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Acid Safety

The following is the manual used to train cleanroom personnel about handling and storing acids:

Operating Instructions


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  1. Module I: Classification and Hazards of Chemicals

  2. Module II: Handling and Housekeeping

  3. Module III: Storage and Disposal

  4. Module IV: Safety

  5. Return to main Safety and Protocol page


Acids used in the IML:

Chemical Symbol Properties Special Precautions
Acetic CH3COOH Liquid and vapors cause severe burns to skin. Reacts vigorously with oxidizing agents and other acids (particularly nitric). Odor similar to that of strong vinegar. Incompatible with most other acids. Store alone!
Chromic H2CRO4 Liquid and vapors cause severe burns to skin. Corrosive to nasal passages. Contains a suspected carcinogen. Carcinogenic.
Hydrochloric HCL Highly corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Repeated exposure causes erosion of teeth. Strong chlorine odor detectable at 1-5 PPM.
Hydrofluoric HF Liquid and vapors cause burns that may not be immediately painful or visible. HF attacks glass. HF looks like water and can kill in small amounts. Found in Buffered Oxide Etch (BOE). Use only plastic containers.
Nitric HNO3 Highly corrosive to skin, mucous membranes and teeth. Highly reactive with acetic acid. Reacts explosively with combustible organic or other oxidizable materials. Use only glass containers.
Phosphoric H3PO4 Liquid is highly irritating to skin. Vapors are highly toxic. Contact with most metals causes formation of flammable and explosive hydrogen gas.
Sulfuric H2SO4 Liquid and vapors are extremely corrosive to skin and mucous membranes. Generates heat upon contact with water. Reacts with acetic acid. Keep away from water.

Bases used in the IML:

Chemical Symbol Properties Special Precautions
Ammonium Hydroxide NH4OH Irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Emits highly toxic vapors when heated.

Special chemicals used in the IML:

Chemical Symbol Properties Special Precautions
Ammonium Fluoride NH4F Highly toxic and irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Emits toxic vapors when heated or when in contact with acids.
Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2 Strong oxidizing agent. Irritating to skin and mucous membranes. Reacts violently with acids and organic solvents. Cap with vented cap. Do not boil in open vessels, may cause explosion.
Phosphorous Oxychloride POCl3 POCI3 and its vapors cause severe burns to the eyes, nose, throat, skin and mucous membranes. POCI3 and water, when combined, will form hydrochloric acid and will produce a violent, exothermic reaction. POCI3 is unstable at high temperatures. Keep away from water. Discard gloves discolored by POCI3. Discard yellow or cloudy POCI3 as it may be contaminated.
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