Why does nobody talk about the dangers of mishandling hydrochloric acid in home geology labs?

I was identifying carbonates with HCL and skipped gloves, which caused minor burns on my hands. After the incident, I researched proper safety protocols and learned that ventilation is equally important. I now use diluted acid solutions and always wear protective gear. This simple adjustment prevented further injuries and preserved my sample integrity.

2 comments

2 Comments

the_mary1d ago

Ouch, hand burns suck, but good on you for fixing your setup.

thea_jones1d ago

Saw a friend singe his fingers on a router he was calibrating. He was so focused on the alignment that he touched the metal casing. Still has a faint scar, reminds him to always unplug stuff first.