Describe the hazards and safety precautions for slaking lime

The process of slaking lime (hydrating calcium oxide) is an exothermic reaction that presents significant hazards. The primary risks are severe heat generation and the corrosive nature of the materials involved.

Primary Hazards:

• Extreme Heat (Exothermic Reaction): Adding water to quicklime (calcium oxide) generates intense heat, rapidly boiling the water and creating hot, corrosive steam. This can cause severe thermal burns and splatter.
• Corrosive Material: Both the reactant, calcium oxide (quicklime), and the product, calcium hydroxide (slaked lime), are strongly alkaline and corrosive.
• Eye Damage: The fine powder can easily become airborne. Contact with the eyes can cause severe irritation, chemical burns, and permanent blindness.
• Skin Burns: Contact with moist skin will form calcium hydroxide, a strong caustic agent, leading to painful chemical burns and tissue damage.
• Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling the dust can irritate the respiratory tract, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and potential lung damage.

Safety Precautions (PPE and Procedure):

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, long-sleeved clothing, waterproof gloves (like nitrile or butyl), and boots. A dust mask or respirator (N95 or better) is essential.
• Proper Mixing: ALWAYS add quicklime (solid) to water (liquid) slowly and with constant stirring. NEVER add water to a large amount of quicklime, as this can cause a violent, explosive eruption of steam.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of corrosive dust and steam.
• Container Choice: Use a metal container, as the extreme heat can melt or warp plastic.
• First Aid: Have an eyewash station and safety shower nearby. If skin contact occurs, brush off dry powder immediately, then flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. For eye contact, flush continuously and seek immediate medical attention.