Class 8: Corrosive Substances

General Information:

Class 8 (Corrosive Substances) are chemicals that cause severe damage to living tissue and materials through chemical action. They "eat away" at surfaces they touch and the main danger is that they cause chemical burns on your skin or permanent damage to your eyes almost instantly. They are also powerful enough to dissolve paper, wood and metal which can lead to leaks or even structural damage id they aren't stored in the right containers.

Main Hazards:

• Will damage the skin and eyes.
• May emit toxic or irritating vapours.
• May be poisonous if inhaled or swallowed.
• May damage metals, fabrics, glass, etc.

Examples:

• Sulphuric Acid - One of the most common industrial acids that are know for its use as battery acid in cars and trucks. It's a thick, oily liquid that is "water-hungry". It reacts violently with moisture, meaning it can cause deep, charred chemical burns if it contacts your skin or eyes.
• Hydrochloric Acid - Often sold in hardware stores as Muriatic Acid (a diluted form of hydrochloric acid) for balancing pool pH levels, etching metal or cleaning concrete. It's high volatile and gives of "stinging" fumes that can burn your throat and lungs if inhaled.