University of Pittsburgh

EH&S Guideline Number: 04-026

Safety Manual
Subject:
NITRIC ACID Effective Date
Page 1 of 3
2/11/15

GUIDELINES FOR THE SAFE USE OF NITRIC ACID

Nitric acid (HNO3) is a colorless to slightly yellow, strong oxidizing inorganic acid. Spontaneous
ignition or combustion occurs due to contact with a variety of organic substances including but
not limited to acetone, acetic anhydride, various alcohols, thiols, amines, dichloromethane, and
certain aromatic compounds. Nitric acid also reacts violently with bases, metallic powders,
carbides, reducing agents, metallic compounds, hydrogen sulfide, and combustible organic
substances.

Nitric acid is listed by The Department of Homeland Security as a “Chemical of Interest”. Due to
security issues associated with nitric acid, minimizing quantities of nitric acid is required.

1. Health Hazards

The health hazards of nitric acid are dependent upon the concentration and type of exposure.

1.1 Concentrated nitric acid and its vapors are corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous
membranes. Contact can cause severe burns and permanent damage.
1.2 Inhalation of nitric acid vapors can lead to respiratory irritation causing coughing and
shortness of breath. Inhalation of nitric acid vapors in high concentrations can lead to
pulmonary edema.
1.3 Ingestion of nitric acid will result in burning and corrosion of the mouth, throat, and
stomach.

2. Safety Precautions

2.1 Employees who work with nitric acid should receive training on the associated
hazards and what to do in the event of an exposure or a spill. A Safety Data Sheet
(SDS) should be kept in the immediate work area where nitric acid is used. The SDS,
along with this Guideline, should be used for training employees on the hazards of
nitric acid. EH&S is also available for providing assistance with training (412-624-
9505).

2.2 Work with nitric acid should always be performed inside a certified chemical fume
hood. Care should be taken to clear the hood of organics, flammables, and other
incompatible substances.

2.3 Chemical goggles along with a face shield are recommended when handling nitric
acid. Due to nitric acid’s corrosive properties, safety glasses with side shields may not
provide adequate eye protection.

2.4 A lab coat and a chemical splash apron (made of neoprene, viton, or other material
which cannot be permeated or degraded by nitric acid) are recommended when
handling nitric acid. Consult EH&S for additional recommendations. Strict adherence
to the University’s Lab Attire Guidelines (EH&S Guideline # 03-001) is necessary
 University of Pittsburgh
EH&S Guideline Number: 04-026
Safety Manual
Subject:
NITRIC ACID Effective Date
Page 2 of 3
2/11/15

when handling nitric acid. Never wear shorts, skirts above the knee or open-toed shoes
when handling nitric acid or other corrosive chemicals.

2.5 Neoprene and/or barrier gloves should be worn when working with nitric acid. Always
consult the manufacturer’s glove selection guide when choosing hand protection for
nitric acid. If you have any questions about which glove to choose, contact EH&S. If
gloves become contaminated with nitric acid, remove them immediately, thoroughly
wash your hands, and check your hands for any sign of contamination.

2.6 An eyewash and safety shower must be nearby and accessible when manipulating
nitric acid. The eyewash must be tested weekly to ensure it will operate when needed.
If exposure to nitric acid occurs, immediately rinse the exposed area for at least 15
minutes. A follow-up medical evaluation is required immediately after the water rinse.
Call Pitt Police at 412-624-2121 if emergency medical attention is required.

2.7 Nitric acid usage is not permitted in a laboratory when personnel are working alone
per University Guidelines (EH&S Guideline # 03-020).

3. Spill Response and Storage

3.1 Small spills of nitric acid (less than 10 ml of >50% nitric acid, or less than 100 ml of
dilute nitric acid) should be absorbed by lab staff with a noncombustible material,
and then placed into a sealed container for disposal through the Chemical Waste
Program. Neutralize remaining liquid with sodium bicarbonate or other suitable mild
caustic material.

3.2 If a large spill occurs, evacuate the area, close the doors, and notify appropriate
chemical spill response personnel by calling Pitt Police at 412-624-2121.

3.3 Store nitric acid in tightly closed containers, in a well-ventilated area away from
organic substances, caustic materials, and combustible materials. Containers of nitric
acid should be stored in secondary containment.

4. Waste Disposal

4.1 Nitric acid waste should never be combined with incompatible chemicals such as
combustibles, acetone, organics, metals, ammonia, sulfides, alcohols, acids, bases or
other oxidizing agents. Contact with incompatible chemicals will cause the rapid
generation of toxic, corrosive gas and the potential for explosion.

4.2 Nitric acid waste should be collected in a chemically-compatible container with a

sealed lid and labeled with a completed orange WASTE CHEMICALS label.

4.2.1 Waste nitric acid in concentrations of >50% should be collected in a glass

container manufactured specifically for the storage of acids.
 University of Pittsburgh
EH&S Guideline Number: 04-026
Safety Manual
Subject:
NITRIC ACID Effective Date
Page 3 of 3
2/11/15

4.2.2 If generating nitric acid waste in concentrations of 50% or less, contact

EH&S at 412-624-9505 for container recommendations and additional
guidance.

4.2.3 In addition to a completed WASTE CHEMICALS label, EH&S has made

available a “NITRIC ACID WASTE ONLY – NO ORGANICS” label that
can also be affixed to the nitric acid waste container to minimize the
potential for incidents. Contact EH&S to request these labels.

4.3 Contact EH&S with any questions regarding the disposal of nitric acid wastes.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FOR NITRIC ACID EXPOSURES

Individuals that are exposed to nitric acid should receive immediate first aid and a medical
evaluation.

Skin contact

1. Immediately proceed to the nearest eyewash/shower and wash affected area for a
minimum of 15 minutes.

2. While washing the affected area, have someone call for emergency medical
assistance – PITT POLICE 412-624-2121.

3. Remove all contaminated clothing.

4. After 15 minute rinse, immediately obtain emergency medical attention.

Eye contact

1. Immediately proceed to the nearest eyewash station.

2. Wash eyes with water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open.

3. While washing eyes, have someone call for emergency medical assistance –
PITT POLICE 412-624-2121.

4. After 15 minute rinse, immediately obtain emergency medical attention.