mercury _________
phosphoric acid ________
methanol ________
hydrofluoric acid ________
acetone _______
Most chemicals can be cleaned up with a general spill kit, but a few chemicals require specialized spill procedures. For each substance listed, determine whether a general spill kit is sufficient or if a specialized spill kit is needed.
Answer: Here’s the determination for each substance:
Mercury: Specialized Spill Kit Needed
Mercury spills require specialized cleanup procedures due to its toxic nature and potential to form hazardous vapors. A specialized mercury spill kit typically includes tools to safely collect and contain mercury droplets.
Phosphoric Acid: General Spill Kit Sufficient
Phosphoric acid is a relatively weak acid. A general spill kit with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and absorbent materials should be sufficient to safely clean up small spills.
Methanol: General Spill Kit Sufficient
Methanol is a flammable liquid. A general spill kit with proper PPE and absorbent materials should be suitable for handling small methanol spills.
Hydrofluoric Acid: Specialized Spill Kit Needed
Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns. Due to its unique hazards, a specialized hydrofluoric acid spill kit is required for safe cleanup.
Acetone: General Spill Kit Sufficient
Acetone is a common solvent. A general spill kit with appropriate PPE and absorbent materials is usually suitable for cleaning up small acetone spills.
Remember that these recommendations are general guidelines. It’s essential to refer to your organization’s specific protocols and safety guidelines when dealing with chemical spills. If there’s any uncertainty, it’s always best to consult with a safety professional or follow the guidance provided in safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical.