Precautions
In chemical laboratories, safety is paramount, particularly when dealing with concentrated acids. The critical precaution outlined in this section is to always add acid to water, and never the reverse. This practice is crucial because when water is poured into concentrated acid, it can lead to violent reactions, generating heat and causing the mixture to splatter. This can result in burns or other serious injuries. In contrast, adding acid to water allows for a safer and more manageable dilution process, minimizing the risk of hazardous incidents. Adhering to this precaution is essential to maintaining a safe laboratory environment.