Student safety sheets

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For further information, consult the latest edition of the CLEAPSS Hazcards or Laboratory Handbook 

©

 CLEAPSS 2013 

 

STUDENT SAFETY SHEETS

42

Barium compounds 

Substance Hazard 

Comment 

Barium chloride

 

Solid 

T 

TOXIC

 

Until recently, it was classed as 

HARMFUL

 if swallowed or if dust is 

breathed in. It is irritating to the eyes, skin, lungs etc. 

Barium chloride 

Solution

 

(If 1 M or more) 

T 

TOXIC

 

Until recently, it was classed as 

HARMFUL

 if swallowed. It is 

irritating to the eyes, skin, lungs etc. 

Barium chloride 

Solution

 

(If 0.1 M or more but less 

than 1 M) 

H 

HARMFUL

 

It is harmful if swallowed and irritating to the eyes, skin, lungs, etc. 

Barium chloride 

Solution 

(If less than 0.1 M) 

LOW HAZARD

 

- 

Barium nitrate(V) 

Solid 

OH 

OXIDISING 

/ 

HARMFUL

 

It is harmful if swallowed and inhaled. 

Barium nitrate(V) 

Solution 

LOW HAZARD

 

- 

Barium sulfate(VI) 

Solid 

LOW HAZARD

 

Unlike most barium compounds, barium sulfate(VI) is 

LOW HAZARD

 

because it does not dissolve in water or acids. Hence it is safe to eat 

a ‘barium (sulfate) meal’, before being X-rayed. 

Typical control measures to reduce risk

 

•  Use the lowest concentration possible. 

•  Use the smallest quantity possible. 

•  Wear eye protection. 

•  Wash hands after handling barium compounds. 

Assessing the risks

 

•  What are the details of the activity to be undertaken? What are the hazards? 

•  What is the chance of something going wrong? 

 

Eg, Somebody drinking a toxic solution by mistake.

 

•  How serious would it be if something did go wrong? 

•  How can the risk(s) be controlled for this activity? 

 

Eg, Can it be done safely? Does the procedure need to be altered? Should goggles or safety spectacles be worn?

 

Emergency action

 

•  In the eye 

Flood the eye with gently-running tap water for at least 10 minutes. See a doctor. 

• Swallowed 

Do no more than wash out the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Sips of water 

may help cool the throat and help keep the airway open. See a doctor. 

•  Spilt on the skin or 

clothing 

Brush off any solid. Remove contaminated clothing. Drench the skin with plenty of water. 

If a large area is affected or blistering occurs, see a doctor. Rinse contaminated clothing 

with water. 

•  Spilt on the floor, 

bench, etc 

Scoop up any solid. Rinse the area with water, diluting greatly. Solutions should be 

treated with mineral absorbent (eg, cat litter).