Corrosive Materials Handling

Talking points

1. Corrosives include strong acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, phosphoric) and strong bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lime). They destroy living tissue on contact.
2. Chemical-resistant gloves are mandatory — but the material matters. Nitrile resists many acids but fails against some solvents. Butyl rubber resists ketones. Check the SDS for the correct glove material.
3. Splash-proof goggles — not just safety glasses — are required when pouring, mixing, or transferring corrosives. A single splash can cause permanent vision loss.
4. When diluting acid, always add acid to water — never water to acid. Adding water to concentrated acid can cause a violent exothermic reaction that splashes acid in all directions.
5. If corrosive material contacts skin or eyes, flush immediately with large quantities of water for at least 15-20 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing while flushing. Seek medical attention.

Ask the crew

Do we have the correct chemical-resistant gloves for the corrosives we are using — and where is the nearest emergency eye wash?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1910.1200
• 29 CFR 1926.55

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

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