Acids & Caustics (Corrosives)
Corrosives destroy skin and eyes on contact. Masons clean brick with muriatic acid, mechanics handle battery acid, plumbers run into drain cleaners, and concrete workers handle lime and cement every day. A splash in the eye can blind you in seconds.
- Masons
- Mechanics
- Plumbers
- Maintenance
Photo: worker in splash goggles, face shield and chemical gloves diluting acid next to an eyewash station
Common corrosives
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Acids | Muriatic (hydrochloric) acid for masonry and concrete cleaning, sulfuric acid in batteries and some drain cleaners, phosphoric acid in rust removers |
| Caustics (bases) | Sodium hydroxide (lye) drain cleaners, lime, wet cement, ammonia, some degreasers |
| Especially dangerous | Hydrofluoric acid (in some brick, glass and rust cleaners and aluminum brighteners) |
Caustic burns often hurt less at first than acid burns but go deeper. Don’t judge a splash by how it feels.
PPE
- Chemical splash goggles, plus a face shield when pouring or mixing
- Chemical-resistant gloves chosen from the SDS
- Chemical apron or suit, and boots, for large amounts
- Respirator if mixing or spraying creates mist or vapor in poor ventilation
Handling
- Read the SDS before use. See Safety Data Sheets.
- Add acid to water, slowly, never water to acid, which can boil and splatter.
- Use labeled containers, never food or drink bottles. See Hazard Communication.
- Ventilate; many corrosives give off irritating fumes.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or acids; it releases toxic gases
- Never mix different drain cleaners, or use a plunger or snake after adding one
- Don’t store acids and caustics together, or near metals they react with
Eyewash and first aid
- Where corrosives are used, OSHA requires facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body. Industry standards call for eyewash within about 10 seconds’ walk. See Eyewash & Showers.
- Eyes: flush for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open, then get medical care.
- Skin: remove contaminated clothing and flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Swallowed: call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222); don’t make the person vomit.
Hydrofluoric acid passes through skin and attacks bone and heart rhythm, sometimes with little pain at first. Avoid products containing it when possible. If exposed, flush, apply calcium gluconate gel if available, and get emergency care right away.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.151(c): Facilities for flushing eyes and body
- 29 CFR 1910.1200: Hazard communication
- See also: Skin Problems · Spill Response
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