Chemical safety

Acetic acid (glacial): hazards and COSHH prompts

Deceptively familiar — glacial strength is corrosive and combustible, unlike the dilute acid most people picture.

Always work from your own safety data sheet. Classification varies with grade, concentration and supplier. Use this page to orient yourself, then assess the task you are actually doing, at the scale you are actually doing it.

Hazard classification

CAS: 64-19-7
Formula: C2H4O2
Molecular weight: 60.05
Signal word: Danger

GHS pictograms

Hazard statements

H226Flammable liquid and vapour
H303May be harmful if swallowed
H312Harmful in contact with skin
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318Causes serious eye damage
H334May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
H370Causes damage to organs
H371May cause damage to organs

Precautionary statements (32)

P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233Keep container tightly closed.
P240Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
P242Use non-sparking tools.
P243Take action to prevent static discharges.
P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P264Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P264+P265Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
P284P284
P301+P330+P331IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P301+P317IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
P302+P361+P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
P302+P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P303+P361+P353IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water or shower.
P304+P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P305+P354+P338IF IN EYES: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P308+P316IF exposed or concerned: Get emergency medical help immediately.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get medical help.
P321Specific treatment — see the safety data sheet.
P342+P316P342+P316
P362+P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P370+P378In case of fire: Use appropriate extinguishing media.
P403+P235Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 176 , retrieved automatically and refreshed weekly. PubChem aggregates from multiple suppliers; entries can differ from the SDS for your grade.

What your COSHH assessment has to answer

Based on the hazard classes above. These are prompts, not answers — the right control depends on your task, your quantities and your room.

Because it is flammable

Where are the ignition sources relative to where this is opened and poured?
How much is on the bench at once, and how much is in the cabinet?
Is decanting done in the fume hood, and are larger containers earthed?
Which extinguisher is appropriate, and does everyone using this know?

Because it is acutely toxic

Which exposure route is credible for your task — inhalation, skin, or both?
Is containment engineered (fume hood, cabinet) rather than relying on PPE?
What is the first-aid response, and is the material for it actually at the point of use?
Is lone working with this restricted?

Because it burns or irritates skin and eyes

Is eye protection specified for the actual task, including splash risk when pouring?
Are the gloves rated for this substance and this contact time?
Where is the nearest eyewash, and when was it last flushed and checked?

Because it can damage organs

Is the exposure repeated or long-term rather than one-off?
Is there an exposure limit to design the controls around?
Are users told what early symptoms look like and who to report them to?

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