If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire.

If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use and Care of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SULFURIC ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 15 mg/m³: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or powered air-purifying respirator with acid gas cartridge(s) and a high-efficiency particulate filter.

UP TO 15 mg/m³: Full-facepiece chemical cartridge respirator with acid gas cartridge(s) and a high-efficiency particulate filter; or gas mask with acid gas canister and high-efficiency particulate filter; or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SAR with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Gas mask with acid gas canister and high-efficiency particulate filter; or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: Substance causes eye irritation or damage; eye protection needed.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for sulfuric acid is 15 mg/m³.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

The respirator use limitations specified by the approving agency and the manufacturer must be observed. Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing

apparatus; IDLH = immediately dangerous to life or health.

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary when handling sulfuric acid in an open system.

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots, and/or other resistant protective clothing. A chemical resistant full-body encapsulating suit and respiratory protection may be required in some operations.

Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

Guidelines for sulfuric acid, fuming:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Saranex(TM), Responder(TM), Barricade(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Teflon(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Polyvinyl.

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol, CPF 3(TM).

Guidelines for sulfuric acid concentrations above 70% :

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, polyethylene, Teflon(TM), Saranex(TM), 4H(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF 3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HSP(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 4 hours): Viton(TM).

CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, Viton(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Natural rubber, nitrile rubber, polyvinyl alcohol.

Guidelines for sulfuric acid 30-70%:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon(TM), Saranex(TM), Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), 4H(TM), CPF 3(TM), Viton, Tellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

CAUTION, use for short periods only (resistance to breakthrough within 1 to 4 hours): Nitrile rubber.

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol.

Guidelines for sulfuric acid, less than 30%:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber, natural rubber, neoprene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), Barricade(TM), Responder(TM), Saranex(TM), 4H(TM), CPF 3(TM), Tellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol.

There is evidence that this chemical can cause serious skin injury (e.g., corrosion or absorption hazard.

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile and PVC gloves (0.3 mm or less).

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.