Make sure that the fume hood works before you begin working. In case of an acid spill, pour the baking soda over the spill. You will see bubbling, which means that the neutralization is taking place as gaseous C02 is released. Test the pH of the spill with pH paper. Once it’s between 6 and 9, it’s safe to wipe the spill with a sponge and wash the material down the sink.
Stand outside the fume hood, with the beakers and acid inside the hood. Place your gloved hands inside the fume hood and do all your work at least 6 inches (15. 2 cm) in from the hood opening. [5] X Research source
You are now done with the acids. Neutralize the acids by pouring baking soda into the beaker of acid, waiting until the bubbling stops. Then turn on the water and pour the neutralized acid down the drain. Run the water for a few more seconds, then turn it off.
What you are essentially doing is washing the paper to get off excess acid.
Make sure that they aren’t overlapping so that they can dry quicker.
If you notice bubbling, take the beaker to the sink and pour out the sodium bicarbonate, holding the papers back with the glass stirrer. Then add water as you did before, adding it and emptying a few times. Wait for the paper to thoroughly dry, either overnight or for 8 hours.
After you finish playing with your flash paper, put any additional pieces of paper in a safe location like a drawer or envelope, as they are extremely flammable!
