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How to Dispose of Nitric Acid
In this article, we’ll address specifically how to dispose of nitric acid. Like most acids, nitric acid can be neutralized prior to disposal. This chemical reaction greatly reduces the hazardous risks of nitric acid, helping your business to comply with the three tenants of proper waste disposal. The reaction must be completed safely, which we’ll explain in this article.
Lab Alley
Lab Alley
Proper disposal of chemical reagents is essential for three reasons:
- Legal complianceWorker and environmental safety
- Minimizing business/laboratory expenses
- All labs and businesses working with hazardous chemicals must comply with the regulations set in place by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and local jurisdiction.
These regulations are in place to minimize risks to workers handling hazardous chemicals.Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.
How To Use Nitric Acid Safely
Nitric acid is a corrosive chemical and harmful to humans. Its contact with skin and eyes can cause serious burns. Affected skin will require flushing with soap and lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes. If strong concentrations of gas or solution penetrate clothing, remove immediately and seek appropriate medical attention. Adding nitric acid to the water and other chemicals can cause violent explosions. Always add nitric acid to the water rather than the other way around. Such mixing should always be done slowly and with reasonable care avoiding spattering or surface boiling of the solution. Personal protective equipment is needed before unscrewing the cap of the bottle having concentrated acid in the laboratory, at your workplace, or in your home. Safety glasses, a face shield for splash protection, gloves, and a vapor respirator are commonly required. An added safety precaution is eyewash stations and washing facilities within arm’s reach.
How To Store Nitric Acid
Store Concentrated nitric acid away from direct sunlight, other chemicals, and heat in a cool and dry area. Substances such as organic compounds, metals, alcohols, or moisture are incompatible with concentrated acid. Humidity of the environment needs to be maintained at a low level. Acid-resistant materials, such as glass containers, are recommended for storing concentrated acids. Use containers with tight caps and place them upright in safe cabinets. Concentrated acids and their solutions should be handled with care and stored on low shelves or in “Corrosives” cabinets.
How To Dispose Of Nitric Acid
Never drain nitric acid directly into the sink or sewer. Routine cleaning with nitric acid often requires thorough washing with plenty of water. Spent acid should always be drained with thorough flushing. Segregate nitric acid waste from all other organic waste before disposal. It should be stored in secondary containers and marked as hazardous waste. Combination of nitric acid waste with any other waste streams could be dangerous and is a major cause of laboratory explosions. Before disposal, exposed parts of the body should be covered including eyes, face, hands, and clothes. Doors and windows must be opened to ensure good airflow before handling strong acid waste indoors. Dilution with water or simple neutralization with a base (e.g. caustic) ensures proper disposal of the concentrated acid.
Where to restock on nitric acid
Now that you’ve disposed of your expired or degraded nitric acid, you will need to restock with a high-quality replacement from a supplier you trust. Lab Alley offers high quality nitric acid at competitive pricing, with a no-hassle ordering process, and fast delivery.
Conclusion
Chemical waste disposal can be expensive for labs and businesses. Businesses must schedule waste pick-up from a hazardous waste disposal company. Minimizing your hazardous waste is one way to cut business costs. It will also reduce costs from replacing expired or spilled reagents.