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Difficulty: EasyHazardous Materials and Disposal

While servicing a vehicle battery, a small amount of sulfuric acid electrolyte spills onto the concrete shop floor. In what sequential order should a technician perform the steps to safely neutralize, contain, and dispose of this hazardous spill?

  1. 1Put on acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a protective apron.
  2. 2Sprinkle baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) over the spill until all foaming and bubbling ceases.
  3. 3Cover and collect the neutralized liquid using inert absorbent material or clay granules.
  4. 4Sweep the spent absorbent into a designated, labeled hazardous waste container.

Answer

The proper sequence is: first, put on acid-resistant personal protective equipment; second, neutralize the battery acid with baking soda; third, absorb the neutralized mixture using absorbent material; and fourth, place the contaminated absorbent into a labeled hazardous waste container.
The correct sequence ensures personnel safety and environmental compliance by first establishing personal protection with PPE, then eliminating the chemical hazard via neutralization with baking soda, followed by absorbing the slurry, and finally placing the waste into an approved hazardous waste container.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Technician is shielded from chemical burns and splashes.
Safety standards require PPE before directly addressing any hazardous chemical spill.
2
Apply a base (such as sodium bicarbonate) directly onto the acidic spill.
Chemical reaction neutralizes the sulfuric acid into a harmless salt and water solution.
Neutralizing the corrosive hazard must occur prior to physical collection to minimize exposure risk.
3
Spread inert shop absorbent granules or pads across the neutralized residue.
The neutralized liquid is absorbed into a manageable solid.
Solidifying the liquid prevents it from spreading across the floor or reaching floor drains.
4
Deposit the spent absorbent into a designated hazardous waste drum.
Hazardous residue is contained for compliant environmental disposal.
EPA and shop safety regulations forbid disposing of chemical residue in standard trash cans or washing it into sewer drains.

Key Concept

Safe containment, neutralization, and regulatory disposal of corrosive battery acid
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Hazardous Materials and Disposal

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