Materials Science & Engineering Safety Policy For Handling and Storing Picric Acid

This document is intended as a reference for the department of Materials Science and Engineering personal working with Picric Acid. Picric Acid when dry and crystals formed are extremely dangerous; if there is a sudden impact or pressure is applied the picric crystal could explode. For this reason the contents of the bottle should always have a layer of distilled water on the surface; also the threads should never have crystals on it! The bottle should have a minimal of 30% water in the bottle at all times. Picric acid is toxic by all routes of entry (i.e., inhalation, ingestion, dermal), its also a skin irritant and allergen and will produce toxic products on decomposition. After each use the threads should be wiped with a wet cloth and the lid be rinsed with distilled water to ensure that any picric acid is removed, and the cloth should be washed thoroughly to ensure that no crystals form on it, and dispose this cloth into the Waste Disposal Bottle. YOU MUST HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE MSDS BEFORE USING PICRIC ACID. Incompatible Chemicals: Picric acid is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, bases, most common metals, ammonia, most heavy metals salts (Nickel, Lead, Mercury, Copper, and Zinc), and strong reducing agents; and is extremely susceptible to the formation of picrate salts when in contact with the aforementioned. Many of these salts are even more reactive and shock sensitive than the acid itself. Picrate salts are formed by the reaction of picric acid with any of the following: metals, metal salts, bases, ammonia and concrete. Particular attention must be paid in order to prevent the formation of picrate salts during normal use of picric acid. Storing of Picric Acid: The picric acid is stored in the flammable storage unit in room JHE 240, separated from other reactive chemicals and contained in a secondary container. When using picric acid you MUST inform a MSE technical staff person and prove that you know the dangers of this substance and you have read and understood the MSDS. Weigh out the picric acid in a fume hood. Users CANNOT access the bulk picric acid after work hours (if you need to make an etchant do it before 4:30 Monday to Friday). Any etchants made of picric acid cannot be stored for more than 4 hours. Each month the bottle must be inspected and a sign out sheet checked to notify users that the bottle is safe to use.

Old Containers of Picric Acid: Potentially old picric acid is an item of special concern and garners considerable attention. If old or previously unaccounted for bottles of picric acid are discovered, the following steps should be taken. Most importantly DO NOT TOUCH THE CONTAINER! Depending on how long the bottle has been left and the state of the product inside, even a minor disturbance could be dangerous. Crystals may have formed between the lid and the container. Any attempt to open the container could result in an explosion large enough to do serious damage to personnel and equipment. Visually inspect the container for product identification and check for an expiration date. If the product is relatively new, there may not be a problem. Nevertheless, treat the situation carefully. Inspect the contents of the bottle to determine water content and check for signs of crystallization inside the bottle and around the lid. If there is no evidence of crystal formation and the water content is fairly high, there is probably little cause for concern. If there is even the slightest indication of crystallization or low levels of water in the bottle, the situation is more serious. Contact MSE Staff immediately for guidance! Immediately secure the area and restrict access. A measure of security can be obtained by lightly misting any attainable crystals (such as those that may have formed on the outside of the bottle) with large quantities of water. A water spray bottle is ideal for this purpose. Dry picric acid or picrate salts should not be touched or moved under any circumstances. This is a serious potential hazard. Etchants: When working with picric acid etchants, the etchants CANNOT be stored for more than 4 hours! Once etching is complete the area must be completely de-contaminated; any glassware must be washed thoroughly and any remaining etchant MUST be disposed of in the Acid Waste container. The container which was used for mixing etchant must be cleaned and ensure that the threads on the bottle are clean from any picric acid.

Dangers of Picric Acid: 1. When weighing out picric acid you MUST use a wooden spatula! Concentrated picric acid will react violently with metal. 2. Any dry crystals are extremely dangerous, if there are crystals either in the bottle or on the thread of the bottle immediately get a MSE staff! 3. Never use a metal container to measure out picric acid; ALWAYS use a polypropylene bottle and make sure that container is properly labeled. If anyone is found not following the safe practices of working with Picric Acid or any other harmful chemicals they will be banned from using the Laboratory!

Disclaimer: The document as written contains our best understanding at this time on how to work safely with this piece of equipment. When new information is found that would improve the safe use of this equipment it will be added in a timely manner. As it stands we cannot be held liable for misuse or abuse of these instructions through negligence on the users part or based on the content of these notes.