The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is the primary technical document for communicating comprehensive health, safety, and physical hazard information about a chemical substance. The current standardized SDS format provides detailed guidance for handling, storage, and emergency procedures. Acetic acid, the chemical compound that gives vinegar its characteristic odor, ranges from dilute household forms to highly corrosive and flammable concentrated forms, often called glacial acetic acid. The SDS for concentrated acetic acid is a foundational resource for anyone working with the substance, outlining its dangers and necessary precautions.
The Standardized 16-Section Format
The structure and content of the Safety Data Sheet are strictly regulated in the United States by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This mandate aligns with the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), ensuring a consistent approach to hazard communication worldwide. The standardization of the SDS into sixteen specific sections means users can quickly locate critical information, regardless of the chemical manufacturer or the specific country of origin.
The SDS systematically covers areas ranging from chemical identification and hazard warnings to technical data and regulatory compliance details. The document is standardized into sixteen specific sections:
- Identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicological information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
Immediate Risks and Emergency Procedures
The sections addressing hazards and emergency response detail the most immediate safety information. Concentrated acetic acid is classified as a flammable liquid that causes severe skin burns and eye damage. The SDS uses the signal word “Danger” and the corrosion pictogram to communicate these severe health hazards instantly. The acid is intensely corrosive, causing severe tissue damage to the skin, eyes, and the entire digestive tract if ingested.
First-aid guidelines emphasize the immediate need for prolonged flushing with water for at least fifteen minutes following skin or eye contact, removing contaminated clothing simultaneously. In cases of inhalation, which can cause severe irritation to the respiratory tract, the affected person must be moved to fresh air and immediate medical attention sought, as pulmonary edema can be delayed. If ingested, the SDS strictly advises rinsing the mouth but prohibits inducing vomiting due to the danger of perforating the esophagus and stomach.
In the event of a fire, concentrated acetic acid is classified as a combustible liquid with a flash point around \(39^\circ\text{C}\) (\(102^\circ\text{F}\)). Suitable extinguishing agents include water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, or dry chemical powder. A solid stream of water is explicitly unsuitable because it can scatter and spread the burning liquid. During a fire, toxic combustion products like carbon monoxide may be released, necessitating the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighters.
Accidental release measures, covered in Section 6, outline procedures for containing spills and leaks. For small spills, the use of inert, non-combustible absorbent materials like sand or vermiculite is recommended, followed by neutralization with an agent like soda ash or lime. Personnel involved in cleanup must wear full protective equipment, and all potential ignition sources, such as sparks or open flames, must be eliminated. Large spills require diking to prevent the material from entering waterways, as acetic acid is harmful to aquatic life and can significantly affect the pH of water.
Day-to-Day Handling and Personal Protective Measures
The SDS provides detailed instructions for safe handling and storage to prevent accidents during routine use. Acetic acid must be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and open flame. It is important to store the chemical away from incompatible materials, including strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and certain metals, as violent reactions can occur. Containers must be kept tightly closed, and precautions against static discharge, such as proper grounding, are necessary when transferring the liquid.
Exposure controls and personal protection measures are precisely defined to protect workers from inhalation and contact hazards. Engineering controls typically require the use of local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne vapor concentrations below established limits. For respiratory protection, a chemical respirator equipped with acid gas cartridges is necessary when exposure levels might exceed the permissible limits. The SDS specifies that the minimum Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for concentrated acetic acid includes chemical splash goggles and a face shield, with immediate medical attention required for any eye exposure.
For dermal protection, specific types of chemical-resistant gloves, such as nitrile, are often required; users should verify the manufacturer’s compatibility data for the specific concentration. The SDS also provides official exposure limits, such as the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 10 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an eight-hour workday. Short-term exposure limits (STEL) are also provided, typically around 15 ppm, which should not be exceeded during any fifteen-minute period.
Technical Data and Compliance Information
The section on physical and chemical properties provides essential data for safe use and emergency planning. The substance is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive, pungent, vinegar-like odor. Key data points include the boiling point of \(117^\circ\text{C}\) for the concentrated form. The document also details its solubility in water and its density, which is slightly greater than water, aiding in spill response calculations.
Information regarding stability and reactivity confirms that acetic acid is stable under normal conditions but warns against conditions to avoid, such as heat, open flames, and incompatible materials. Toxicological information summarizes the health effects, confirming the substance’s corrosive nature. This section discusses both acute effects, like severe burns, and potential chronic effects from long-term exposure, such as inflammation of the respiratory tract.
Ecological information notes that the substance is harmful to aquatic organisms and can affect the acidity of water systems. Disposal considerations outline the proper procedures for waste, which must comply with all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Transport information provides the necessary shipping classification, such as the UN number (UN 2789 for glacial acetic acid), hazard class, and packaging group, mandated for safe transport.