A student is setting up an experiment using concentrated sulfuric acid. Describe what the hazard symbol for a corrosive substance tells the student about the substance, and explain two precautions the student should take when handling it.

Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 0 Formulae, equations and hazards · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The corrosive hazard symbol shows a hand and a flame, indicating the substance can destroy or damage living tissue on contact. The student should:
1. Wear eye protection such as safety goggles – acid splashes can destroy eye tissue and cause irreversible damage.
2. Wear chemical‑resistant gloves (and a lab coat) – to prevent skin contact and burns.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording ‘destroy or damage living tissue’ for the symbol. Mention eye protection first, then gloves. Show why each precaution is needed. Keep the answer concise and to the point.

Common mistakes

  • Using vague terms like ‘danger’ instead of ‘corrosive’. Forgetting to explain the reason for eye protection or gloves. Mixing up the symbol for flammable with corrosive.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The corrosive hazard symbol indicates the substance can destroy/damage living tissue (or skin/eyes) on contact
  2. First precaution: wear eye protection / safety goggles
  3. Correct justification for eye protection: acid splashes could destroy eye tissue / cause blindness / irreversible eye damage
  4. Second precaution: wear chemical-resistant gloves (and/or a lab coat) to prevent skin contact / burns

Key terms in this question

corrosive · hazard symbol · precaution

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