How To Use And Handle Formic Acid Safely

Formic acid is one of the commonly used chemicals across several industries. But as the acid is toxic and hazardous, it is essential to follow the precautions when using or handling the acid.

In industries, formic acid is prepared by the use of methanol. It is the simplest form of a carboxylic acid with a chemical formula, HCOOH. It may also occur in ants, naturally. Because it was isolated from ants originally, it was named as formic acid (Formica in Latin means ant). Around 720,000 tonnes of formic acid was produced in the year 2009 worldwide. The acid has several uses in industries. It is used as an antibacterial and as a preservative in the livestock feeds. It may boost the fermentation rate of lactic acid and may also arrest decay processes so that the feeds last longer. The acid can also be used to kill E. Coli, a dangerous bacterium. The acid also finds use in the leather, textile, fuel cell, and other industries.

1. The pungent smelling acid is toxic. Its exposure or unsafe use may result in problems and health issues like soreness, throat irritation, watering in eyes, chest irritation, and burns on the skin (when in contact). 

2. Hence it is necessary to practice and undertake the necessary precautions while using/handling the acid. These are provided below. 

3. All personnel and individuals who deal with the acid or come in contact with it in any way (through handling, storage, or other ways) should wear protective gear and clothing, including shoes, gloves, and protective eyewear. It will ensure that there is no actual skin contact. It is also essential to wear the masks so that acid fumes are not inhaled.

4. It is the duty and responsibility of manufacturers of the acid to ensure that the working conditions of the workers are safe, and there is no threat to their health. The places should have ample ventilation facilities. First-aid measures should also be readily and immediately available so that minor issues can be easily treated.  

5. It is essential to educate personnel about acid and how it can be dangerous to human health. Trained employees are more likely to take precautions while handling the acid when compared to untrained employees and workers.

6. If any part of the clothing comes in contact with formic acid, it is crucial to remove them. Those clothes should not be worn again unless they are washed and cleaned thoroughly. When the skin comes in contact with formic acid, burns can occur. It is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

7. Companies and industries should see that they have the contact numbers and addresses of ambulances, medical clinics, and hospitals nearby so that they can get medical help in an emergency.

8. Formic acid suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers should ensure that they pack and distribute the acid to their clients in non-hazardous ways. The packaging should be following the guidelines, and transportation and handling should not make the package prone to spills and leaks. Because formic acid is a toxic substance, the supplier should ensure that it is handled safely, and there is no threat to the common people, the environment, clients, or workers during its use and storage.

It is quite crucial for you to partner with a leading and reputed formic acid supplier when you procure formic acid for your industrial or any other need and process. See to it that the supplier is ISO certified and ranks well on the "best supplier" listings. The supplier should take care of the packaging and transportation means and should be able to provide you with the acid parcels in safe ways.