[Digest post] Nitric acid Saftey!

 Always add water to the acid, vs the opposite as you can end up a
violent reaction." 

No, no! It is the other way around. You ALWAYS add acid to water!

-karen
Karen Christians
M E T A L W E R X
http://www.metalwerx.com/

      There are rules for handling acid and dilution with water.
Wear a rubber splash apron, and a face shield. Always add water t=

o

the acid, vs the opposite as you can end up a violent reaction. 

OUCH!! Please everybody read this post with utmost care and do just
the opposite! The above handling of acid and water is crying for a
disaster. I assume it was written by pure accident; but to follow the
instructions will cause violet boiling of the water and toss acid
around rapidly. I don’t want a chemical novice getting hurt! The post
should read “never add water to acid” or “always add acid to water”

Paul ReillyFrom: “Alan” a.v.l@btinternet.com

Don and all, This is probably a slip-up on your part Don, but your
mail suggested “always add water to the acid” I feel this should be
pointed out as an error - DO NOT DO THIS - IT IS HIGHLY DANGEROUS.
Acid should be added to the water.

Alan Lewis
UK

From: “coralnut” dcdietz@attbi.com

Don,

 Always add water to the  acid, vs the opposite as you can end up
a violent reaction.

Suspect you ment to say…always add the acid to the water. The old
acronym ‘AAA’ is an easy way to remember…always add acid. Cheers,
Don dcdietz@attbi.com

From: “Mary Walek” mwalek@mjsainc.com

If you are handling and/or storing nitric acid you should be aware
of local, state and federal laws that apply to this and all hazardous
chemicals.

In the United States, laws on labeling require each container to be
marked with the chemical name, hazard category such as (“acid”,
“Corrosive”, “Flammable”…)and should include the name and address
of the chemical supplier.

You should have on file a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for
each hazardous material you have on site and copies of the MSDSs
should be readily available to employees exposed to chemicals they
are usually kept in a binder on the shop floor).

OSHA requires all employees to receive Hazard Communication Training
which includes: What an MSDSs are and how to interpret them,
employee rights, including access to a written Hazard Communication
Program, proper labeling and handling procedures, use of protective
equipment, how to detect signs of exposure, and how to detect the
presence of release of Hazardous substances.

Most employers are required to have a written Hazard Communication
Program, all employers should keep records of employee safety
training on file.

In the states, disposal of sodium nitrate in soil would be
prohibited. Call your local fire department to get on
regulations for the proper disposal of hazardous materials.

For more safety and links to other sites about chemical
safety go to www.mjsainc.com and click on “LA Safety Guidelines”
located in “Quick Links” section.

Keeping up to date on safety training will not only help protect
your employees but will help protect you from regulatory fines.

Mary Walek
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA)
Director of Education

  Always add water to the acid, vs the opposite as you can end up a
 violent reaction."
No, no!  It is the other way around.  You ALWAYS add acid to water!

The way I remember this…is A always comes before W in
alphabetical order Thus Acid toWater Thomas

“a violent reaction” is not the issue when combining water and acid.
If I recall my chemistry classes correctly, it is more a question
of splashing. If you add one liquid to another quickly, it is easy
for the liquid that is being added to to splash or overflow the
container. In that case it is best if that liquid is water and not
acid. Thus, you add acid to water and not the other way around.
Perhaps the visualization will help you remember.

Andrea L. McLester
Tampa, FL
http://almclester.netfirms.com

 Acid to water is the way that you oughter, 'cause water to acid
aint too placid" 

I learned this from Roger Horner the past tech. at the University of
WA. A wealth of info and a great guy.

Andy Cooperman

A little verse to help remember whether to add the acid to the water
or vice versa, in the form of an epitaph is "May his rest be long and
placid, he added water to the acid’

Poetically,
Jerry in Kodiak