Lewis, when you changed brands of HCl did you check that the concentrations were the same? It will be on the bottle somewhere in %w/v or just g/l. I haven't looked at commercial HCl so I don't know what range is available.
SDS or MSDS or whatever are very important, as is the need for the reader to have some knowledge. I've just looked at some safety instructions for one of my 'favorite' hazards, liquid nitrogen. Looking at the SDS of one supplier I am informed that one should:
"Avoid inhalation. Use in well ventilated areas. Where an inhalation risk exists, mechanical
explosion proof extraction ventilation is recommended." Really?
Under 'Spillage' I am told to check for leaks using a pressure drop test or soapy water and under 'Fire and explosion' I am informed that fire may cause the cylinder to rupture. Someone doesn't know the difference between gas and liquid.
I should wear safety boots. Fair enough, but nowhere will you be told that liquid nitrogen will not go through leather or gore tex but will go through mesh-top shoes as if they weren't there (and then pool on the sole). If I have been handling it I should wash hands before eating.
At least they recognise that the vapour may cause asphyxiation. However they then go on to list a bunch of symptoms that people who have been asphyxiated but then rescued before any lasting harm was done did not experience. No gasping for breath, no nausea, vomiting etc. Just collapse and then - if not rescued - die.
I imagine that most SDSs are better than that but some are much worse. Try finding good information about CCl3 or BrF5.
