Why understanding chemistry is important
HVACR can be dangerous
Top Five Injuries
Electrocution
Falling
Burns (electrical, chemical, temperature)
Toxic Exposure
Fatigue related mistakes (more than just the contractor)
Acid
Alkaline
Solvent
Detergents
Safety materials
SDS Example
Know what you’re dealing with
SDS (safety data sheet)
Required to provide and communicate potential hazards
GHS (globally harmonized system)
universal display of info
faster and better response to injuries
How to read
Safety Goggles
Chemical Resistant Gloves
Aprons / Protective Clothing
Turn Off the System!
Basic Chemistry
Lots of misinformation and misuse of terms, can be dangerous (the more you know)
What defines Acid / Base (alkalines)
pH Scale (potential of hydrogen)
Acid – Neutral – Alkaline (H+ vs OH-)
Examples of Acids
Sulfuric Acid H2SO4 (Battery Acid)
Hydrochloric Acid HCL (Stomach Acid)
Sodas-Vinegar-Beer
Coffee
Egg yolks
Examples of Alkalines
Drain Cleaner
Sodium Hydroxide NaOH (Lye)
Bleach
Ammonia
Soap
Baking Soda
Rib Bone Experiment
5 Rib bones
HF (brite alum)
H3PO4 (scale remover #1)
HCL (scale remover #2)
NaOH (Foaminator)
KOH
Results
Properties of Acids and Bases
Acids
sour tasting
great conductor of electricity in water
neutralized with bases (can’t just add water)
Rinses well
Bases
bitter tasting
soapy or slippery feeling
neutralized with acids
Hard to rinse
Both are great cleaners and we have developed very specific products, both acids and bases to perform in unique situations
Solvents
Can take lots of forms (liquid, gas, solid, supercritical fluid)
Liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution.
water is a solvent (water soluble)
Our solvents are primarily designed to dissolve grease/nicotine/fats
things that are not water soluble
Dangers
Wide range of pH readings 0-16
Exposure
Simple as skin irritant
Dangerous as organ failure (liver, kidney, nervous system)
Evaporate quickly, no rinse in certain application
Can have a strong odor
Conclusion
Really is important to check your SDS