Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. A chemical resistant full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations.
Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.
What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
Guidelines for sulfuric acid, fuming:
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Saranex(TM), Responder(TM), Barricade(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM).
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Teflon(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).
CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Polyvinyl.
NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol, CPF 3(TM).
Guidelines for sulfuric acid concentrations above 70% :
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, polyethylene, Teflon(TM), Saranex(TM), 4H(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF 3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HSP(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Viton(TM).
CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, Viton(TM).
NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl alcohol.
Guidelines for sulfuric acid 30-70%:
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon(TM), Saranex(TM), Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), 4H(TM), CPF 3(TM), Viton, Tellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).
CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Nitrile rubber.
NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol.
Guidelines for sulfuric acid, less than 30%:
RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), Saranex(TM), 4H(TM), CPF 3(TM), Tellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).
NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol.
There is evidence that this chemical can cause serious skin injury (e.g., corrosion or absorption hazard.
Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less).
Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm2/min or 1 mg/m2/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.
Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.
Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?
Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.
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