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Chemical safety

Nitric acid: hazards and COSHH prompts

Corrosive and a strong oxidiser — the incompatibility list is what usually causes incidents.

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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
7697-37-2
Formula
HNO3
Molecular weight
63.013
Signal word
Danger

GHS pictograms

Flame over circleCorrosionSkull and crossbonesEnvironmentHealth hazard

Hazard statements

  • H272May intensify fire; oxidiser
  • H290May be corrosive to metals
  • H302Harmful if swallowed
  • H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
  • H318Causes serious eye damage
  • H330Fatal if inhaled
  • H331Toxic if inhaled
  • H370Causes damage to organs
  • H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
  • H402Harmful to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
Precautionary statements (33)
  • P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P220Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P234Keep only in original container.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261Avoid breathing 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.
  • P273Avoid release to the environment.
  • 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.
  • P301+P316IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P302+P361+P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • 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.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P320P320
  • P321Specific treatment — see the safety data sheet.
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P331Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P370+P378In case of fire: Use appropriate extinguishing media.
  • P390Absorb spillage to prevent material damage.
  • P403+P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P406Store in a corrosion-resistant container with a resistant inner liner.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional and national regulations.

Classification data from PubChem CID 944 , 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 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?

Because it is oxidising or reactive

  • What is it stored next to, and are incompatibles genuinely separated?
  • Can the reaction run away — and is the container vented if it can pressurise?
  • Is the waste route separate from organic and solvent waste?

Because it is hazardous to the environment

  • Is drain disposal ruled out, and does everyone know that?
  • Is the waste container labelled at the point of generation?
  • Is the disposal contractor's consignment paperwork in order?

Others in acids & bases

Acetic acid (glacial)

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

Read

Hydrochloric acid

Standard concentrated mineral acid; the fumes cause as many problems as the liquid.

Read

Sulfuric acid

Highly corrosive and strongly exothermic on dilution — the heat is the hazard people underestimate.

Read

Stop rebuilding this by hand

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