AHCES Blog

  What is Sodium Carbonate? Sodium Carbonate, also known as disodium carbonate and soda ash, is an organic sodium salt. It has many uses, ranging from being an ingredient in detergents and cleaners to textile processing to human and veterinary medicine. Sodium carbonate has the CAS Number 497-19-8. Notable Properties of Sodium Carbonate In its natural solid form, sodium carbonate is a colorless crystal and when powered it appears white. What Makes Sodium Carbonate Hazardous? Sodium carbonate is an irritant, with exposure causing irritation to the skin and eyes. There are also reports of repeated sodium carbonate inhalation causing irritation and damage to the respiratory system. Sodium Carbonate Frequently Asked Questions Does sodium carbonate dissolve in water? Yes, sodium carbonate is soluble in water. It will break down into carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide. For more information about sodium hydroxide, see the AHCES Lye Safety Guide . 6 Steps for Safety Step 1: Read the Warnings W

Definition of DOT Class 8: Corrosive Materials Class 8 covers corrosive materials. The formal definitions associated with Class 8 can be found in 49 CFR 173.136 . Class 8 Corrosives covers both materials that are corrosive to human skin and materials that are corrosive to metal. The hazard of being corrosive to human skin is the primary basis the regulation is written on and is referred to the most within the relevant regulations, due to the risk to human health presented. Class 8 Packing Groups Class 8 is divided into three Packing Groups, labeled Packing Group I, Packing Group II, and Packing Group III in descending order of severity. The primary assignment of the Packing Group is based on how rapidly the material can cause irreversible damage to human skin. Lower Packing Group materials, meaning more dangerous materials, will have accordingly stricter packaging requirements and restrictions associated with them. Relationship Between Class 8 and OSHA Hazard Classifications Materials

  What is Hydrochloric Acid? Hydrochloric Acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride dissolved in water. Hydrochloric acid has many uses, ranging from leather tanning and electroplating metals to heavy-duty cleaning applications. Both hydrochloric acid, a liquid, and hydrogen chloride, a gas, have the CAS Number 7647-01-0. Notable Properties of Hydrochloric Acid For safety and handling purposes, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen chloride are often treated interchangeably. Hydrogen chloride reacts readily with water vapor in air, forming vaporous hydrochloric acid. This reaction can also take place within the respiratory system, with inhaled hydrogen chloride forming hydrochloric acid when in contact with the moist parts of the airway and lungs. Likewise, hydrochloric acid can give off irritating hydrogen chloride vapors. Even with the overlap in hazards, there are still some different risks associated hydrochloric acid and hydrogen chloride. What Makes

  Definition of DOT Class 7: Radioactive Materials Class 7 covers radioactive materials. The formal definitions associated with Class 7 can be found in 49 CFR 173.403 . Class 7 materials are highly specific in regulations associated with them. Only a properly trained professional should be handling and packing Class 7 materials. Types within Class 7 Different types of sub-classifications are used in Class 7. Normal Form is the default type of Class 7 material. There is also a Special Form Class 7 material, which is a non-dispersible solid radioactive material or radioactive material in a sealed capsule, which meets the requirements of the definition . There are Type A and Type B quantities. Type A packages are a form of limited quantity, defined by ranges of radionuclide values. Type B packages have radionuclide values greater than the limits for Type A. These types determine what form of packaging is required for a given shipment of radioactive material. Relationship