Student safety sheets 49

Zinc and its compounds

including zinc oxide, carbonate, sulfate(VI), chloride and bromide
Substance Hazard Comment
Zinc (metal) Currently not classified Pure zinc does not react readily with dilute acids
granulated or sheets of metal as hazardous without a catalyst (usually copper(II) sulfate). Iron or
steel is often coated with zinc (galvanised) to protect
it from rusting.
Zinc (metal) DANGER: in contact with water releases flammable
powder or dust gases which ignite spontaneously; catches fire
spontaneously if exposed to air; toxic to aquatic life
FLAMMABLE with long-lasting effects. Reacts violently with iodine,
sulfur and copper(II) oxide. Most school samples have
a surface coating of zinc oxide, making reactions
unpredictable.
ENVIRON. HAZARD
Zinc oxide Currently not classified The zinc oxide fumes (‘philosopher’s wool’) formed
Zinc carbonate as hazardous when zinc dust burns in air are regarded as hazardous
dust.
Zinc salts DANGER: Harmful if swallowed (especially saturated
Solids or concentrated solutions solutions for crystal growing); causes serious eye
Sulfate(VI) (if 1.5 M or more) damage (sulfate); causes severe skin burns and eye
Chloride / bromide (if 1 M or more) CORROSIVE HARMFUL damage (chloride & bromide); toxic to aquatic life
with long lasting effects.
When preparing zinc sulfate by reacting zinc and
sulfuric acid, the reaction can be slow and is often
ENVIRON. HAZARD incomplete.
Zinc salts (most solutions) DANGER: corrosive to eyes (all) and to skin (chloride
Sulfate(VI) (if less than 1.5 M but 0.2 M or more) and bromide); respiratory irritant (chloride if more
Chloride (if less than 1M but 0.2 M or more) than 0.4 M, bromide if more than 0.2 M).
Bromide (if less than 1 M but 0.1 M or more) CORROSIVE IRRITANT
Zinc salts (dilute solutions) WARNING: irritating to eyes (all) and skin (chloride &
Sulfate(VI) (if less than 0.2 M but 0.06 M or more) bromide).
Chloride (if less than 0.2 M but 0.1 M or more)
Bromide (if less than 0.1 M but 0.05 M or more) IRRITANT
Zinc salts (very dilute solutions) Currently not classified –
Sulfate(VI) (if less than 0.06 M) as hazardous
Chloride (if less than 0.1 M)
Bromide (if less than 0.05 M)
Typical control measures to reduce risk
 Use the lowest possible quantities and concentrations.
 Only electrolyse zinc chloride/bromide solutions briefly, unless in a fume cupboard (essential for molten compounds).
 Assume zinc powder/dust is fresh and not partially oxidised on the surface.
 When reacting zinc and acid, check no acid remains before evaporating solutions (pH should be 4 or higher).
 Wear eye protection.
Assessing the risks
 What are the details of the activity to be undertaken? What are the hazards?
 What is the chance of something going wrong?
eg solutions spurting out of test tubes when heated or solutions heated to dryness and decomposing.
 How serious would it be if something did go wrong?
eg are there hazardous reaction products (such as chlorine from the electrolysis of zinc chloride)?
 How can the risk(s) be controlled for this activity?
eg can it be done safely? Does the procedure need to be altered? Should goggles or safety spectacles be worn?
Emergency action
In all emergency situations, alert the responsible adult immediately. Be aware that actions may include the following:
 In the eye Irrigate the eye with gently-running tap water for at least 20 minutes. Call 999/111.
 In the mouth/swallowed Do no more than rinse and spit with drinking water. Do not induce vomiting. Call 999/111.
 Dust breathed in Remove the casualty to fresh air. Consult a medic if breathing is difficult.
 Spilt on the skin or clothing Remove contaminated clothing. Irrigate the affected area with gently-running tap water for at least 20
minutes. Call 999/111 as appropriate. Rinse clothing.
 Spilt on the floor, bench, etc Scoop up solid (take care not to raise dust). Wipe up small solution spills or any traces of solid with
cloth; for larger spills use mineral absorbent (eg cat litter).

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