Gas Fitter Practice Test

When diluting muriatic acid, what safety procedure should be followed?

1. Add the acid to the water

2. Add the water to the acid

3. Add water to the acid drop by drop

4. Add acid to the water drop by drop

The correct answer is: Add the acid to the water

When diluting muriatic acid, the safety procedure that should be followed is to add the acid to the water. This method significantly reduces the risk of a dangerous reaction that can occur if water is added to acid. When acid is poured into water, the heat generated is absorbed by the larger volume of water, minimizing the risk of splattering that can occur if water is added to acid. This is particularly crucial with strong acids like muriatic acid, which can release harmful fumes and cause severe burns. In contrast, adding water to acid can lead to an exothermic reaction that may cause the acid to boil rapidly and splatter, potentially resulting in serious injuries. Therefore, to ensure safety and prevent hazardous situations when handling muriatic acid, always adhere to the practice of adding acid to water.