What safety precautions are necessary when handling ethanoic acid?

When handling ethanoic acid, it's crucial to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection, and to ensure good ventilation.

Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is a colourless liquid that has a strong, pungent smell. It's a common laboratory chemical and is used in various industrial processes. However, it can be hazardous if not handled correctly. It's corrosive and can cause burns and eye damage. Therefore, wearing protective clothing, including gloves and eye protection, is essential when handling this substance.

In addition to personal protective equipment (PPE), it's also important to ensure good ventilation. Ethanoic acid vapours can be harmful if inhaled, causing respiratory irritation. Therefore, work with ethanoic acid should be carried out in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent inhalation of the vapours.

If ethanoic acid is spilled, it should be cleaned up immediately using a neutralising agent such as sodium bicarbonate, and the area should be well ventilated to disperse any remaining vapours. In case of skin or eye contact, the affected area should be rinsed thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and medical attention should be sought.

It's also important to store ethanoic acid correctly. It should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and incompatible materials such as oxidising agents, reducing agents, and metals. The container should be tightly sealed when not in use to prevent the release of vapours.

In conclusion, while ethanoic acid is a useful chemical in the laboratory, it must be handled with care. By following these safety precautions, you can minimise the risks associated with its use.