Handling Chemicals

TM 5-6640-214-14

(2) Water. Water should not be used for extinguishing oil fires because it will spread the fire. Also, water is a

conductor of electricity and should not be used on electrical fires or on electric motors.

d. Handling Chemicals.

WARNING

Before proceeding, always keep in mind the WARNINGS in the front of this manual.

(1) Store heavy and large containers of chemicals on or as near the floor as possible.

(2) Never fill a container with material other than that indicated on the label. Make sure that every container is

properly labeled.

(3) Never place bottles containing acids or alkalies on high shelves.

(4) Always keep caustic soda solution and sulfuric acid in strong glass containers, never in galvanized iron

drums.

(5) Always wear goggles when breaking up solid chemicals which might chip, or when handling quantities of

corrosive liquids, such as strong acids and strong bases.

(6) When opening new bottles or carboys of acid, always wear goggles. Make certain rags are wrapped

around neck of bottles.

(7) When pouring a sample from a container, hold the container cap or stopper in the hand. Never place the

cap or stopper on a bench or table where is may come in contact with a contaminating agent.

(8) Never lay the stopper of an acid bottle on a surface where someone may rest his hand or arms.

(9) Keep reagent bottles stoppered tightly, and dry engraved reagent bottles before replacing them on the

reagent shelf. Always wipe up any of the acid that spills or splashes on benches, tables, or floors.

(10) If any chemical is spilled or splashed on the body, immediately wash the contaminated area thoroughly

with water.

(11) Always pour acid into water, especially sulphuric acid. Never pour water into acid. When diluting acids,

always use Pyrex glassware, as ordinary glassware may be broken by the heat that is generated by the mixing of acid

and water.

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