Nitric Acid Safety: Storage, PPE & Handling Best Practices
Nitric acid is one of the most useful chemicals in industrial and laboratory settings — and one of the most hazardous if mishandled. At 67% concentration, it is a strong oxidizer, a corrosive acid, and acutely toxic by inhalation. Understanding how to store, handle, and respond to incidents involving nitric acid isn’t optional — it’s essential.
This guide covers everything you need to work with nitric acid 67% safely and confidently.
Understanding the Hazards
Nitric acid 67% carries three primary GHS hazard classifications:
- Oxidizer (GHS03) — May intensify fire; reacts violently with organic materials, flammables, and reducing agents
- Corrosive (GHS05) — Causes severe skin burns and permanent eye damage on contact
- Acute Toxic — Inhalation (GHS06) — Vapors and fumes (nitrogen dioxide, NO₂) are fatal at high concentrations and damaging at low ones
Signal Word: DANGER — the highest GHS classification level.
Required PPE
Never handle nitric acid without the following minimum protection:
- ✅ Gloves: Neoprene or thick nitrile (minimum 8 mil). Thin disposable nitrile is insufficient for splash protection. Replace immediately if contaminated.
- ✅ Eye protection: Chemical splash goggles (not safety glasses — goggles seal around the eye). A full face shield worn over goggles is strongly recommended.
- ✅ Body protection: Acid-resistant apron or lab coat. Avoid synthetic fabrics that melt on contact with acid.
- ✅ Respiratory protection: Work in a fume hood whenever possible. If working outdoors, use a half-face respirator with OV/P100 cartridges rated for acid gases. A dust mask provides zero protection against acid vapors.
- ✅ Footwear: Closed-toe shoes at minimum; chemical-resistant boots for large-volume work.
Safe Handling Practices
- Always add acid to water, never water to acid — this prevents violent exothermic splashing
- Work in a fume hood or outdoors with strong cross-ventilation at all times
- Never mix with organics (acetone, alcohols, ethers) — risk of fire or explosion
- Never mix with ammonia or bases — violent exothermic reaction
- Use only compatible containers: Level 4 FLPE, HDPE, or borosilicate glass. Never aluminum, copper, zinc, or carbon steel.
- Pour slowly and keep containers close to the receiving vessel to minimize splash
- Label all secondary containers clearly with chemical name, concentration, and hazard warnings
- Never work alone when handling large quantities of concentrated acid
Storage Requirements
- Store in a cool (below 25°C / 77°F), dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
- Keep containers tightly sealed — nitric acid is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture, degrading concentration over time
- Store away from incompatible materials: organics, flammables, bases, reducing agents, and reactive metals
- Use a dedicated acid cabinet — do not store with bases or oxidizer-incompatible chemicals
- Keep in original DOT-compliant containers (Level 4 FLPE bottles as shipped) whenever possible
- Shelf life: approximately 1–2 years when stored correctly
- Inspect containers regularly for discoloration, pressure buildup, or leaks
Spill Response
Small spill (less than 1 liter):
- Evacuate non-essential personnel from the area
- Don full PPE before approaching
- Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) — apply slowly to avoid violent fizzing
- Absorb neutralized material with dry sand or vermiculite (not paper towels or sawdust)
- Collect in a labeled hazardous waste container for disposal
- Ventilate the area thoroughly
Large spill or vapor release: Evacuate immediately, call emergency services, and follow your facility’s emergency response plan. Do not attempt to contain large spills without proper training and equipment.
Skin or Eye Contact
- Skin: Remove contaminated clothing immediately. Flush with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Seek medical attention.
- Eyes: Flush immediately with water for at least 20 minutes, holding eyelids open. Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and call emergency services.
Disposal
Spent nitric acid and aqua regia waste are regulated hazardous materials. To dispose safely:
- Neutralize slowly with sodium bicarbonate until pH reaches 6–8
- Store in a labeled hazardous waste container
- Arrange pickup through a licensed hazardous waste disposal service
- Never pour concentrated or partially neutralized acid down a drain or into a septic system
Documentation
Always keep the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) accessible in your workspace. Our Nitric Acid 67% product page includes a direct download link to the current SDS and Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Shop Lab-Grade Nitric Acid
Grow It Depot ships Nitric Acid 67% Lab Grade in DOT-compliant Level 4 FLPE bottles from quart to 55-gallon drum. Every order includes a Certificate of Analysis.