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 ORS - Chemical Safety

Inorganic Acid Neutralization Procedures

These procedures are suitable for the neutralization of hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, sulfuric, and nitric (<50%) acids. 

Conduct all procedures in a chemical fume hood. 

Wear appropriate PPE: 

  • Eye goggles 
  • Nitrile rubber gloves 
  • Laboratory coat 
  • Face shield (optional but recommended)

1. Wearing the appropriate PPE and working in a fume hood, dilute the acid with cold water to achieve at least a 1:10 dilution of acid to water. Always add acid to water. Note: depending on the container size available, the acid may need to be neutralized in batches to achieve the desire 1:10 dilution ratio. 

2. Slowly add sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate until the pH is between 5 and 10. 

3. Allow any solids to settle. 

4. Decant the solution to the drain with at least 50 times its volume of water. 

5. Allow the solid residue to dry and package it for disposal in the normal refuse.

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Last Revision 05/16/2007
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