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Previous by Date: Subject: Re: FW: Mercury Hazard Date: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:18:52 -0400 Author: "Dr. Jay A. Young" |
Next by Date: Subject: Re: Picric acid Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:43:34 -0400 Author: Russ Phifer |
Hi all, You were all so helpful with my question about amorphous silica, I am asking your help on another matter. One of our technicians in our weekly chemical disposal round came across two small (about 25 ml) containers of picric acid. They were obviously ancient, but at the time she was unaware of the danger of dried out picric acid. It was noticed by someone near the storage area, and due panic ensued. The problem is the label is obviously yellow stained, it appears to be a glass bottle with a plastic cap, with no visible 'fur' around the edges. The label obscures the contents, so we don't know if there is liquid or solid in the containers. Worst case would be around 20g total dried picric acid (as would be supplied as 40% slurry in water). Now no one can say what to do or what will happen. I have had reports from 'evacuate in a mile radius' to just put it in a bucket of water for a few hours. The local chemical disposal company has said the Hazmat response will come in with sirens and explode the thing...which is gross overkill. They were the ones who 'off the record' recommended the water. Chemical suppliers did not want to know. Our central OHS team will come out in the morning and in the meantime it is in a sytrofoam box in a double brick locked bunker with approach doors closed and "Do not enter" tape all over the door. I guess my frustration is none of the 'experts' can tell me is 20g dried picric acid the equivalent of a packet of fire crackers or a hand grenade. Suggestions, comments? Thanks, Paul P.s another remote possibility, this having originated from the dark ages, is it may contain something else! ____________________________________________ Paul Dover Resources Manager Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Action Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences Monash University (Parkville Campus) 381 Royal Parade, Parkville Victoria, 3052. Australia Phone: +61 3 9903 9551 Fax: +61 3 9903 9143 Email: Paul.Dover**At_Symbol_Here**pharm.monash.edu.au Web: http://www.pharm.monash.edu.au
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