TDCFMOG - 4-2-2009 at 22:42
As many on this forum know skin exposure is a serious hazard
in any sized chemistry laboratory. Common chemicals like
sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide can cause painful burns
and even permanent damage in extreme cases. In cases
where dilution with water is recommended time and duration is an
important factor and can mean the difference between a mildly
painful burn and permanent damage. While professional labs
have emergency showers, many amateur chemists do not.
Some amateur chemists do not even have running water in the lab
compounding the hazard of skin exposure. A common solution
in these cases is water filled a beaker or similar container. While this is a
readily available solution, it cannot provide a sustained stream
of water, which is often necessary.
A (in my opinion) better option can be purchased almost
anywhere. With simple modification plastic water/cola/etc.
bottles can provide a steady, controlled stream of water for
significant duration. All you have to do is poke several small
hols in the cap. I've found it easiest to use a safety pin heated
with a lighter. After you've poked the hols all you have to do is
fill it with water and try it out. I believe this is an economical,
and readily available solution for any home chemists and I
think every one could benefit by having a few of these around
the house.