This case is about a container that exploded containing nitric. On 2nd December 2011, an undergraduate student was planning to carry out a test that would require the use of Nitric Acid.
No protocol had been set up prior to the students’ first experience with nitric acids. The lab staff discussed the safety and handling conventions casually before the experiment. However, no formal method was used. The nitric was disposed of in a separate vessel. The analysis required soaking the material in acid nitric, to isolate polymers. After that, it was necessary to wash with ethanol and remove any waste. The student, thinking it was safe to do so, washed with nitric the new container of waste.
After washing, the student poured the used nitric in the waste container. Next, the container was sealed with a cap. After the student went, the container blew. The area was safe because nobody was nearby. Glass fragments were all over the hood. The whole area was contaminated with nitric acids. The explosion caused damage to the KOH storage compartment and the nitric solution holder. EHS was immediately contacted to assess the situation and clean the lab.
This explosion occurred because of the violent reaction between nitric and organic materials. The student had closed the bottle while the reaction was in full swing. This resulted to an excess of gas, pressure and explosion. You can prevent these explosions by following the steps below:
Lab instructors must always be present when students are in labs.
It is important to provide students with the experimental protocols in advance.
Lab instructors should have a discussion with students about the experiment before the actual experiment.
The students should be aware of the possible risks and precautions before performing the experiments in the laboratory.
They should then implement the ideas they have learned when performing an experiment.
If you are disposing of nitric, it should be in a separate vessel.
Safety goggles, gloves and a lab coat should always be worn.