47A Risk Assessment Guidance Hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid HCl(aq) (36.46)

Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [H314]. May cause respiratory irritation [H335].
Note: Some suppliers also indicate: May be corrosive to metals [H290]. The GHS 05 pictogram (and WARNING)
may then be indicated on solutions below 6.8 M (see reverse).
Hydrochloric acid (concentrated) is dangerous in contact with:
• REACTIVE METALS (e.g. SODIUM, MAGNESIUM, CALCIUM, ALUMINIUM). Violent reactions can occur.
• POTASSIUM MANGANATE(VII). Explosions can occur.
• SULFURIC(VI) and PHOSPHORIC(V) ACIDs (concentrated). Hydrogen chloride gas may be released.

DANGER WEL (mg m-3): 2 (LTEL), 8 (STEL); hydrogen chloride gas and aerosol mist.
Hydrogen chloride gas (toxic, corrosive) diffuses from concentrated acid solutions.
Storage code: CLa [Colourless to pale-yellowish liquid]
• Usually purchased as a 35-38% (w/w) solution.
• Once bottles are opened, hydrogen chloride gas can leak out into the store and accelerate metal corrosion.
Firmly close bottles after use. Older bottles of acid may not be the expected concentration.
Storage • Hydrogen chloride gas can also diffuse through plastic; labels on containers will fade and eventually
disintegrate. Containers themselves may become damaged and/or the acid darkens over time. Check the
state of containers, lids and labels on a regular basis. If required, decant solutions into fresh containers.
• Hydrogen chloride gas reacts with ammonia and amines. A white powder (chloride salts) will deposit on
bottles and elsewhere in the chemical store indicating (i) leaking bottles or lids (ii) acid or ammonia/amine
vapours diffusing through plastic bottles (iii) inadequate ventilation in the store.

Follow standard procedures (see Emergency Hazcards and GL 120). NOTE:

• CORROSIVE (skin, eyes).
Emergencies
• CORROSIVE, TOXIC (inhalation). Procedures or reactions may liberate hydrogen chloride gas and/or
produce chlorine gas. See also Hazcards 49 and 22A.

Read this Hazcard in conjunction with About Hazcards (Guide GL 120) Hazcards 2016 Edition ©CLEAPSS (Updated: 11/21)
47A Risk Assessment Guidance Hydrochloric acid
Detailed guidance on specific activities and techniques involving this substance can be found at: [Link]

General use of: Hazard information User Suggested general control measures and guidance
• Wear splash-proof goggles.
Concentrated acid • Protect the face when opening bottles of the concentrated acid
(pressure may have built up) or when transferring or dispensing
and solutions large volumes.
DANGER
≥ 6.8 M Corrosive (skin, eyes). • Avoid inhaling fumes. Use a fume cupboard.
Irritant (respiratory). • Take particular care to avoid skin contact. See activity-specific
TT
guidance and/or GL120.
(Y9)
Other notes; see also detailed activity-specific guidance:
Solutions • Preparation of solutions (TT): See Recipe 43. Solutions below 2 M
are adequate for many pre-16 practicals.
< 6.8 M and ≥ 2.7 M WARNING
• Preparation of chlorine gas (TT): See Recipe 24.
Irritant (skin, eyes).
Irritant (respiratory).
Disposal: W7 à 0.1 M; or W4. See below.
• Wear eye protection even when dilute solutions are used.
Other notes; see also detailed activity-specific guidance:
Solutions Currently not classified • Experience of the use of this acid in school science activities
Y7 indicates that it is appropriate to apply the control measures given
< 2.7 M as hazardous
here. It is advisable to include a warning to this effect on the label.

Disposal: W7 à 0.1 M; or W4

Follow general guidance in About Hazcards (GL 120). NOTE for more-concentrated acid solutions:
Disposal
• W4: Use a fume cupboard. Avoid inhaling fumes.

Read this Hazcard in conjunction with About Hazcards (Guide GL 120) Hazcards 2016 Edition ©CLEAPSS (Updated: 11/21)