There are numerous inorganic compounds that a lot of people are not conversant with. They may not have seen such compound, but they are aware that it is a component for making other products.
Hydrated lime is obtained from a natural resource known as limestone. It is a white powder or a crystal that is colorless which is made from the mixture of quicklime with water. Hydrated lime is also called Calcium Hydroxide or Slaked Lime. You shouldn’t be confused when you see it referred to as builders’ or caustic lime because these are the other names by which the compound can be called. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that contains guides and measures on how to protect the user wherever chemicals are used. Because of the dangers associated with the use of the chemical compound, there is always a need for a hydrated lime SDS in facilities and laboratories where it is used.
As the name ‘slaked lime’ implies, it is made from the mixture of quicklime with water. Every chemical compound has its formula and the formula for this is Ca(OH)2.
Difference between Quicklime and Hydrated Lime
Often times, people confuse quicklime with hydrated lime. They are both different types of lime used for different purposes entirely. The only similar characteristic of the two compounds is that they share the same source of derivation which is limestone. On the other hand, the major difference is that hydrated lime is basically calcium hydroxide and quicklime with the formula CaO is calcium oxide.
As there is a difference in their characteristics, there are also differences in their properties. Calcium hydroxide, as a compound, is soluble in acids and glycerol but not very soluble in water and ethanol. Check here https://en.m.wikipedia.org/ to read the properties of the compound, calcium hydroxide.
Uses of Hydrated Lime
A lot of products contain this compound. It is used for so many things ranging from construction, food manufacturing, paper manufacturing, environmental application and even agriculture. The following are some of the uses of the chemical:
Sewage and Water Neutralization
Calcium hydroxide is used to treat sewage and water. It helps in removing small particles that cannot be seen and making the water clearer.
Food Production
The lime type has its toxicity at a low level, so it is utilized in food manufacturing. It is used to extract juice from sugarcane and the processing and fortification of water for soft drinks. The application of the chemical for food manufacturing varies from location to location.
Removal of Impurities
In the process of steel making, silicon, sulfur and carbon are called impurities.
With the use of calcium hydroxide, the impurities are removed in order to produce different levels of steel.
Lime Mortar
Calcium hydroxide is the basic ingredient for producing mortars and plasters. A mortar is made up of the compound, sand and water. It is a form of plaster and building material. Although mortars are building materials used in the past, it is still in existence.
Relevance of a Hydrated Lime SDS
The use of chemicals can be dangerous to the health. If not used in appropriate ways, it could cause health related problems. This is why it is always advised to avoid unprotected exposure to chemicals, including calcium hydroxide. And for that reason, some information and guidelines are always compiled to form what is called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A Safety Data Sheet is necessary to ensure the safety of staff that work in the labs, facilities or the environment where chemicals are employed for various purposes.
A Safety Data Sheet is an important document that contains details about the chemical compound in use and the recommended precautions regarding the use of such substances by properly trained individuals. It also serves as a guide for the use of a particular chemical compound. SDS is required for the process where every chemical compound (alkaline or acidic), is employed. Calcium hydroxide is alkaline, so an SDS is to be used. Click here to see why an SDS is important.
The document usually comprises of sections arranged in a sequential order. On a sheet for the slaked lime, the sections may be divided into 15 or 16. It is categorized in sections for easy identification of information pertaining to the use of the substance.
A detailed SDS for calcium hydroxide contains the composition of the chemical, the hazards attached to its use, the physical and chemical properties. Other things that can be found on the document includes the precautionary measures, first-aid measures for those affected, measures for fire-fighting in case of emergency, storage and handling and other necessary information.
Workers who would make use of the chemical must be adequately trained and mandated to follow the information on the sheet to the letter. The document should be made available either in print or electronic form. Every section on the sheet must be broken down to the understanding of those involved.
Conclusion
A hydrated lime safety data sheet is only necessary in places where the chemical compound is used and not for consumers of product that contains the compound. The relevance of the SDS cannot be overemphasized.
