Formic acid (chemical formula HCOOH, molecular formula CH2O2, molecular weight 46.03), commonly known as formic acid, is the simplest carboxylic acid. Colorless liquid with pungent odor. Weak electrolyte, melting point 8.6℃, boiling point 100.8℃. It is very acidic and corrosive, which can stimulate skin blistering. Exist in the secretions of bees, certain ants and caterpillars. It is an organic chemical raw material and also used as a disinfectant and preservative.
Main purpose
Formic acid is one of the basic organic chemical raw materials, widely used in pesticide, leather, dye, medicine and rubber industries. Formic acid can be used directly in fabric processing, leather tanning, textile printing and dyeing, and storage of green fodder. It can also be used as a metal surface treatment agent, rubber auxiliary and industrial solvent. In organic synthesis, it is used to synthesize various formate, acridine dyes and formamide series of pharmaceutical intermediates. The specific classification is as follows:
Pharmaceutical industry: caffeine, analgin, aminopyrine, aminophylline, theobromine, borneol, vitamin B1, metronidazole, mebendazole.
Pesticide industry: Fenmeining, Triadimefon, Tricyclazole, Triazole, Triazophos, Paclobutrazol, Uniconazole, Insecticid, Dicofol, etc.
Chemical industry: calcium formate, sodium formate, ammonium formate, potassium formate, ethyl formate, barium formate, dimethyl formamide, formamide, rubber antioxidant, pentaerythritol, neopentyl glycol, epoxidized soybean oil, epoxidized soybean oil Octyl acid, pivaloyl chloride, paint remover, phenolic resin, pickled steel plate, etc.
Leather industry: leather tanning agents, deliming agents and neutralizers.
Rubber industry: natural rubber coagulant.
Others: It can also manufacture printing and dyeing mordant, dyeing agent for fiber and paper, treatment agent, plasticizer, food preservation and animal feed additives, etc.
.Formic acid and its aqueous solution can dissolve many metals, metal oxides, hydroxides and salts, and the formed formate can be dissolved in water, so it can be used as a chemical cleaning agent. Formic acid does not contain chloride ions and can be used for cleaning equipment containing stainless steel materials.
Hazard Control
First aid measures
Inhalation: quickly leave the scene to a place with fresh air. Keep the airway unobstructed. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration immediately. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, drink milk or egg white. Seek medical attention.
Skin contact: Take off contaminated clothing immediately and rinse with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Eye contact: Lift the eyelid immediately, and rinse thoroughly with plenty of running water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Leak handling
Quickly evacuate personnel from the contaminated area to a safe area, isolate them, and strictly restrict access. Cut off the fire source. It is recommended that emergency personnel wear self-contained positive pressure respirators and wear acid-alkali-proof overalls. Do not directly touch the leakage. Cut off the source of leakage as much as possible. Prevent entry into restricted spaces such as sewers and flood drains.
Small leakage: Use sand or other non-combustible materials to absorb or absorb. You can also sprinkle the floor with soda ash, then wash it with a lot of water, and put it into the waste water system after the washing water is diluted.
A large number of leaks: build a dike or dig a pit for storage. Cover with foam to reduce steam hazards. Spray water to cool and dilute steam. Use a pump to transfer to a tanker or a special collector for recycling or transport to a waste disposal site for disposal.
Protection measures
Engineering control: the production process is closed and ventilation is strengthened. Provide safety shower and eyewash equipment.
Respiratory protection: When you may be exposed to its vapor, you must wear a self-priming filter gas mask (full face mask) or a self-priming long-tube mask. It is recommended to wear an air respirator during emergency rescue or evacuation.
Eye protection: protection has been used in respiratory protection.
Body protection: wear rubber acid and alkali resistant clothing.
Hand protection: Wear rubber acid and alkali resistant gloves.
Other protection: smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited at the work site. After work, take a shower. Pay attention to personal hygiene.  
Fire-fighting measures
Hazardous characteristics: flammable; its vapor and air can form an explosive mixture, which can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames and high heat energy. Contact with strong oxidants can cause chemical reactions. It is highly corrosive.
Hazardous combustion products: carbon monoxide
Extinguishing agent: alcohol-resistant foam, dry powder, carbon dioxide.
Precautions for fire fighting: Firefighters must wear full protective clothing and oxygen breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. Use water to keep the fire container cool, and use water spray to protect the personnel who stop the leakage.
 
 
 
 
 
Disposal
Dispose by incineration or methanol carbonylation.
Operational disposal
Airtight operation, strengthen ventilation. Operators must undergo special training and strictly abide by the operating procedures. It is recommended that operators wear self-priming filter gas masks (full face masks), wear rubber acid and alkali resistant clothing, and rubber acid and alkali resistant gloves. Keep away from fire and heat sources, and smoking is strictly prohibited in the workplace. Use explosion-proof ventilation systems and equipment. Prevent the vapor from leaking into the air in the workplace. Avoid contact with oxidants, alkalis, and active metal powders. When handling, load and unload with care to prevent damage to packaging and containers. Equipped with corresponding types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment. Empty containers may be harmful residues.
Storage method
Store in a cool, ventilated warehouse. Keep away from fire and heat sources. The storage temperature does not exceed 30℃, and the relative humidity does not exceed 85%. Keep the container tightly closed. It should be stored separately from oxidants, alkalis, and active metal powders, and avoid mixed storage. Equipped with the appropriate variety and quantity of fire equipment. The storage area should be equipped with leakage emergency treatment equipment and suitable storage materials.
Method of transportation
During railway transportation, the dangerous goods shall be installed strictly in accordance with the dangerous goods distribution table in the "Rules for the Transport of Dangerous Goods" of the Ministry of Railways. The packaging should be complete at the time of shipment, and the loading should be secure. During transportation, ensure that the container does not leak, collapse, fall, or be damaged. Mixing or transporting with oxidants, alkalis, active metal powders, edible chemicals, etc. is strictly prohibited. Transport vehicles should be equipped with corresponding types and quantities of fire-fighting equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment during transportation. Avoid exposure to the sun, rain, and high temperature during transportation. When transporting by road, follow the prescribed route and do not stop in residential or densely populated areas.