What is a SDS?
A safety data sheet (SDS), is a document that provides detailed information from the chemical manufacturer about chemicals used in experiments and laboratories. It is used to convey essential safety information for students, chemists, employees, and emergency responders on the properties, hazards, handling, storage, and emergency measures and is divided into multiple sections for easy navigation.
To find an SDS of a specific compound, it is best to find one attached in your laboratory classroom, or search on the internet for the SDS of a specific substance.
Sodium Hydroxide, or NaOH, is an ionic compound that has properties as a highly corrosive base that can cause injuries such as chemical burns if not taken care of appropriately. Chemistry or laboratory professors may assign a review of an SDS sheet of NaOH before the start of a lab so peers are able to handle it properly.
a) List the potential acute and chronic health effects of NaOH.
To find hazards of a specific substance, checking Section 2: Hazards Identification will suffice.
- Health effects of NaOH: skin corrosion and serious eye damage
b) Identify the first aid measures for ingestion of NaOH.
Section 4: First Aid Measures displays first aid techniques to perform in case emergencies occur. In this case, we are trying to find ingestion. There should be a clear distinction for what to do when it is swallowed/ingested.
- If swallowed, make the victim drink water (2 glasses at most) and call a physician immediately. Do not attempt to vomit as it risks perforation of internal organs.
c) Identify whether or not NaOH is flammable.
There are several sections to see whether or not a certain substance is flammable. The easiest section is to check Section 2: Hazards Identification. There will be an easy to understand pictogram with a fire signal if it is; additionally, there will be hazard statements that explain that it is flammable.
- After checking Section 2, there was no pictogram or hazard statement that showed NaOH is flammable; therefore, NaOH is not flammable.
d) Identify the chemicals that potentially produce a dangerous reaction with NaOH.
With any chemical can cause a dangerous reaction when paired with another chemical; therefore, assessing chemicals to avoid during a laboratory session is crucial for safety. Checking Section 10: Stability and Reactivity explains, if any, substances or conditions that can aggravate the control of a substance.
- Shown in sections 10.5, strong oxidizing agents and metals can cause a dangerous reaction with NaOH.
e) Describe how to handle small spills and the personal protective required to work with NaOH.
These require two sections; Section 2: Hazards Identification has a subsection under 2.2 that explains precautionary statements on what kind of personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to handle the material. Lastly, handling accidental spills are covered under Section 6: Accidental Release Measures, under subsection 6.3.
- PPE needed to handle NaOH would be at the least protective gloves, protective clothing, eye and face protection. However, when spills occur, cover drains as it cannot enter drains for environmental safety. Collect, bind, and pump off spills with a liquid absorbent material. Dispose of properly and clean away the affected area.
After correctly assessing safety measures before starting a laboratory experiment, it ensures increased chances of success and safety for the people involved.