Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive chemical which can harm you by inhalation (breathing its vapors), by ingestion (swallowing it), or by contact with the skin or eyes˳ Hydrochloric acid is a colorless or yellow liquid which has a sharp, pungent odor and gives off fumes˳
A spill should be responded to by trained personnel following containment and clean up procedures˳ The primary goal is to protect people, then clear the area, and contain the spill˳ The proper personal protective equipment should be used and access to the area should be denied˳ All employees should have regular training in spill control as well as first aid measures to be taken in case of injury˳
Inhalation – Breathing
Prolonged exposure to the mist or vapor from concentrated solutions can cause ulcers and burns in the nose and throat˳ Breathing these fumes can cause coughing, choking and respiratory difficulty˳ Severe exposure for just a few minutes may result in a life threatening accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema) and lead to respiratory collapse and death˳ These severe symptoms may not appear for several hours after exposure˳
Swallowing – Ingestion
If swallowed, it can cause corrosive burns to mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach˳ It causes swallowing difficulty, intense thirst, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, collapse and death˳ If a small amount of acid enters the lung during ingestion or aspiration during vomiting, it can cause serious lung damage leading to death˳
Eyes
It irritates the eyes causes burns of the surface of the eye which may result in blindness˳ Very low concentrations of hydrochloric acid vapors or mist can be immediately irritating, causing redness of the eyes˳
Skin
Hydrochloric Acid can cause severe irritation and burning of the skin which may result in blistering and permanent scars˳ Prolonged and repeated exposure to dilute solutions often causes irritation, redness, pain, drying and cracking of the skin˳
First Aid Measures
Inhalation – Breathing
If vapors, mists or sprays have been inhaled, remove the victim to fresh air˳
Get medical help IMMEDIATELY! Symptoms of respiratory distress may not appear for up to 48 hours after exposure˳
Do not give artificial respiration unless you are sure breathing has stopped˳
Start CPR if there is no pulse or breathing but use a pocket mask with a one way valve or proper respiratory device, such as an Ambu bag˳
DO NOT use mouth to mouth resuscitation if the victim swallowed or inhaled the acid˳
Keep victim warm and quiet˳
Swallowing- Ingestion
Call Poison Control and 911 immediately˳
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!
Get IMMEDIATE medical help˳
The victim should rinse mouth well with large amounts of water and should try to drink at least 1 glass of water to dilute the swallowed acid˳
If vomiting occurs, have the victim lean forward with head down to avoid breathing in or choking on vomited material˳
If the victim is unconscious, can’t swallow, or is having seizures do not try to give any liquid or induce vomiting˳
Eye Exposure
Immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water˳
Hold eyelids open to ensure complete irrigation of the eyes and eyelids˳
Do not use any eye drops
GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION˳
An eye wash station should always be nearby wherever this chemical is used˳
Skin Contact
Immediately flush exposed areas with large amounts of water and then, if a large area of the body is contaminated or the clothing has been saturated, immediately use a safety shower˳
Remove contaminated clothing while in shower˳
Flush exposed areas thoroughly with large amounts of water˳
Wash contact areas with soap and water˳
Keep affected areas of body cool
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION˳
Clothing should be well washed before re-use
Contaminated shoes should be disposed of˳
Planning and regular training for all employees on handling a chemical spill and first aid in case of exposure will improve the response in an emergency˳
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