Chemical Tests and Procedures

This assignment delves into the world of chemistry, focusing on specific chemical tests and procedures. It begins by examining hydrochloric acid (HCl), detailing its physical characteristics, hazards, and safety precautions. The assignment then introduces the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of classification and labelling of chemicals, explaining its standardized elements for conveying hazard information. Finally, it provides HAZCHEM symbols, colour codes, UN numbers, and groups for various chemicals, including nitric acid, chlorine gas, phosphorus, sodium metal, potassium metal, potassium hydroxide, ammonia solution, ethanol, uranium, hydrogen peroxide, vaccines, petrol.

PERFORM CHEMICAL TESTS AND PROCEDURES
1

QUESTION 1
Physical characteristics of HCL, hazards associated with its use and precautions that should be
taken
Hydrochloric acid is a corrosive, strong mineral acid with many industrial uses. It is a
colourless and highly pungent solution of hydrogen chloride in water and when it reacts with an
organic base it forms a hydrochloride salt. The code of HCL is SLH1462, SLH 3154 and it is
also called as Muriatic acid. It has sharp irritating smell and it has sour taste. It is heavier than air
and it gives fumes in the air. It turns blue utmus to red. It is acidic in nature because it exhibits
all the properties of an acid. Some of the chemical properties of hydrochloric acid are:
 Reaction with water: It reacts when water splits into hydrocanium ions and chloride ions.
[H2o(1) + HCl(g) ---> H3o+(aq) + Cl- (aq)]
 Reaction with bases: HCL reacts with bases to form salts and water. [HCl + NaCh --->
NaCl + H2o.]
 Reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates: It reacts with carbonates and hydrogen
carbonates to liberate Co2. [CaCo3 + 2HCl ---> CaCl2 + Cl2 + H2o]
 Reaction with silver nitrate: When HCL is added to silver nitrate solution, a white
precipitate of silver chloride is formed. [AgNo3 (aq) + HCl(aq) ---> AgCl + HNo3]
It is very much hazardous if it comes in contact with the skin and eye and it is also non-
corrosive for lungs. Contact with skin could produce burns; however inhalation of the spray mist
could also produce severe irritation of respiratory tract which could lead to choking, coughing
and shortness of breath. Regular and protracted contact with the spray mist might bring irritation
in the eye and along with skin infection. The constant contact with the chemical could also
produce respiratory tract irritation which further leads to bronchial infection. Since, it includes
highly toxic material; therefore it may produce general deterioration of health. Further, it could
also affect other human organs.
If the chemical comes in contact with the eyes, then immediately eyes should be flushed
off with excessive amount of water for around 15 minutes. Afterwards, medication attention
needs to be obtained. Similarly, in the case of skin, plenty of water should be used to remove the
irritation and inflammation; alongside disinfectant soap can also be used to wash the skin. If it is
swallowed, it should not be induced through vomiting unless it is directed by the medical person.
2

If the person is unconscious, nothing should be given by mouth and tight clothes should also be
loosen. Suppose if the person is unable to breathe, then oxygen is given to the person on
immediate basis.
QUESTION 2
What is Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals?
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals is an
international system which is designed to replace the various classification and labelling
standards that is used in different countries on consistent criteria. It is also used on global level.
It includes standardized label elements which convey information about health, physical and
environmental hazards. Also, under labelling of chemicals, harmful chemicals were marked with
exclamation sign which now is replaced to European saltire. Further, it has signal words such as
“danger” and “warning” that is used to emphasize hazards. It also indicates the level of severity
of the hazard; however on the other hand some lower level hazardous categories do not use
signal words. It also includes GHS hazard statement which describes the nature of hazard. It is an
appropriate statement wherein each GHS hazard should be included on the label for products
which possess more than one hazard.
QUESTION 3
HAZCHEM symbols for following chemicals
Chemicals HAZCHEM
symbol
Colour Number Group
Nitric acid Reddish brown
colour
UN 2001 to UN
2100
Chlorine gas Yellow- green UN 1001 to UN
1100
Group 17
3

Phosphorous White and Red Group 15
Sodium metal Silvery- white UN 1401 to UN
1500
Group 1
Potassium
metal
Silvery- white Group 1
Potassium
hydroxide
White or Yellow UN 1811 to UN
1814
Group 19
Ammonia
solution
Copper UN 2601 to UN
2700
Ethanol Colourless UN 1101 to UN
1200
Uranium Greenish yellow UN 2901 to UN
3000
Group 7
Hydrogen
peroxide
Light blue UN 2001 to UN
2100
Vaccines
4

Petrol Bluish green 0135 277 6054
5