HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Question 1. An old oil refinery is clearing their chemical inventory in preparation of shutting down operations (they are closing) next winter. Of the many chemicals that they still have, two drums contain sulfuric acid identified as 4H2SO4.3SO3. For the shipping description, the product should be described as:
sulfuric acid, spent.
sulfuric acid, fuming (contains less than 30% sulfur trioxide).
sulfuric acid, fuming (contains 30% or more sulfur trioxide).
sulfuric acid, fuming (contains unknown % of sulfur trioxide).
Question 2. Triethylaluminum (TEA) is an alkyl aluminum compound that has been used as the active component in flamethrowers. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding TEA?
TEA is a corrosive material.
TEA is a pyrophoric material.
Aluminum hydroxide is produced from the combustion of TEA.
TEA has a flashpoint of -53 deg C.
Question 3. The primary acids in acid rain are sulfuric and nitric acids. When it rains, a chemical reaction between the sulfuric acid (in the rain) and limestone structures will form carbon dioxide, water, and a salt of the metal. This salt is:
CaCl2.
CaCO3.
Ca(NO3)2.
CaSO4.
Question 4. A common product of hydrolysis when some substances react with water is hydrogen chloride. Which of the following water reactive substances does NOT produce hydrogen chloride?
Acetyl chloride
Chlorine dioxide (hydrate)
Chromium oxychloride
Lithium hypochlorite
Question 5. Di-lithium is composed of two lithium atoms. Which of the following statements regarding di-lithium or lithium is FALSE?
They oxidize very slowly in air.
They remain in the solid state even after getting fragmented.
Their temperature exceeds the boiling point of water during their reaction to water.
The hydrogen dissipates into the surrounding environment when reacting to water.
Question 6. __________ is a colorless liquid that is mainly used as a chlorinating and dehydrating agent. When it reacts with water, a gaseous hydrochloric acid and aqueous sulfuric acid are produced.
Question 7. A paramedic responded to an apartment emergency call where a young boy inadvertently swallowed a corrosive (low pH) material. As an initial action, the paramedic could neutralize the kid's stomach with Philips' Milk of Magnesia, a form of magnesium __________.
Question 8. The manager of a medium-sized office hired a fire-prevention specialist to give the annual fire training for their employees. In a pre-test of the audience, the specialist said that lithium, sodium, and potassium fires cannot be extinguished effectively by a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. The reaction of these metals with carbon dioxide will produce __________ and
Question 9. __________ is a regulatory agency that requires employers to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching and flushing of the eyes and body in all areas within a workplace where employees may be exposed to a corrosive material.
Question 10. Vinegar is good with salad dressings and may even be better as an alternative cleaning chemical in households. Food-grade vinegar is an aqueous solution that contains __________% of __________ acid.
Question 11. A truck transporting concentrated acetic acid was involved in a non-injury accident resulting in the release of 300 gallons of acid. Part of the mitigation is to neutralize the spilled acid with a solid material such as air-slaked lime. Air-slaked lime is a commercially available product that consists of calcium hydroxide and calcium carbonate. Quicklime is the common name for calcium hydroxide. When quicklime is exposed to moist air, it absorbs atmospheric CO2 and forms calcium carbonate.
Show the chemical formula of air-slaked lime. Explain the chemical interaction involved with the use of air-slaked lime to neutralize the acid. Is this an effective neutralization method for this release?
Explain why OSHA requires employers to limit employee exposure to acetic acid vapors.
Question 12. A garage that specializes in foreign cars had a small magnesium fire when a car part was ignited. The mechanic knew from his training that he should not use water but could use a dry powder like a sodium chloride based fire extinguishing powder (MET-L-X) or a graphite based (LITH-X). He knows that the CO2 extinguishing powder is not a good choice.
Explain the reasons why the mechanic thinks using CO2 is not a good idea.
If MET-L-X or LITH-X is used, a residue could be left on the metal and if cleaned with water, the fire may be rekindled. Explain the chemical process involved in this phenomenon for both types of fire extinguishing powder.