Brick Acid Safety
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Brick Acid safety is regulated by the 'Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002' (COSSH). Brick Acid is classified as 'Corrosive' and 'Fuming' and all users or potential users of Brick Acid have a duty to familiarise themselves with the potential risks of handling or working with the material before commencing any job.
Manufacturers of Brick Acid will suply Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) which outline potential risks of Brick Acid and these should be thoroughly read and understood before commencement of work. Brick Acid is often supplied in a variety of strengths according to its intended use. For example, Regular Strength Brick Acid and High Strength Brick Acid. It is important that the correct data is read for the particular strength being used.
Brick Acid is a strong acid which is effective at removing concrete and mortar residues from brickwork or tiles. Brick Acid is also known as Brick Cleaner or Brick Etcher. In order to be effective at cleaning brickwork, the Brick Acid needs to be of a sufficiently high strength. It is often recommended that the Brick Acid solutions supplied is diluted initially to test the effectiveness of the product.
Brick Acid should only be handled in a well ventilated area of under fume extraction. If this is not possible, self-contained breathing apparatus should be worn. Full protective clothing should always be worn when working with or handling Brick Acid of any strength and this should include acid-resistant coveralls, safety shoes or safety boots, approved eye protection in the form of safety glasses or safety goggles and acid-resistant gloves. When handling large quantities of Brick Acid, acid-resistant gauntlets should be used and full face protection in the form of a face mask should be worn to protect against splashing.
High concentration Brick Acid (sometimes sold as High Strength Brick Acid) is strongly 'Corrosive' and can cause severe burns and serious eye damage. Immediate first aid is essential. Concentrated Brick Acid can cause burns to skin and the soft mucous membranes of the nose, throat, oesophagus and respiratory tract. Although non-combustible, 'Toxic' and 'Corrosive' gases may be formed in the event of fire. Self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing must be worn in case of fire.
Small spillages of Brick Acid should be neutralised with soda-ash. Large spillages of Brick Acid should be dammed and absorbed with sand, earth or other inert non-combustible material. Spilled material should be collected and placed in sealable containers before being neutralised with soda-ash. This will cause a severe exothermic reaction where heat is generated so containers must be left for 24 hours before being tightly sealed. The area should be flushed thorougly with water and care must be taken as surfaces may become slippery.
Brick Acid should not be flushed to drains as it can affect the pH measurement of water, rendering it harmful to aquatic organisms. Waste and residues or Brick Acid should be disposed of in accordance with local authority requirements. High Strength Brick Acid is classified as 'Hazardous Waste' and must be disposed of in the appropriate manner.
The Safety Phrases associated with Brick Acid according to CHiP Regulations are as follows and these must appear on the label:-
- S26; In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice
- S37; Wear suitable gloves
- S51; Use only in well-ventilated areas
- S24/25; Avoid contact with skin and eyes
- S60; This material and its container must be disposed of as Hazardous Waste
However, labelling regulations change on 1 December 2010 so for full information concerning the new CLP Regulations, please refer to the relevant Brick Acid Labelling page of this website.
http://www.brick-acid.co.uk/index.php?id=brick-acid-safety | Saved Thursday, November 17th, 2011 - 12:10 PM