Sodium Cyanide Solution Preparation Safety Operation Procedures

Sodium cyanide is a highly toxic chemical, and any improper operation during the preparation of its solution can pose serious threats to human health and the environment. To ensure the safety of personnel and prevent potential accidents, the following strict safety operation procedures should be followed when preparing Sodium Cyanide solutions.

1. Pre - operation Preparation

1.1 Personnel Training

Only personnel who have received specialized training on sodium cyanide handling, understand its physical and chemical properties, toxicity, and safety operation knowledge are eligible to perform the solution preparation operation. Regular refresher training should be provided to keep their knowledge up - to - date.

1.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear a fully - enclosed positive - pressure air - breathing apparatus to prevent inhalation of any Sodium cyanide - containing fumes.

Put on chemical - resistant overalls, rubber gloves, and safety goggles. The overalls should be made of materials that can effectively resist the penetration of sodium cyanide, and the gloves and goggles should provide complete protection for hands and eyes.

1.3 Equipment and Facility Inspection

Check the weighing equipment, containers, stirrers, and other tools used for solution preparation to ensure they are in good working condition and free of damage or leakage.

Ensure that the ventilation system in the operation area is running properly. A local exhaust ventilation system with high - efficiency air - filtration devices should be installed to quickly remove any potentially hazardous fumes.

Have emergency shower and eyewash stations nearby, and ensure they are in a ready - to - use state.

2. Solution Preparation Process

2.1 Weighing

Weigh the required amount of sodium cyanide in a well - ventilated weighing area using precision weighing equipment. Avoid over - weighing or under - weighing, and record the weight accurately.

During the weighing process, if any sodium cyanide powder spills, immediately use a brush and a special container to carefully collect the spilled powder. Do not use bare hands to handle the spilled substance.

2.2 Dissolution

Slowly add the weighed sodium cyanide to the pre - measured amount of water in a dedicated, corrosion - resistant container. Add the sodium cyanide in small amounts at a time to avoid violent reactions or splashing.

Stir the solution gently with a suitable stirrer at a slow speed to ensure uniform dissolution. Monitor the temperature of the solution during the dissolution process. If the temperature rises abnormally, stop the operation immediately and take appropriate cooling measures.

2.3 Solution Transfer

Use a dedicated transfer device, such as a peristaltic pump or a chemical - resistant hose, to transfer the prepared sodium cyanide solution to the storage or use container. Ensure that the transfer process is carried out smoothly without any leakage.

After the transfer is completed, clean the transfer equipment and containers thoroughly with appropriate cleaning agents to prevent residue accumulation.

3. Safety Precautions During Operation

Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the operation area to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation of sodium cyanide.

Avoid any contact between sodium cyanide solution and acidic substances, as this can cause the release of highly toxic hydrogen cyanide gas. Keep all acidic materials away from the operation area.

Regularly check the integrity of personal protective equipment during the operation. If any damage or leakage is detected, stop the operation immediately, change the damaged PPE, and take appropriate decontamination measures.

4. Emergency Response

4.1 Leakage

In case of sodium cyanide solution leakage, immediately evacuate all non - essential personnel from the leakage area and set up a warning zone.

Use appropriate absorbent materials, such as vermiculite or dry sand, to surround and absorb the leaked solution. Then, collect the contaminated absorbent materials in sealed containers for proper disposal.

Neutralize the remaining sodium cyanide on the ground with an appropriate alkaline solution, such as sodium hypochlorite solution, according to the standard operation procedures.

4.2 Personnel Exposure

If a person accidentally inhales sodium cyanide fumes, immediately move the person to an area with fresh air and loosen tight clothing. If breathing is difficult, provide artificial respiration or oxygen supply.

In case of skin contact, remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected area with plenty of flowing water for at least 15 minutes. Then, seek medical attention promptly.

If sodium cyanide enters the eyes, rinse the eyes immediately with a large amount of clean water, keeping the eyelids open. Seek medical help without delay.

5. Post - operation Cleanup and Storage

After the solution preparation operation is completed, clean the entire operation area thoroughly. Use appropriate cleaning agents to remove any sodium cyanide residues on the floor, walls, and equipment surfaces.

Store the remaining sodium cyanide and the prepared solution in a dedicated, locked storage cabinet. The storage cabinet should be located in a cool, dry, and well - ventilated area, away from heat sources, ignition sources, and incompatible substances.

Regularly check the storage situation to ensure the safety of stored sodium cyanide and its solutions.

By strictly following the above sodium cyanide solution preparation safety operation procedures, we can effectively reduce the risk of accidents, protect the safety and health of personnel, and minimize potential environmental impacts.