1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respiratory Protection
Dusty environments: N95/KN95 mask or higher (upgrade to half-face respirator with dust filters for high concentrations).
Confined spaces: Use full-face supplied-air respirators.
Eye Protection
Wear chemical splash goggles (add face shield if splashing is possible).
Body Protection
Acid-resistant lab coat/apron + chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene).
Hygiene
No eating/drinking in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
2. Safe Handling Procedures
Ventilation: Operate in fume hoods/local exhaust systems to prevent dust/gas accumulation.
Dust Control: Transfer powder gently using sealed tools; avoid actions causing airborne dust.
Solution Prep: ALWAYS add solid slowly to water (NEVER add water to solid) to prevent thermal splatter.
Critical Prohibitions:
NEVER contact with strong acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄) → Releases toxic SO₂ gas!
Keep away from oxidizers, heat sources, and flames.
3.Storage Requirements
Store in cool (<30°C/86°F), dry, ventilated areas (humidity <75%).
Isolate from: Acids, oxidizers (nitrates, chlorates), food, and flammables.
Keep in original airtight containers (double-lined bags/drums). Replace damaged packaging immediately.
Label containers with: “CORROSIVE” and “RELEASES TOXIC GAS IF CONTACT WITH ACID” (GHS/OSHA compliant).
4.Spill & Leak Response
Minor Spills:
Wear PPE. Cover with dry absorbent (sand, vermiculite) → Collect in sealed container.
Do NOT use water (causes heat/solution spread).
Major Spills: Evacuate area → Contain dust with plastic sheeting → Report to emergency services.
Decontamination: Neutralize residue with 5% sodium carbonate solution, then rinse with water (pH 7).
5.First Aid Measures
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing → Rinse under running water ≥15 mins → Seek medical help.
Eye Exposure: Hold eyelids open → Flush eyes ≥15 mins → Emergency ophthalmology care.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air → Administer oxygen if breathing difficulty → Immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting → Rinse mouth → Drink milk/egg whites → Call poison control.
6. Firefighting Measures
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical, or sand.
Hazard: Fire decomposes Na₂S₂O₅ → Releases SO₂ gas! Firefighters MUST use SCBA.
7. Occupational Health
Annual health checks: Monitor lung function, skin, and eyes for SO₂ exposure effects.
Air monitoring: Maintain SO₂ levels ≤5 mg/m³ (OSHA PEL).
