Sodium Sulphide

1. Health and Safety Precautions

Sodium sulfide itself is corrosive, and the hydrogen sulfide gas produced by its hydrolysis is highly toxic. Special attention must be paid to preventing the risks of poisoning and corrosion.

Skin Contact Protection: Sodium sulfide solution and powder are highly alkaline and corrosive. Contact with skin can cause redness, burning, peeling, and even chemical burns. Contact with broken skin may also lead to hydrogen sulfide poisoning. When handling sodium sulfide, alkali-resistant nitrile rubber gloves, thick long-sleeved protective clothing, and high-top safety boots must be worn to avoid exposing the skin. In case of accidental contact, immediately flush the affected area with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes. If burns or increased pain occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Eye Protection: Sodium sulfide powder or solution splashing into the eyes will severely irritate the conjunctiva and cornea, causing conjunctival congestion, severe pain, blurred vision, and in severe cases, corneal damage. Impact-resistant, alkali-resistant goggles and a full-face mask must be worn during operations, especially during processes such as feeding, crushing, and dissolving. If contact with eyes occurs, immediately lift eyelids and flush with plenty of sterile saline or water for at least 20 minutes. Do not rub your eyes during this time, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Respiratory Protection: Sodium sulfide, when exposed to moisture or acid, produces hydrogen sulfide gas, a highly toxic asphyxiating gas. Inhalation of small amounts can cause headache, dizziness, and nausea; inhalation of high concentrations can lead to respiratory distress, coma, or even death. Sodium sulfide dust also irritates the respiratory mucosa. Operations must be carried out in a closed fume hood or a forced-ventilation work area, while wearing a respirator (equipped with a hydrogen sulfide filter canister). Operations without protection are strictly prohibited. A hydrogen sulfide detector must be used during operations to monitor the concentration of hydrogen sulfide in the air in real time. If dizziness, nausea, or other symptoms occur, immediately move to a place with fresh air. If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention.

Ingestion Protection: Sodium sulfide is strictly prohibited from being ingested. Ingestion will burn the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract. The hydrogen sulfide produced by hydrolysis will cause poisoning, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. After handling, thoroughly wash hands. Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited in the work area. The product must be stored in a sealed container in a dedicated warehouse, strictly isolated from food, beverages, and animal feed. The packaging must be clearly marked with **“Highly Toxic and Corrosive” and “Do Not Consume” warnings.** In case of accidental ingestion, do not induce vomiting. Immediately drink plenty of milk or egg whites to protect the digestive tract lining and seek medical attention with the product label in hand.

2. Storage and Transportation Safety Precautions

Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated dedicated warehouse. The warehouse temperature should be controlled below 30℃, and the relative humidity should not exceed 60%. Strictly prevent moisture and acid mist.

Use double-layer sealed packaging (inner plastic film bag, outer iron drum or moisture-proof woven bag). When stacking, elevate the bottom by at least 20cm and maintain a 50cm distance from the wall to prevent moisture absorption and decomposition.

It is strictly forbidden to store this product together with acids, oxidizers, flammable and explosive materials, or heavy metal salts, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, and ammonium nitrate. It must be stored separately from food ingredients and daily chemical products, with clearly marked isolation zones and warning signs.

The storage area must be equipped with hydrogen sulfide detectors, dry powder fire extinguishers, dry sand, and other emergency supplies. Water is strictly prohibited from being used for fire extinguishing. A containment dike must be erected at the warehouse entrance to prevent environmental pollution from leaks.

Transportation Requirements: Transport vehicles must be dedicated hazardous materials transport vehicles. The cargo compartment must be dry and clean, lined with moisture-proof tarpaulins, and covered tightly with tarpaulins during transport to prevent rain, sun exposure, and moisture.

Loading and unloading must be done with care to prevent damage to packaging and leakage. It is strictly forbidden to transport this product together with acids, food, or civilian goods. Loading and unloading personnel must wear full protective gear.

Comply with relevant regulations for the transport of highly toxic chemicals, obtain a hazardous materials transport permit, and avoid sensitive areas such as residential areas, schools, and water sources along the transport route. Regularly check the packaging for damage during transport.

3. Emergency Response to Leaks

Small Leaks: Immediately isolate the leak area and prohibit unauthorized personnel from entering. Personnel handling the leak should wear gas masks and alkali-resistant protective clothing. Cover the leaked material with dry sand or vermiculite, then collect it with a shovel into a sealed, dedicated iron container labeled "Waste Sodium Sulfide," and hand it over to a qualified hazardous waste disposal unit. Do not flush with water to prevent the generation of hydrogen sulfide gas and alkaline wastewater, which will pollute the environment.

Large Leaks: Quickly evacuate personnel from the leak area to an upwind location and establish a warning zone. Call emergency services to notify professionals. Personnel handling the leak must wear full chemical protective gear and use impermeable mats to contain the leak area and prevent powder spread. Seal and transfer the collected leaked material. Continuously ventilate the leak area until the hydrogen sulfide detector shows a concentration that meets the standard.

4. Environmental Safety Precautions

Sodium sulfide and its wastewater are highly alkaline, and the hydrogen sulfide produced by hydrolysis is toxic. Direct discharge into water bodies and soil is strictly prohibited. Production wastewater must undergo desulfurization and neutralization treatment (adjusting the pH to approximately 7 to remove hydrogen sulfide and heavy metals) before discharge.

Waste sodium sulfide and its packaging must be centrally collected and disposed of by qualified hazardous waste treatment units. Unauthorized burial, incineration, or mixing with domestic waste is prohibited. The disposal process must prevent the release of hydrogen sulfide gas to avoid atmospheric pollution.