Nitric acid safety data sheet: what every employer must know

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is a nitric acid safety data sheet and why does OSHA require it?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is the standardized chemical hazard document every employer must keep on hand and make accessible whenever a hazardous chemical like nitric acid is present. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, codified at 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires chemical manufacturers to prepare an SDS and employers to keep those sheets on file and train workers on them before any exposure. ^[1]

Nitric acid earns its own serious treatment. It's a colorless to yellow fuming liquid that reacts violently with organic materials, metals, and even water under the right conditions. At room temperature it releases nitrogen dioxide fumes, which are brown, toxic, and heavier than air. A spill in a poorly ventilated metal shop or a lab without proper controls can put workers on the floor within minutes.

The older term "material safety data sheet" (MSDS) was the standard before OSHA aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in 2012. You might still hear people refer to a "material safety data sheet for citric acid" or a "material safety data sheet for phosphoric acid" using the old name, and chemically those documents carry the same core information. But since June 2016, the 16-section SDS format is the only format OSHA considers compliant. If your facility has pre-2016 MSDS sheets for any chemical, including nitric acid, update them.

Employers in general industry comply under 29 CFR 1910.1200. Construction employers fall under 29 CFR 1926.59. The requirement is the same either way: a compliant SDS must be immediately accessible to employees during every work shift. ^[1]

What are the 16 SDS sections and what does each one mean for nitric acid?

OSHA Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.1200 defines the required 16-section format. Here's what each section actually contains for nitric acid, because the generic descriptions don't tell you much.

Section 1: Identification. Product name (nitric acid, aqua fortis, hydrogen nitrate), manufacturer name and address, emergency phone number, and intended use. Your SDS should match the specific concentration you're using: 68% "concentrated" nitric acid has a different hazard profile than 20% dilute.

Section 2: Hazard identification. GHS signal word: DANGER. Hazard statements include H272 (may intensify fire; oxidizer), H290 (may be corrosive to metals), H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage), and H330 (fatal if inhaled). The pictograms are flame over circle, corrosion, and skull-and-crossbones.

Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients. CAS number for nitric acid is 7697-37-2. Pure nitric acid is 100% HNO3; commercial grades run 60-70%.

Section 4: First-aid measures. Skin contact: immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes and remove contaminated clothing. Inhalation: move to fresh air right away and get emergency medical help. Eye contact: flush for at least 20 minutes with water, holding the eyelids open. Ingestion: do not induce vomiting; rinse the mouth and seek emergency help immediately.

Section 5: Fire-fighting measures. Nitric acid isn't flammable itself, but it's a strong oxidizer that can ignite combustibles. Fire extinguishing media: water spray or fog. Avoid dry chemicals that may react. Firefighters need self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full chemical protective gear.

Section 6: Accidental release measures. Small spill: dilute with water, neutralize with lime, sodium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate, then absorb with inert material. Large spill: evacuate the area, keep unnecessary people away, and call emergency responders. Never use sawdust, paper, or other organic materials to absorb nitric acid. They can ignite.

Section 7: Handling and storage. Keep containers tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from combustibles, organics, and bases. Use only chemical-resistant containers (glass or certain plastics; not most metals). Containers can pressurize if the acid reacts with residue.

Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protection. This section carries the regulatory limits and PPE requirements. Full breakdown in the next section.

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties. Boiling point varies by concentration (120.5°C for the 68% azeotrope). Density is roughly 1.4 g/cm³ at 68%. Color ranges from colorless to yellow to red-fuming depending on NO2 content and concentration.

Section 10: Stability and reactivity. Nitric acid is stable under normal conditions but decomposes on heating, releasing toxic NO2 and O2. Reacts violently with alcohols, acetone, carbides, hydrogen sulfide, and many metals.

Section 11: Toxicological information. Routes of exposure: inhalation, skin and eye contact, ingestion. Immediate effects include severe burns, pulmonary edema from NO2 inhalation, and eye injury up to blindness. Chronic inhalation is associated with dental erosion and chronic bronchitis.

Section 12: Ecological information. Nitric acid is toxic to aquatic organisms. Spills to waterways are reportable under EPA's CERCLA: the reportable quantity for nitric acid is 1,000 pounds. ^[2]

Section 13: Disposal considerations. Treat or neutralize before disposal. Check federal, state, and local regulations. Nitric acid is listed as a RCRA hazardous waste under EPA.

Section 14: Transport information. UN number 2031, Packing Group I or II depending on concentration. DOT Hazard Class 8 (corrosive) with Subsidiary Risk 5.1 (oxidizer). ^[12]

Section 15: Regulatory information. Nitric acid appears on SARA Section 313 as a toxic release inventory chemical, on CERCLA as a hazardous substance, and on OSHA's Process Safety Management list at concentrations above 80% with a threshold quantity of 500 pounds. ^[3]

Section 16: Other information. Preparation date, version number, key references. A reliable SDS lists the date of last revision here.

What are the OSHA exposure limits for nitric acid?

OSHA sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for nitric acid of 2 ppm as a ceiling value under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1. ^[4] A ceiling means you can't exceed it at any point during the shift, not even as an average. That's stricter than a time-weighted average limit.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL) is also 2 ppm as a ceiling. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) is 2 ppm as a short-term exposure limit (STEL). The immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) concentration is 25 ppm. ^[5]

Here's the problem with relying on your nose. A faint, sharp, acrid odor becomes noticeable around 1 ppm, and the ceiling limit is 2 ppm. The odor threshold sits right up against the legal limit. By the time workers smell it strongly, they may already be past the ceiling. Air monitoring is the only reliable control.

Limit	Value	Type	Set by
PEL	2 ppm	Ceiling	OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1000)
REL	2 ppm	Ceiling	NIOSH
TLV-STEL	2 ppm	Short-term (15 min)	ACGIH
IDLH	25 ppm	Immediately dangerous	NIOSH

Workplaces where nitric acid is used in etching, metal cleaning, electronics fabrication, or fertilizer mixing should conduct air monitoring under 29 CFR 1910.1000's general requirements and put engineering controls in place before leaning on respiratory PPE.

What PPE does the SDS require for nitric acid?

Section 8 of the nitric acid SDS drives your PPE program. The required equipment scales with the task and with the concentration of acid you're handling.

For routine handling of concentrated nitric acid (above 40%), the typical SDS calls for a face shield over chemical splash goggles (not safety glasses), a chemical-resistant apron or full-body splash suit, chemical-resistant gloves rated for strong oxidizing acids, and chemical-resistant boots or boot covers. ^[6]

Glove selection matters more than most people think. Butyl rubber and neoprene hold up well against nitric acid; natural latex does not. Always check the glove manufacturer's chemical resistance chart for breakthrough time at the concentration you're using. A glove rated for dilute nitric acid may fail fast with fuming nitric acid.

Respiratory protection depends on your controls. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosed systems keep exposures below the 2 ppm ceiling, respiratory protection may not be required for normal operations. For spill response, tank cleaning, or any task where ventilation can't be confirmed, a supplied-air respirator or SCBA is the right choice. Half-face air-purifying respirators with acid gas cartridges can work for lower-concentration exposures, but cartridge service life in humid, high-acid air is short and hard to estimate without end-of-service-life indicator (ESLI) cartridges.

Any respiratory protection program must comply with 29 CFR 1910.134, which requires a written program, medical evaluation, fit testing, and training. ^[7]

One comparison worth flagging: the HCl safety data sheet calls for similar PPE, but the glove and suit materials differ because hydrochloric acid is a reducing acid while nitric acid is an oxidizer. Using the same suit for both without checking chemical compatibility is a real mistake some small shops make.

How does nitric acid compare to similar industrial acid SDS documents?

Nitric acid is more reactive and more hazardous in most respects than the acids you'd find in a food-grade or pharmaceutical context. The material safety data sheet for citric acid, for example, classifies citric acid as a mild irritant with no oxidizer designation and no inhalation risk at normal temperatures. The material safety data sheet for salicylic acid similarly covers a solid with low vapor pressure that's irritating but not acutely dangerous without prolonged contact.

Phosphoric acid sits closer to nitric acid on the industrial spectrum. The material safety data sheet for phosphoric acid lists it as a corrosive, non-oxidizing acid. It causes skin and eye burns, but it doesn't release toxic nitrogen oxide fumes and isn't classified as an oxidizer. Its OSHA PEL is 1 mg/m³ (as a mist). Nitric acid's hazard profile goes beyond phosphoric acid's because of the oxidizer classification, the toxic gas it gives off on contact with organics or heat, and the IDLH risk from inhalation.

Chemical	GHS Signal Word	Oxidizer	OSHA PEL	Primary Inhalation Risk
Nitric acid	DANGER	Yes (H272)	2 ppm (ceiling)	NO2 fumes, pulmonary edema
Phosphoric acid	DANGER	No	1 mg/m³ (mist)	Irritation, mist exposure
Hydrochloric acid	DANGER	No	5 ppm (ceiling)	HCl gas, respiratory burns
Citric acid	WARNING	No	Not established	Minimal at normal temps
Salicylic acid	WARNING	No	Not established	Dust irritation only

This comparison matters because some small facilities keep multiple acids on hand and assume the same controls work for all of them. They don't. Mixing up storage, spill response, or PPE between nitric acid and a non-oxidizing acid is a documented cause of incidents.

What OSHA training is required for employees who work with nitric acid?

Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(h), employers must train employees on the hazardous chemicals in their work area before initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard shows up. The training has to cover how to read an SDS, what the hazard classifications mean, how to detect a release, and what protective measures to take. ^[1]

For nitric acid, that training should also cover the difference between a ceiling limit and a time-weighted average, how to recognize symptoms of nitrogen dioxide inhalation (cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, delayed pulmonary edema that can appear 4 to 24 hours after exposure), correct donning and doffing of chemical protective equipment, and the facility's emergency response procedures.

The delayed onset of pulmonary edema from NO2 is worth hammering on in training. A worker exposed to a moderate release may feel fine right afterward and skip medical care, then develop life-threatening fluid in the lungs hours later. This is not theoretical. NIOSH case reports document the pattern repeatedly. ^[10] Train your workers to seek medical evaluation after any significant exposure, even if they feel fine.

If your facility stores nitric acid above 500 pounds at 80%+ concentration, you also fall under OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM) standard at 29 CFR 1910.119. PSM carries much heavier training, process hazard analysis, and documentation requirements. ^[3]

A general OSHA training foundation helps, but nitric acid needs chemical-specific instruction that goes past general awareness. OSHA 30 courses cover hazard communication broadly. They don't replace the site-specific training 1910.1200 requires.

What does a nitric acid spill response procedure look like?

The SDS gives you the general guidance, but your facility needs a written spill response procedure built around your own quantities and layout. Here's what a reasonable one covers.

Small spill (less than 1 liter): Alert coworkers and ventilate the area. Put on chemical splash goggles, a face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, and an apron before you approach. Contain the spill with inert absorbent material (vermiculite, dry sand, or commercial acid absorbent, never sawdust or wood products). Neutralize carefully with dilute sodium carbonate solution or lime. The neutralization reaction is exothermic and generates CO2, so add neutralizer slowly. Collect the neutralized material in labeled, compatible containers for disposal.

Large spill: Evacuate non-essential personnel right away. If you smell fumes or see yellow-brown gas, assume NO2 is present and treat it as an IDLH situation. Call 911 and your chemical emergency contact. Don't try to clean up a large nitric acid spill without supplied-air respiratory protection and appropriate chemical protective clothing. If your facility doesn't have that gear, that gap belongs in your planning.

Spills to drains or waterways may trigger EPA reporting under CERCLA. The reportable quantity for nitric acid is 1,000 pounds. ^[2] Notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802 if a release exceeds that amount.

After any spill, fill out an incident report. OSHA's recordkeeping rules at 29 CFR 1904 require recording work-related injuries and illnesses, and any chemical exposure that results in medical treatment beyond first aid must go on the log.

Keep your spill response procedure and SDS together, posted in the work area, not buried in a binder in the office. Employees need them accessible during the work shift per 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(8).

How do you properly store nitric acid to meet SDS and OSHA requirements?

Storage requirements flow from the physical and chemical properties documented in SDS Sections 7 and 10, and they aren't optional.

Nitric acid must be stored separately from organic materials (paper, wood, solvents, oils), flammable liquids and gases, bases (ammonia, caustics), reducing agents, and most metals. This isn't bureaucratic caution. Nitric acid plus acetone can form explosive compounds. Nitric acid plus a corroded steel container can generate hydrogen gas and pressurize the container.

Use secondary containment. A spill containment pallet or tray rated for oxidizing acids should sit under nitric acid containers, sized to hold 110% of the largest container in the area. Keep containers tightly closed and store them cool; heat speeds up the decomposition of nitric acid to NO2.

Ventilation is required. Store in a location with exhaust ventilation venting to the outside, not recirculated through the building HVAC. Even sealed containers of concentrated nitric acid can off-gas over time, especially old or slightly corroded ones.

For quantities that trigger OSHA's PSM standard (29 CFR 1910.119), storage becomes part of a formal process hazard analysis. For smaller quantities, your state fire code and local fire marshal's requirements may be stricter than OSHA's baseline.

Label every container per 29 CFR 1910.1200(f). Labels must carry the product name, hazard pictograms, signal word, and the manufacturer's name and contact information. A container of nitric acid in an unlabeled bottle is a direct citation under OSHA's HazCom standard.

If your facility runs lockout/tagout for equipment maintenance near nitric acid systems, make sure your lockout tagout program addresses chemical energy hazards, not only electrical and mechanical ones.

What health effects does nitric acid exposure cause, and what does OSHA's standard say about medical surveillance?

The toxicological information in SDS Section 11 is where most small businesses stop reading, and that's a mistake.

Acute effects from skin contact with concentrated nitric acid are immediate and severe: deep tissue burns that turn the skin yellow from xanthoproteic acid formation (the yellow staining is a diagnostic sign). Eye contact can cause permanent damage or blindness. Inhalation of nitric acid vapor or nitrogen dioxide gas causes upper respiratory irritation, coughing, and at higher concentrations chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema.

The pulmonary edema risk from NO2 deserves the repeat. Onset can be delayed 4 to 24 hours after exposure. Workers sent home after an "apparent" minor exposure with no symptoms have died from this complication. Any worker with significant nitric acid inhalation exposure should be evaluated by a physician, not cleared to drive home alone. ^[10]

Chronic effects from repeated low-level exposures include chronic bronchitis, dental erosion (acids attack tooth enamel), and worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions. Long-term epidemiological data on nitric acid specifically is thin; NIOSH guidance leans heavily on data from nitrogen oxide exposures in general.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard doesn't itself require medical surveillance. But if nitric acid is present under your PSM program, 29 CFR 1910.119 does require medical evaluation for certain employees. Beyond that, if your air monitoring shows exposures near or above the PEL, OSHA's inspection focus on respiratory hazards makes a voluntary medical surveillance program a smart defensive move.

Document everything. If an employee reports a health complaint that may tie back to chemical exposure, that becomes part of your OSHA 300 log analysis under 29 CFR 1904.

What are the most common OSHA violations tied to acid SDS programs?

OSHA's HazCom standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) consistently ranks among the top 10 most-cited standards, appearing in OSHA's annual violation statistics every year from 2016 through 2023. ^[8] For acid handling operations, the citations cluster in a few predictable spots.

Missing or inaccessible SDS. OSHA inspectors ask to see the SDS for chemicals in use. If you can't produce it quickly, or if it's the old MSDS format with fewer than 16 sections, that's a citation. The standard requires immediate access during the work shift.

Unlabeled secondary containers. A beaker, bucket, or spray bottle of nitric acid without a label violates 1910.1200(f). Secondary container labels must show at minimum the identity of the chemical and the hazard warnings.

No documented training records. The standard requires training before initial assignment, and inspectors ask for records. "We told them verbally" is not a defense. You need written records showing who was trained, when, and on which chemicals.

Incompatible storage. Storing nitric acid with organic solvents or flammable materials draws citations under HazCom and potentially 29 CFR 1910.106 (flammable liquids) or 29 CFR 1910.119 (PSM).

Inadequate PPE and respiratory protection programs. If the SDS specifies chemical-resistant gloves and workers are wearing latex exam gloves, that's a gap. If workers need respirators but there's no written program under 29 CFR 1910.134, that's a separate citation.

If you want to build your written HazCom program fast without hiring a consultant, SafetyFolio's safety program generator walks you through it in about 15 minutes and produces a document you can actually hand to an OSHA inspector.

Where can you get a nitric acid SDS and how do you verify it's current?

The chemical manufacturer or distributor is legally required to provide an SDS with the first shipment of a hazardous chemical and with the first shipment after a product update. Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(6), employers must keep the SDS for each hazardous chemical and make it accessible. ^[1]

For nitric acid, reliable SDS sources include:

• Your chemical supplier (Sigma-Aldrich, VWR, Fisher Scientific, Univar, and similar distributors all publish SDS documents online and update them with concentration-specific versions).
• The manufacturer's website, which is required to maintain a current SDS.
• Free SDS databases like CHEMTREC or OSHA's own HazCom resource pages.

Always verify that the SDS matches the specific product you're using. A 68% nitric acid SDS is not interchangeable with a 20% solution SDS. The GHS hazard category, the PPE requirements, and even the signal word can differ between concentrations.

Check the revision date in Section 16. An SDS more than a few years old should be cross-checked against the current supplier version. Manufacturers update SDS documents when new toxicological data emerges, when regulatory limits change, or when product formulations shift.

For multi-location operations, keep SDS files in a format employees can reach without digging through a filing cabinet. Electronic SDS management systems are acceptable under OSHA as long as there's no barrier to access during the work shift and employees know how to use the system, per the agency's letters of interpretation on electronic SDS access. ^[9]

Understanding how your hazard communication program ties together with your SDS file is the foundation of OSHA compliance for any chemical-using workplace.

Frequently asked questions

Is a nitric acid SDS the same as an MSDS?

Functionally they cover the same chemical, but the format differs. The old MSDS (material safety data sheet) format had no standardized section order or required content. The current SDS format, required by OSHA since June 2016 under 29 CFR 1910.1200, must follow the 16-section GHS structure. If you have an old MSDS for nitric acid, it's not compliant and you need the current version from your supplier.

What is the OSHA PEL for nitric acid?

OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for nitric acid is 2 ppm, set as a ceiling value under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1. A ceiling limit means you can't exceed it at any moment during the shift, unlike a time-weighted average (TWA) limit. NIOSH sets the same value as a ceiling REL. The IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) is 25 ppm.

What PPE is required when handling nitric acid?

For concentrated nitric acid, you need chemical splash goggles plus a face shield (not safety glasses alone), chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber or neoprene, not latex), a chemical-resistant apron or splash suit, and chemical-resistant footwear. Respiratory protection depends on ventilation and air monitoring results. Any respirator use triggers a written program under 29 CFR 1910.134, including fit testing and medical evaluation.

Can you store nitric acid with other acids?

Not with all acids, and not without checking compatibility. Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer and must stay away from organic acids, reducing acids, and especially any organic materials. It can sit near phosphoric or sulfuric acid only in compatible secondary containment and with proper segregation. Always check SDS Section 10 (reactivity) for incompatible materials and consult your facility's fire code for quantity limits.

What happens if you inhale nitric acid fumes?

Short-term inhalation causes burning in the nose, throat, and lungs, along with coughing and chest tightness. The serious risk is nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can cause delayed pulmonary edema appearing 4 to 24 hours after exposure. A worker may feel fine at first and then develop life-threatening fluid in the lungs. Any significant nitric acid inhalation exposure needs prompt medical evaluation, not a wait-and-see approach.

Does nitric acid fall under OSHA's Process Safety Management standard?

Yes, but only at very high concentrations. Nitric acid at concentrations of 80% or greater has a PSM threshold quantity of 500 pounds under 29 CFR 1910.119. Below that concentration or below that quantity, PSM doesn't apply. Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) applies regardless of quantity, and EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP) may apply independently.

What is the reportable quantity for a nitric acid spill?

Under CERCLA (the federal Superfund law), the reportable quantity (RQ) for nitric acid is 1,000 pounds. If a spill or release equals or exceeds that amount, you must notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. State environmental agencies may set lower reportable quantities, so check your state's regulations. Spills to navigable waterways or storm drains below the RQ may still trigger state reporting.

How often do you need to review and update your nitric acid SDS?

OSHA doesn't set a fixed review interval for SDS documents, but manufacturers must update the SDS within three months of learning of new significant information about hazards or protective measures, per 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(5). As an employer, check your SDS against the supplier's current version whenever you receive a new shipment and at least annually as part of your HazCom program review.

How does the nitric acid SDS compare to the material safety data sheet for phosphoric acid?

Nitric acid is significantly more hazardous. The material safety data sheet for phosphoric acid classifies it as a corrosive acid but not an oxidizer, with no toxic gas evolution under normal conditions. Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer (GHS H272), releases toxic NO2 fumes, and carries a more restrictive OSHA PEL. Both require chemical-resistant PPE, but nitric acid demands stricter storage segregation, fume control, and spill response planning.

Do employees need training specifically on the nitric acid SDS, or is general HazCom training enough?

Both are required. OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.1200(h) requires training on the HazCom system generally and on the specific hazardous chemicals in the work area. Generic training that skips nitric acid's specific hazards, the ceiling PEL, the delayed pulmonary edema risk from NO2, and the facility's own procedures is not sufficient. Training must be documented with the chemical covered, the date, and the employee signature.

What section of the SDS tells you how to respond to a nitric acid spill?

Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures) covers spill response, including protective equipment for responders, environmental precautions, and containment and cleanup methods. Section 8 (Exposure Controls/PPE) tells you what protective gear to wear during cleanup. Section 4 (First Aid) covers what to do if someone is exposed during the spill. You need all three sections to run a complete spill response.

Is nitric acid on OSHA's Hazardous Substances list?

Yes. Nitric acid appears on OSHA's Table Z-1 PEL list, in NIOSH's pocket guide to chemical hazards, on SARA Section 313 as a toxic release inventory chemical, and on EPA's CERCLA list of hazardous substances with a reportable quantity of 1,000 pounds. At 80%+ concentration it also appears on OSHA's PSM covered chemicals list with a 500-pound threshold quantity.

Can I use an electronic SDS system instead of printed copies?

Yes. OSHA has confirmed in letters of interpretation that electronic SDS systems are acceptable as long as employees can reach the SDS immediately during their shift without any barriers, such as waiting for a supervisor's login or sharing a single computer across a large facility. The system must be reliable, employees must be trained to use it, and you need a backup plan for power outages or system failures.

What is the difference between the nitric acid SDS and the material safety data sheet for citric acid?

They sit in different hazard categories entirely. Citric acid's SDS carries a WARNING signal word, no oxidizer classification, and low acute toxicity. It's an irritant. Nitric acid's SDS carries DANGER, an oxidizer designation, fatal inhalation risk, and severe skin and eye burn potential. The PPE, storage, and emergency response requirements aren't comparable. Using citric acid SDS controls for nitric acid would be a serious safety failure.

Sources

1. OSHA, Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200: Employers must maintain an SDS for each hazardous chemical, make it accessible to employees during each work shift, and train employees before initial assignment to work with hazardous chemicals.
2. EPA, CERCLA Hazardous Substances and Reportable Quantities: The CERCLA reportable quantity for nitric acid is 1,000 pounds; releases at or above this amount must be reported to the National Response Center.
3. OSHA, Process Safety Management Standard, 29 CFR 1910.119: Nitric acid at concentrations of 80% or greater has a PSM threshold quantity of 500 pounds under OSHA's Process Safety Management standard.
4. OSHA, Table Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants, 29 CFR 1910.1000: OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for nitric acid is 2 ppm as a ceiling value.
5. NIOSH, Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Nitric Acid: NIOSH sets the REL for nitric acid at 2 ppm (ceiling) and the IDLH at 25 ppm.
6. OSHA, Personal Protective Equipment Standards, 29 CFR 1910.132-138: Employers must select PPE appropriate to the chemical hazard, including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing when working with corrosive acids.
7. OSHA, Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134: Any employer requiring or permitting respirator use must establish a written respiratory protection program including medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.
8. OSHA, Top 10 Most Cited Standards, FY2023: OSHA's Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) has consistently ranked among the top 10 most-cited standards each year from 2016 through 2023.
9. OSHA, Hazard Communication Letters of Interpretation: OSHA has stated in letters of interpretation that electronic SDS access is acceptable provided employees have immediate access during their shift without barriers and there is a backup for system failures.
10. NIOSH, Nitrogen Oxides Chemical Safety Information: Nitrogen dioxide released from nitric acid can cause delayed pulmonary edema with onset 4 to 24 hours after exposure, even in workers who initially appear asymptomatic.
11. EPA, SARA Section 313 Toxic Release Inventory Program: Nitric acid is listed as a SARA Section 313 toxic release inventory chemical, requiring facilities above reporting thresholds to submit annual release reports.
12. DOT PHMSA, Hazardous Materials Regulations, 49 CFR 172, UN 2031: Nitric acid is classified under DOT as UN 2031, Hazard Class 8 (corrosive) with a Subsidiary Risk 5.1 (oxidizer), Packing Group I or II depending on concentration.