Alkali spills

In the case of a solid alkali spill on soil, groundwater pollution will occur if precipitation occurs prior to clean up. Precipitation will dissolve some of the solid and create an aqueous solution of that alkali which then would be able to infiltrate the soil. However, prediction of the concentration and properties of the solution produced would be difficult. 

Good housekeeping practices will assure the safest working conditions in the laboratory. Always clean up spilled chemicals do not leave broken or chipped glassware lying around and put away all chemical bottles and apparatus when finished with them. Neutralize acid spills with sodium bicarbonate and alkali spills with boric acid. Mercury spills should be vacuumed up with a suction flask or dusted with sulfur powder. Clean up the mercury thoroughly because mercury vapors from fine droplets are highly toxic. 

J. A. Nicol. 1987. Novel compositions and method for neutralization and solidification of hazardous alkali spills. U.S. Patent 8,706,757, Nov. 5 cited in Chem. Abstr. CA 108(2S) 226388t. 

Neutralizing agents for alkali spills such as sodium bisulfate and citric acid. 

Some of the bases are toxic, many react exothermally with water and all are highly corrosive or caustic towards proteins. Alkalis spilled on the skin penetrate much more rapidly than acids and should be leached out with copious water and not sealed in by attempting neutralisation. 

Precaution Incompat. with strong acid, strong alkali spills are slippery Hazardous decomp, prods. COj, CO, ammonia... 

Other sources of hazard arise from the handling of such chemicals as concentrated acids, alkalis, metallic sodium and bromine, and in working with such extremely poisonous substances as sodium and potassium cyanides. The special precautions to be observed will be indicated, where necessary, in the experiments in which the substances are employed, and will also be supplied by the demonstrator. The exercise of obvious precautions and cautious handling will in most cases reduce the danger to almost negligible proportions. Thus, if concentrated sulphuric acid should be accidentally spilled, it should be immediately washed with a liberal quantity of water or of a solution of a mild alkali. 

Even small spills and leaks (<0.45 kg) require extreme caution. Unless the spill is contained in a fume hood, do not remain in or enter the area unless equipped with full protective equipment and clothing. Self-contained breathing apparatus should be used if the odor of acrolein or eye irritation is sensed. Small spills may be covered with absorbant, treated with aqueous alkalies, and flushed with water. 

If the bleach is mixed with an acid, it can release poisonous chlorine gas. To prevent this from happening, commercial bleaches leave extra alkalies in the solution to keep the pH very high (pH 12). This small amount of extra lye in the solution, along with the caustic nature of the hypochlorite itself, is what eats away the cloth if undiluted bleach gets spilled on the clothing. 

This chapter examines an issue that is one of the key determinants of the future of the West European chlor-alkali industry. It examines the environmental, economic, financial and political aspects of a debate whose effects are likely to spill over into North America and Asia - and to affect the development of the chlor-alkali industry world-wide. 

For example, chemical engineering students studying corrosion to learn how various materials of construction may be affected by acids, alkalis, or process conditions in order to select the most economic materials for a particular use would be impacting the safety and loss prevention performance of that equipment because a vessel or pipeline leaking due to corrosion is a hazard to workers in the area. The spilled material may create an environmental hazard as well as a hazardous waste problem requiring special precautions for cleanup and disposal. 

Recent development of sorbents include nontoxic and nonflammable materials that can absorb acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, pesticides, and chlorinated compounds (Plastics World, 1987). These nonreactive sorbents can be placed directly on or around a spill to soak up the liquid. The used sorbent tubes or pillows can then be stored temporarily in heavy-duty spill disposal bags for subsequent treatment and disposal. 

Pyroceramic and ceramic tops are impervious to most chemical spills. The exceptions are typically any of the chemicals that can attack glass, such as hydrofluoric acid, alkali solutions, and hot phosphoric acid. Metal-topped hot plates can take more physical abuse than ceramic or pyroceramic tops. In addition, with metal, there are no concerns about scratches or cracks that, on a pyroceramic top, could lead to further deterioration. Metal-topped hot plates are, however, subject to corrosion from chemical spills. 

If an acid or an alkali (base) is spilled on your clothing, skin or any place in your laboratory, immediately wash the area with lots of clear water. 

Nitroglycerin is used extensively as an explosive in dynamite. A solution of the e.ster. if spilled or allowed to evaporate. will leave a residue of nitroglycerin. To prevent an explosion of the residue, the ester must be decomposed by the addition of alkali. Even so. the material dispensed is so dilute that the risk of explosions does not exist. It has a strong... 

The accidental spillage of acid and alkalis in manufacturing plants and laboratories occur on a daily basis. An amphoteric buffer composed of magnesium oxide or hydroxide and magnesium sulfate can be used to not only absorb the liquid spill and suppress the emission of vapors but also neutralize it (McGillivray et al., 2004). This product is sold under the trade name... 

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