protect themselves. Once wearing the appropriate PPE, a worker can begin to clean up the spill.

Several solutions are available for cleaning up a nitric acid spill, but using an acid absorbent is generally the best approach. For instance, using a specialty acid neutralizer absorbent powder or pillow. Once the acid is fully soaked up and neutralized, the soiled materials should be safely disposed of in accordance with manufacturer instructions and federal/state regulations.

Warning: combining water with a nitric oxide spill may only make it worse. Water not only spreads the acid, but it also reacts to it. The bottom line is that you should never attempt to clean up a nitric oxide spill using water.

Proper Handling and Storage of Nitric Acid

Nitric acid should always be housed in approved containers and storage cabinets. That’s because it is highly corrosive in the presence of aluminum, copper, and oxides, and it can attack all base metals.

Storage containers must be kept dry because nitric acid can react with water or steam, producing heat and toxic, corrosive, and flammable vapors. To segregate nitric acid from other acids in your acids cabinet, use secondary containers.

Ensure proper ventilation systems are in place to prevent the accumulation of toxic fumes.

Conclusion

The importance of being prepared for a nitric acid chemical spill cannot be overstated. Comprehensive training, adherence to safety regulations, and the availability of suitable spill response equipment and materials are crucial for preventing accidents, minimizing injuries, and protecting the environment.

By implementing robust safety measures and staying informed about the risks associated with nitric acid, companies can create a safer working environment and ensure the well-being of their employees. Remember, prevention and preparedness are key when it comes to handling hazardous substances like nitric acid.

If your facility needs advice on hazardous chemical spills get in touch with AbsorbentsOnline today! We offer a wide range of workplace safety supplies including acid storage cabinets and acid/chemical spill kits.

This is a revision to a blog post with an original publication date of December 23, 2013

For Acid Spills: Prevent First, but Always Be Prepared

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How to make sure your workplace is ready to deal with battery acid spills

Battery terminal with corrosion on itThe last thing you want in your facility is a battery acid spill. Acid spills are extremely dangerous and can be costly for your business. But with a portable spill kit, you can respond quickly and protect both your facility and your employees.

In fact, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has strict requirements for employees who work with batteries. Specifically, CFR 1926.441 batteries and battery charging regulations. Any workers handling acids or batteries must be provided with face shields, aprons, and rubber gloves. Additionally, they must have access to facilities for quick drenching of the eyes and body within 25 feet of all battery handling areas.

However, if you want to be fully ready to respond to battery acid spills, you’ll need more than just the proper PPE (don’t worry — all of our kits include gloves and goggles). You also need to know what type of acid is in your batteries so you can ensure you have the correct neutralizer.

Workers must avoid smoking (and any other possible sources of ignition), refrain from wearing metal accessories or jewelry while working with batteries, and are required to wash their hands thoroughly after handling batteries.

Charge batteries in a dedicated, well-ventilated area, and make sure not to overcharge them. Use suitable single-ended tools with insulated handles, and move batteries only with insulated lifting equipment.

What sets our acid spill kits apart?

acid neutralizer granular sorbent

Use specialized formulas for battery acid spill clean up

No matter how careful you are, battery acid spills can still happen — and if they do, you want to be prepared to clean them up quickly and safely. That’s where our spill kits come in.

Our acid spill kits are customizable. They’re available with either liquid or dry acid neutralizer, which changes color to let you know when the acid has been neutralized. We also offer acid spill neutralizing socks and pillows. Which are perfect to wedge under or around charging racks, to catch battery acid leaks.

Our kits come in sizes up to 95 gallons to suit any facility’s needs. These yellow, waterproof kits are portable, allowing for quick response to spills.

From retail to automotive repair, these kits are ideal for any business that deals with batteries. If a battery acid spill hits your facility, be prepared for it with our portable spill kits.

[cta]Travis ZdrazilHave questions about which absorbents are right for your needs? Contact Travis Zdrazil at travis@absorbentsonline.com or at 800-869-9633.[/cta]

How Will You Respond to an Acid Spill?

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What to do in the event of a workplace acid spill

a roll of yellow caution tape

Caution tape for acid spill.

When an acid spill occurs at your facility, do you know what to do?

Safely containing an acid spill requires preparedness on several different levels. To appropriately manage an acid spill, you need to have the right tools, the right safety training, and proper knowledge on the correct way to contain a spill.

The first step

Make sure your workers are trained to report spills, alert others, and evacuate the spill area immediately. Minimizing exposure to the spill decreases liability and clears the way for the cleanup crew.

emergency drench shower for use if acid contact

Use an emergency shower or eyewash station to quick drench and decontaminate the body

If a worker’s clothing has been contaminated by acid, he or she should remove the clothing and use the facility’s emergency shower.

If the acid has splashed into the eyes, the person should also rinse his/her eyes for 15 minutes — but first ensure that the chemical is not water reactive.

Containing the acid spill

Anyone handling the cleanup process should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Cleanup crew members should use gloves made of materials compatible with acids, like thick nitrile or neoprene. Dike the spilled liquid as quickly as possible with an absorbent pad or absorbent pillow.

acid neutralizer absorbent powder 2lb shaker carton

Shake neutralizing powder over acid spills for safe clean up

An alternative solution is to use an acid neutralizer, which absorbs and solidifies the acid. Simply spread the neutralizer on the spill, working your way from the outside in, and mix the substances with a broom.

An advantage of dry-powder acid neutralization is that it eliminates the need to use pH paper. Thats because the powder will change color when the spill is completely neutralized.

Safe disposal

Once the acid is fully neutralized, use plastic tools such as scoops to transfer the material into a hazardous waste container. When the spill is safely contained, clearly label the container with the name of the substance. Then, contact your local environmental services provider or follow your facility’s procedures for disposing of hazardous materials. Wash the spill surface with soap and water thoroughly before personnel reenter the area.

Acid spills are extremely hazardous. They can result in serious injuries if not contained and cleaned up promptly and properly. By following the right procedures and having the right equipment on hand, you’ll be able to contain a dangerous spill without putting your employees at risk. Now you know what to do if an acid spillage occurs.

AbsorbentsOnline is here to help. Feel free to contact us by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633.

What’s in Your Acid Spill Kit?

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Contents of spill kit for battery acid cleanup.

Acids and corrosive substances are on hand at many worksites — automobile repair shops, heavy equipment storage yards, and manufacturing facilities, to name just a few. However, the corrosive materials these and other businesses depend on can be dangerous — and even deadly — if a spill occurs and they’re caught unprepared. Having the proper spill kit materials on hand to respond to an acid spill is imperative.

What you need
Your worksite should have spill kits placed in all areas where acids are used. These kits should include acid neutralizers and absorbents that are specifically made for acids and corrosives, as well as other basic items for spill cleanup.

Make sure your acid spill kit includes the following items:

  • An appropriate container: You need a container that can hold acids or other aggressive fluids, like the bucket in the Battery Acid Spill Kit. This container is labeled and highly visible, waterproof, and can be used to store contaminated sorbents until they can be disposed of properly.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE): Depending on the materials handled at your site, your acid spill kit may need a variety of PPE to protect users from aggressive liquids. Basic PPE may include safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, boot covers, and a respirator.
  • Absorbent materials: Hazmat spill kits should include absorbent pads and rolls, and hazmat absorbent. Your kit may also need an acid neutralizer, which absorbs and solidifies acids and then changes colors to signify complete neutralization. (Note that acid neutralizers may not be safe for all acids. Contact AbsorbentsOnline’s knowledgeable staff for answers to any questions you have about which absorbents are suitable for your environment.)
  • Cleaning supplies: Hand brooms or scoops can help spread and clean up absorbent neutralizers. You’ll also need disposal bags to hold used absorbents and contaminated materials.

Your source for spill solutions
AbsorbentsOnline sells many of these items individually, or you can take advantage of our Battery Acid Spill Kits that include PPE and cleanup tools as well as acid-specific absorbents.

You can also contact us about making custom spill kits to meet your needs. Get in touch by email or call toll free at (800) 869-9633. We have hundreds of customers that order special spill kits, and we’re always available to develop the perfect spill solution for your unique business.

Tip For Cleaning Up An Acid Chemical Spill

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Warning sign danger acid stored here

Companies that produce, transport, store or otherwise handle acids in the workplace should create a plan for safely cleaning up chemical spills. Whether they’re small or large, all chemical spills involving acids require a different approach to cleaning. Acids can burn the skin, eyes, irritate the respiratory system, create a fire hazard, and even pollute the atmosphere. This is why it’s important for companies to use extra caution when dealing with acid chemical spills. For some helpful tips on how to safely clean up an acid chemical spill, keep reading.

Wear The Right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

One important tip for cleaning up acid chemical spills is to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Just as the name suggests, PPE is gear that’s designed to protect the wearer from chemical-related bodily harm. Since acids are highly corrosive, users need must wear PPE that’s able to withstand it’s corrosive power. See the list below for a brief overview of the appropriate PPE for chemical spills involving corrosive acids.

  • Eyewear – chemical safety goggles with a face shield.
  • Respiratory – air purifying respirator with acid cartridge.
  • Skin – professional-grade rubber (or similar synthetic material designed specifically for acids) boots, gloves, and suit.

Key Items Required For an Acid Chemical Spill

There are a couple of items recommended for cleaning up acid chemical spills, one of which is absorbent pads. These pads are designed to soak up the spill so it doesn’t spread to other parts of the workplace. Absorbent pads are highly effective at cleaning up a wide variety of chemicals, including acids. You simply place them directly in the spill and they’ll gradually ‘absorb’ its contents. The exact size and amount of absorbent pads depends to the size of your spill. Small spills may only require a few similarly small pads, while larger spills may require half a dozen or more. Be sure to check out the current selection of absorbent pads and rolls here.

Of course, acid neutralizers and agents are also recommended when cleaning up acid chemical spills. Having a bucket of acid neutralizer readily available in your workplace could mean the difference between cleaning up a chemical spill yourself, or having to call the local fire department to send a hazmat team down (in which you may be responsible for the bill). Using an acid neutralizer is as easy as sprinkling the powder-like substance over the acid spill. Please note, however, these are not intended for use in spills involving hydrofluoric acid.