इंटरनेट मानक

Disclosure to Promote the Right To Information

Whereas the Parliament of India has set out to provide a practical regime of right to
information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities,
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority,
and whereas the attached publication of the Bureau of Indian Standards is of particular interest
to the public, particularly disadvantaged communities and those engaged in the pursuit of
education and knowledge, the attached public safety standard is made available to promote the
timely dissemination of this information in an accurate manner to the public.

“जान1 का अ+धकार, जी1 का अ+धकार” “प0रा1 को छोड न' 5 तरफ”

Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan Jawaharlal Nehru
“The Right to Information, The Right to Live” “Step Out From the Old to the New”

IS 5761-1 (1984): Gold Cyanide and Gold Potassium Cyanide

for Electroplating, Part 1: for Commercial/Engineering
Applications [CHD 5: Electroplating Chemicals and
Photographic Materials]

“!ान $ एक न' भारत का +नम-ण”

Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda
“Invent a New India Using Knowledge”

“!ान एक ऐसा खजाना > जो कभी च0राया नहB जा सकता ह”

है”
ह
Bhartṛhari—Nītiśatakam
“Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen”
( Reaffirmed 2003 )
 IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - l!I64

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
GOLD CYANIDE AND GOLD POTASSIUM
CYANIDE FOR ELECTROPLATING
PART 1 FOR COMMERCIAL/ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

( First Revision )
Electroplating Chemicals Sectional Committee, CDC 43

Chairman Repreaetrfing
DR K. S. RAJAGOPALAN Central Electrochemical Research Institute ( CSIR ),
Karaikudi
Members
SHRI B. A. SHENOI ( Altermale to
Dr K. S. Rajagopalan )
DR R. P. DAMBAL Indian Telephone Industries Ltd, Bangalore
SHRI R. VEEUARAG~IAVAN ( Alternate )
SHRI E. D. DHARMARAJ Platewel Processes & Chemicals Ltd, Vadodara
SHH~ M. R. KAM~AR Metal Finishers Association of India, Bombay
SARI H. M. MEHTA ( Alternate )
SHXI GIRISH KAPUT The Atlas Cycle Industries Ltd, Sonepat
Dn KESEAV NARA~N ( Alternate )
SHIESR. D. KAWATRA Directorate General of Technical Development,
New Delhi
SHRI M. A. KOTIBHASKAR Canning Mitra Phoenix Ltd, Bombay
SH~ZIM. A. CHUNEKAR ( Alternate )
DR S. KRISHNNAMURTHY In personal capacity ( ‘SHUBHODA1TA’ 38, Main
Road, Malleswaram, Bangalore 560055 )
SHRI H. R. KRISI~NASWAMY HMT Ltd ( Watch Factory ), Bangalore
SHRI H. SIV~NANDA PATEL ( Alternate I )
SHR.I A. SHANTIIAI~AM( Alternate 11 )
SHI~I P. A. MENON Goldrn Chemicals Pvt Ltd, Bomba!
SHRI Y. M. RAVA~. ( Alternate )
Srrsl K. L. MUTHU T. I. Cycles of India, Madras
SHI~I N. VASUDJ~VAN( Alternate )
DR V. N. NICA~~ Ministry of Defencc ( DGI )
SHRI J. P. SHUI~LA ( Alternate )

( Continued on page 2 )

@ Copyright 1985
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
45 : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

( Continued from pap 1 )

Members Representing
DR T. P. RADHAKRISHNAN Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay
REPRESENTATIVE Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Bhopal
SHRI S. KAMESWAR RAO ( Alternate I )
SRRI RAJ KUMAR ( Alternate II )
SENIOR CHEMIST AND METALLUR- Research,. Designs and Standards Organization
OIST DLW, VARANAEI ( Minutry of Railways ), Lucknow
CHEMIST AND METALLUROIST,
SOUTHERN RAILWAY, MADRAS ( Alternate )
SHRI R. A. SHAII Ronuk Industries Ltd, Bombay
KUI\IARIMRIDULA A. SHAH ( Alternate )
SHRI P. SATYANARAYAWAN Development Commissioner ( Small Scale
Industries ), New Delhi
SRRI J. P. NIQAM ( Altarnate )
SHRI S. K. MATHIJR, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-ojicio Member )
Director ( Chem )
Secretary
SHRI M. S. DATTA
Deputy Director ( Chem ), IS1

Precious Metal Salts Subcommittee, CDC 43 : 1

DR S. K. SONAWAT.A Machsons Pvt Ltd, Bombay

Members
SHRI MULCHAND M~NILAL ( Alternate to
Dr S. K. Sonawala )
SHRI T. P. AQARWAL Ministrv of Defence (, DGI ,1
S&I MADAN LAL ( Alternate )
SHRI B. I’. ARORA Arora Matthey Ltd, Calcutta
SRRI S. P. ARORA ( Alternate )
DR S. KRISHNAMURTHY In personal capacity ( ‘SHUBHODATA’ 38, XI
Main Road, MaUeswaram, Bangalare 560055 )
SHRI K. NAQESH Bharat Electronics Ltd, Bangalore
SHRI N. RAVI BHUS~AN ( Alternate )
SHRI S. R. NATARAJAN Central Electrochemical Research Institute ( CSIR ),
Karaikudi
DR T. P. RADHAKRISHNAN Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay
SHRI S. RAMACHANDRAN HMT Ltd ( Watch Factory ), Bangalore
SHRI R. A. SHAH Ronuk Industries Ltd, Bombay

2
 IS : 5761 ( Port 1 ) - 1984

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
GOLD CYANIDE AND GOLD POTASSIUM
CYANIDE FOR ELECTROPLATING
PART 1 FOR COMMERCIAL/ENGINEERING APPLlCATlONS

( First Revision )

0. FOREWORD

0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part 1 ) ( First Revision ) was adopted by

the Indian Standards Institution on 31 July 1984, after the draft finalized
by the Electroplating Chemicals Sectional Committee had been approved
by the Chemical Division Council.

0.2 This standard was originally published in 1970. This revision is

being issued into two parts: Part 1 deals with the chemical/engineering
applications of gold cyanide and gold potassium cyanide for electroplat-
ing such items as automobile parts, watches, aircrafts and allied
industries. Special applications are covered under Part 2 of this
standard.

0.3 Gold is normally electrodeposited from a solution containing

essentially a double cyanide of gold and an alkali metal, additional alkali
cyanide ( free cyanide ) and other alkaline compounds. This solution
is usually produced from gold potassium cyanide or sometimes from gold
cyanide or gold potassium cyanide. For electroplating process anodes
used are usually that of stainless steel ( alkaline process ), platinized
titanium or carbon ( acid process ) or gold ( acid and alkaline process ).
In recent years the use of gold plating for industrial purposes has
increased. Normally gold plating is used as a decorative finish.

0.4 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this

standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express-
ing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with

3
IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

IS : 2-1%0*. The number of significant places retained in the rounded

off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this
stanclard.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard ( Part 1 ) prescribes the requirements and the methods
of sampling ant1 test for gold cyanide and gold potassium cyanide for
electroplating for commercial/engineering applications.

2. REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Description

2.1.1 Gold Cyanide -Gold cyanide shall be in the form of yellow

powder free from dirt, foreign matter and visibfe impurities and shall
correspond essentially to the formula AuCN.

2.1.2 Gold Potassium Cyanide - Gold potassium cyanide shall be in the

form of colourless whire crystals, free from dirt, foreign matter and
visible impurities and shall correspond essentially to the formula
KAu(Cn)z.

2.2 Gold cyanide and gold potassium cyanide shall also comply with the
requirements prescribed in Table 1 when tested according to the
methods given in Appendix A. Reference to the relevant clauses of
Appendix A is given in co1 5 of the table.

3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING GOLD CYANIDE

AND GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE

3.1 Gold cyanide and gold potassium cyanide are highly poisonous and
sl~all be handled with extreme caution. Useful information on this
subject is given in Appendix B.

4. PACKING AND MARKING

4.1 Packing - Gold cyanide and aold potassium cyanide shall be

packed in a&tight containers preferably wit’h a replaceable closure. The
container shall have an opening of such a size that the material may
easily be withdrawn without any loss.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised).

4
- _.

IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

TABLE 1 REQUIREMENTS FOR GOLD CYANIDE AND GOLD POTASSIUM

CYANIDE FOR ELECTROPLATING FOR COMMERCIAL~ENGINEERING
APPLICATIONS

( Clause 2.2 )
Rwy , !I REMENT h’fF:THr,lr OF
~~~~~~~h~_~_~~ TFST ( REF TO
GOld Gold CL No. IN
Cyanide Potassium .~I’FENDIX A )
Cyanide

(1) (2) (31 (41 (5)

i) Gold ( as .&I ), percent by 88.0 ti8.05 A-2

mass ( dry basis ), Mirl

ii) Silver ( as Ag ), percent by 0.005 o.no5 A-3

mass, Max

iii) Copper ( as Cu ), percent 0.001 0~001 A-4

by mass, Max

iv) Iron ( as Fe ): percent by 0.001 0.001 A-5

mass, Max

v) Lead ( as I’b ) To pass the To pass the A-G

test test

vi) Insoluble matter Nil Nil A-7

4.2 Marking - The container shall be marked with the following

information:

a>Name of
lent gold
the material
in brakets;
and its net weight with the mass of equiva-

1,) Name of manufacturer or its recognized trade-mark, if any;

c) Date of manufacture;

4 BatchjCode Ko.; and

e) The word ‘POISON’ and the appropriate symbol [ see Fig. 11 of

IS : 1260 ( Part 1 )-1973” ] shall also be marked on the
container.

*Pictorial markings for handling and labelling of dangerous goods: Part 1

Dangerous goods (Jirst revision).

5
IS : 5761 ( Part I ) - 1984

4.2.1 The containers may also be marked with the IS1 Certification
Mark.
NOTE - The use of the IS1 Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the
Indian Standards Institution ( Certification Marks-) Act and the Rules and Regu-
lations made thereunder. The IS1 Mark on products covered by an Indian Standard
conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the require-
ments of that standard under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and quality
control which is devised and supervised by IS1 and operated by the producer. ISI
marked products are also continuously checked by IS1 for conformity to that
standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the
use of the IS1 Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processors,
may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

5. SAMPLING
5.1 The method of preparing representative samples of the material and
the criteria for its conformity to this specification shall be prescribed in
Appendix C.

APPENDIX A
( Clause 2.2 )

METHODS OF TEST FOR GOLD CYANIDE AND GOLD

POTASSIUM CYANIDE FOR ELECTOPLATING FOR
COMMERCIAL/ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

A-l. QUALITY OF REAGENTS

A-l.1 Unless specified otherwise, pure chemicals and distilled water ( see
IS : 1070-1977* ) shall be used in tests.

NOTE -- ‘ Pure chemicals ’ shall mean chemicals that do not contain impurities
which affect the results of analysis.

A-2. DETERMINATION OF GOLD IN GOLD CYANIDE AND

GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE

A-2.0 General - Gold is estimated by two methods, namely, ‘electro-

lytic’ and ‘fumigation’. Electrolytic method is meant for routine purposes.
In the case of a dispute fumigation method shall be used as referee
method.

*Specification for water for geneial laboratory use ( second reuision

).

6
 IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

NOTE - Since gold cyanide is highly hygroscopic, due care should be taken in the
determination of gold content.

A-2.1 Apparatus

A-2.1.1 Platinum Gauze Cathode - Cleaned by immersion in nitric acid

( relative density 1.20 ) followed by thorough washing with water,
dipping in acetone and drying at 105°C.

A-2.2 Reagents

A-2.2.1 Ferrous Sulphate

A-2.2.2 Potassium Cyanide

A-2.2.3 Potassium Persulphate

A-2.2.4 Concentrated Sulphuric Acid - relative density 1.84 approximately

( see IS : 266-1977* ).

A-2.3 Electrolytic Method

A-2.3.1 Procedure - Weigh accurately about 0.3 g of the material

after mixing the entire lot thoroughly. Dissolve it in a 250-ml beaker in
water with 5 to 6 g of potassium cyanide. Electrolyze the solution in the
electro-analysis apparatus by using a weighed platinum cathode. After
electrolyzing the solution for about 75 to 150 minutes at 1 A and about
2 V, reweigh the platinum cathode. Evaporate the solution after electro-
lysis and treat with concentrated sulphuric acid as in the method of
fumigation given below and add any percentage of gold detected to the
original percentage obtained by direct electrolysis.

NOTE -For stripping the platinum cathode of gold deposit imrncrsc it in

10 percent ( PI/V) solution of sodium cyanide contained in a 500-1111 beaker. The
solution should be just enough to cover the entire cathode. Warm the solution
to about 50°C and add slowly 4 to 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide ( 20 volumes ) in
portions of 0.5 ml at a time very carefully controlling the vigorous reaction. Allow
the reation to subside each time before adding hydrogr n peroxide. Take out the
cathode when the reaction becomes less vigorous indicating completion of stripping.
Wash the cathode with water and then with acetone and dry at 105°C.

A-2.4 Fumigation Method

A-2.4.1 Procedure - Weigh accurately about 1 g of the material after

mixing the entire lot thoroughly in a 250-ml beaker and add about 25
ml of water. Transfer the beaker to a fume cupboard, add about 30 ml
of concentrated sulphuric acid and stir. After initial reaction is over,

*Specification for sulphuric acid ( secondrevision).

7
IS : ,576l ( Part 1 ) c 1984

place the beaker on a hot plate and continue fumigation until the
solution is clear. Retnove the beaker from the hot plate, cool for five
minutes and add about 2 .g of potassium persulphate to complete the
destruction of cyanide and other organic impurities. Add 5 g of ferrous
sulphate and heat the beaker again and fumigate the contents for
about 30 minutes. Remove the beaker again from the hot plate, cool and
add about 125 ml of water. By this process gold is thrown down as
precipitate. Filter the solution through a filter paper ( Whatman No. 42
or 44 ) and wash the precipitate thoroughly with hot water to remove
traces of acid. Reserve the filtrate for the determination of silver ( SPG
A-3.4 ). Transfer the filter paper with gold to a weighed silica crucible
and carefully ignite and finally transfer to a muffle furnace maintained
at about 750 to 800°C. After heating in the muffle furnace for half-an-
hour, transfer the crucible to a desiccator and allow it to cool. After
weighing again keep the crucible with gold in the muffle furnace for
about 10 minutes, cool and reweigh to constant mass.

A-Z.5 Calculation

Gold ( as Au ), percent by mass =- -3 x 100

where
fit1 - mass in g of the precipiated gold, and
iM = mass in g of the material taken for the test.

A-3. DETECTION AND DETERMINATION OF SILVER

A-3.0 General -- Silver qives a red-violet precipitate with p-dimethyla-

mino-benzylidene-rhodanine in an acidic medium. Interference by
metal ions like mercury, copper, gold, palladium and lead may be
prevented by treating the precipitate with 5 percent potassium. cyanide
solution and filtering.

A-3.1 Regents (for Detection )

A-3.1.1 p-Dimethylamino-Benzylidene-Rhodanine - Dissolve 0.03 g of p-
dimethylamino-benzylidrne-rhodanine in acetone and make up to
100 ml.

A-3.1.2 Dilute Nitric Acid - approximately 2 N and 1 N, respectively.

A-3.1.3 Potassium Cyanide Solution - Dissolve 5 g of potassium cyanide

in 100 ml of water.
A-3.2 Detection - Take about 0.1 g of the material and dissolve it in
10 ml of water. Take 1 drop of the solution on a tile, add one drop of

8
 IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

p-dimethylamino-benzylidene-rhodanine solution, 1 drop of potassium

cyanide and 2 drops of 2 N nitric acid. If silver is present, red colour
is produced.

NOWG- The reagent produces reddish or violet colour with many other metals.
p-Dimethvlamino-benzylidene-rhodanine is valuable for the detection of minute
tracrs of silver in the presence of many other metals.

A-3.3 Reagents (for Determination )

A-3.3.1 p-Dimethylamino-Bkcylidene-Rhodanine Solution:

a) For precipitation - Dissolve 20 mg of the reagent in 100 ml of

ethyl alcohol;

b) For standard solution - Dissolve 20 mg of the reagent, crystal-

lized from alcohol, in 100 ml of 0.01 N sodium hydroxide.

A-3.3.2 Potassium Cyanide Solution - Dissolve 5 g of potassium cyanide

in 100 ml of 0.001 N sodium hydroxide solution.

A-3.3.3 Ethyl Alcohol - See IS : 321-1964*.

A-3.4 Procedure - Take the filtrate from A-2.4.1 and reduce its
volume to about 50 ml by heating. Adjust its concentration of sulphuric
acid to 0.4 N and add 3 ml of alcoholic rhodanine solution. ( For less
than 1Opg of silver, make the precipitation in 0.1 N acid concentration
and use smaller. volumes of rhodanine solution so that the final solution
can be diluted to 23 ml ). Allow the solution to stand in the dark for
at least 2 hours ( preferably overnight ). Filter through a sintered glass
crucible ( G No. 4 ) and wash with water. Place the crucible in the
beaker in which precipitation was done and pour 40 ml of ethyl alcohol
into the crucible and beaker. Cover with a watch-glass and boil very
gently for 15 minutes. Suck off the alcohol in the crucible and wash the
crucible and the beaker with cold alcohol, till the last portion is entirely
colourlesss. Empty and clean the suction flask,

A-3.4.1 Pour 5 ml of potassium cyanide solution into the precipitation

beaker and then into the crucible, using a stirring rod to distribute the
solution over the walls of the vessels. Draw off the solution and wash
with a little water. Repeat the treatment with 5 ml of cyanide solution
transfer the solutions from the suction flask to a 50-ml volumetric flask
and make up the volume. Without delay obtain the transmittancy of the
solution with the aid of a blue filter ( 460 nm ). -

*Specification for absolute alcohol ( revised ).

9
IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

A-3.4.2 Prepare the standard curve by measuring out 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml,
0.3 ml and 1 ml of the aqueous rhodanine solution, diluting to 50 ml
with 0.001 N sodium hydroxide solution, and finding transmittancy. One
part of rhodanine corresponds to 0.408 part of silver.

A-4. DETERMINATION OF COPPER

A-4.0 General - a-Benzoinoxime ( cupron ) yields a green precipitate

with copper in dilute ammoniacal solution. Ions which are precipitated
by ammonium hydroxide are kept in solution by the addition of
ammonium tartrate to make the reagent specific for copper.

A-4.1 Reagents

A-4.1.1 u-Benzoinoxime Solution - 2 percent ( W,‘U ) solution in rectified

spirit ( see IS : 323-1959” ).

A-4.1.2 Dilute Ammonium Hydroxide Solution - 1 : 4 ( v/u ).

A-4.1.3 Absolute Alcohol - See IS : 321-19647.

A-4.2 Procedure - Weigh accurately about 1 g of the material and

dissolve it in 25 ml of water obaturated solution of potassium cyanide.
Destroy cyanide and filter. Neutralize the filtrate with ammonia, acidify
with tartaric acid and add 10 ml of u - benzoinoxime solution. Make the
solution ammoniacal by adding ammonium hydroxide solution. Heat to
boiling and filter the precipitate through a tared sintered glass crucible
( G No. 4 ). Wash with hot 1 percent ( u/v ) ammonium hydroxide
solution, then with alcohol and finally with hot water. Dry to constant
mass at 105 t0 110°C.

A-4.3 Calculation

Copper ( as Cu ), percent by mass == 22.02 x $-

where

Ml = mass in g of the precipitate, and

M = mass in g of the sample taken for the test,

*Specification for rectified spirit ( revised ).

tspecificatson for absolute alcohol ( revised ).

10
 IS : 5761( Part 1 ) - 1984

A-5. DETERMINATION OF IRON

A-5.0 General - Aqueous solution of 7 iodo-8 hydroxyquinoline-5

sulphonic acid gives a stable green colour with ferric ions; the intensity
of the colour varies with the concentration of ferric ions.
NOTE - The reaction is not given by ferrous ions although it has been stated that
under certain conditions a colour is produced as a result of auto-oxidation to the
ferric state. When one part of ferric ion in 5 million parts of solution is present, the
green colour is just distinguishable from the yellow tint of the reagent.

A-5.1 Apparatus

A-5.1.1 ~Vessler
Cylinders
- 50-ml capacity ( see IS : 4161-1967” ).

A-5.2 Reagents

A-5.2.1 Bu.er Solution - Prepare by mixing potassium hydrogen

phathalate solution ( 1.02 percent w,‘u ) with hydrochloric acid ( 0’131
percent w/v ) and adjust the pH to about 2.5.

A-5.2.2 7-Iodo-8 Hydroxyquinoline-5 Sulphonic Acid Solution - Dissolve

0.2 g of the reagent in 100 ml of water.

A-5.2.3 Ammonium Pew&hate

A-5.2.4 Standard Iron Solution - Dissolve 0.702 g of ferrous ammonium

sulphate ( FeS04 ( NH* )2 S046HsO ) in about 100 ml of water contain-
ing 10 ml of dilute sulphuric acid ( 10 percent u/v ) and dilute to one
litre. Take 10 ml of this solution and dilute to 100 ml. One millilitre
of this solution contains 0.01 mg of iron ( as Fe ).

A-5.3 Procedure - Weigh accurately about 1 g of the material and

dissolve it in 25 ml of water or saturated solution of potassium cyanide.
Transfer the solution to a Nessler cylinder. Add 10 ml of the buffer
solution and a pinch of ammonium persulphate followed by 5 drops of
7 iodo-8 hydroxyquinoline-5 sulphonic acid solution and make the
solution up to 50 ml. Carry out a control test in another Nessler cylinder
proceeding as with the material and using 1 ml of standard iron
solution.
NOTE - The test should be carried out in an acidic medium having pH about 2’5.
The test may be applied in the presence of all metals having colourless ions and with
the exception of cupric salts. Coloured ions do not interfere unless present in
sufficient amount to mark the green colour produced by the reaction.
.p
*Specification for Nessler cylinders.

11
IS : 5761 ( Part 1 ) - 1984

A-5.3.1 The limits prescribed in Table 1 shall be taken as not having

been exceeded if the intensity of colour produced with the material is not
greater than that produced in the control test.

A-6. TEST FOR LEAD

A-6.1 Reagents
~-6.1.1 Sodium Acetate

A-6.1.2 Glacial Acetic Acid

A-6.1.3 Potassium Chromate Solution - prepared by dissolving 1 g in

100 ml of water.

A-6.2 Procedure - Dissolve about 2.5 g of the material and 1 g of

sodium acetate in 10 ml of water or saturated solution of potassium
cyanide. Add 5 drops of glacial acetic acid and 1 ml of potassium
chromate.

A-6.2.1 The requirements of the test shall be taken as having been

satisfied if no turbidity is produced within 5 minutes.

A-7. TEST FOR INSOLUBLE MATTER

A-7.1 Procedure - Weigh accurately about 1 g of the sample and

dissolve it in water. Filter the solution through a tared asbestos packed
Gooch crucible or sintered glass crucible ( G No. 4 ) and wash with
water. Dry the crucible in an air-oven at 105°C to a constant mass.
NOTE - As gold cyanide is not soluble in water, it shall be dissolved in a saturated
solution of potasium cyanide.

A-7.1.1 The material shall be taken to have satisfied the requirements

if there is no increase in the mass of the crucible.

APPENDIX B
( czause 3.1 )

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING GOLD CYANIDE

AND GOLD POTASSIUM CYANIDE ( FOR ELECTROPLATING
FOR COMMERCIAL/ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS )

B-l. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

B-l.1 As gold cyanide and gold potassium cyanide are highly poisonous,
they should never be touched with unprotected hands. Gloves should

12
 IS : 5761 ( Part 1) - 1984

always be worn during crushing operations; and during crushing, goggles

fitted with a face cloth should also be worn.

B-l.2 Solutions containing cyanide should never be pipetted by mouth

suction. A safety pipette should always be used to draw the liquid into
the pipette. A burette may also he used for drawing measured quantity
of the solution.

B-l.3 On account of highly poisonous character of hydrogen cyanide,

all operations involving the decomposition of gold cyanide and gold
potassium cyanide should be conducted in a well-ventilated fume
cupboard.

B-2. HYDROCYANIC ACID AND CYANIDE POISONING

B-2.1 Symptoms - The symptoms are giddiness, staggering and

insensibility accompanied by fainting respiration, followed by profound
collapse with convulsions. The action is extremely rapid.

B-2.2 First Aid

B-2.2.1 Remove the patient from cause of trouble, and take him to
fresh air. Make the patient lie down, keep him warm and do not allow
him to move more than necessary.

B-2.2.2 If breathing has ceased, apply artificial respiration.

B-2.2.3 Administer amyl nitrite. This is purchased in the form of

small ampoules and one of these is broken and held under the nose SO
that the patient will inhale the vapour. It should be administered for
15 to 30 seconds every 2 to 3 minutes.
NOTE - Amy1 nitrate is sensitive to light and warmth and should, therefore, be
be kept in dark at a temperature less than 15%. All ampoules should be discarded
every 2 years.

B-2.2.4 If available, administer oxygen through a face mask and call

for a qualified madical practitioner.

B-2.3 Antidote

B-2.3.1 The following antidote has been found useful when cyanide is
swallowed:

4 Solution A - Dissolve 158 g of ferrous sulphate ( FeSOa, 7H20 )

and 3 g of citric acid in one litre of water. The solution should
be regularly inspected and replaced whenever any deterioration
occurs.

13
IS t 5761 ( Part 1) - 1984

b) Solution B - Dissolve 60 g of anhydrous sodium carbonate in one

litre of water.

B-2.3.2 Take 50 ml each of solutions A and B and keep in separate

175-ml wide necked bottles with a polyethylene closure. Mark the
bottles as ‘Cyanide Antidote A’ and ‘Cyanide Antidote B’. Both the
bottles should bear the following legend:

‘Mix the whole contents of bottles A and B and swallow the mixture’.

B-2.4 Medical Treatment

B-2.4.1 The treatment consists of the injection into the bloodstream

of sodium nitrite and sodium thiosulphate and should be carried out
only by a qualified medical practitioner.

Details are as follows:

a) Intravenous injection of 0.3 g of sodium nitrite dissolved in 10 ml

sterile distilled water. This should be given slowly at the rate
of 2.5 to 5 ml per minute.
b) Immediately following this and through the same needle an
intravenous injection of 25 g of sodium thiosulphate dissolved
in 50 ml sterile distilled water is given at the same rate. Leakage
of material outside the vein should be avoided.

B-2.4.2, A temporary improvement is not a criterion of recovery. If

the symptoms persist or recur after an hour, a second injection of the
two substances should be given. It is suggested that electroplating shops
using cyanide should keep a supply of these two substances in ampoule
form and two sterilized syringes, one with a total capacity of 10 ml and
the second with a total capacity of 50 ml, together with particulars of
the treatment ( as above ).

B-2.4.3 Since it ts unlike) that the average general practioner or hospital would
have such material ready for use, should the patient be sent to hospital these materials
should accompany him in the ambulance, and during the journey the jirst aid
procedures already described should be continued.

B-2.4.4 Some patients may respond to the first aid treatment alone;
but in many cases it will be advisable, if not necessary, to give the
intravenous injection. This should be done as soon as possible, and in
any case it is desirable that it should be administered within 15 minutes. It is
therefore, essential that, if medical help cannot immediately be obtained
the patient should be conveyed without delay to the nearest hospital.

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L. . _...-.-..._

IS : 5761( Part 1) - 1984

APPENDIX C
( Czausc 5.1 J

SAMPLING OF GOLD CYANIDE AND GOLD POTASSIUM

CYANIDE FOR ELECTROPLATING FOR COMMERCIAL/
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

C-l. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF SAMPLING

C-1.0 In drawing, preparing, handling and storing samples all the pre-
cautions prescribed in Appendix B shall be strictly observed.

C-l.1 The sampling implement shall be preferably one used by the

plater for drawing the material.

C-l.2 To draw a representative sample, the contents of each container

selected for sampling shall be mixed as thoroughly as possible by suitable
means.

C-l.3 The samples shall be placed in suitable, clean, dry and air-tight
containers on which the material has no action.

C-2. SCALE OF SAMPLING

C-2.1 All the containers in a single consignment of the material drawn

from a single batch of manufacture shall constitute the lot.

C-2.2 For ascertaining the conformity of the material in any lot to the
requirements of this specification, samples shall be tested from each lot
separately. The number ( n ) of containers to be selected at random
from lots ( fl) of different sizes shall be in accordance with Table 2.

TABLE 2 NUMBER OF CONTAINERS TO BE SELECTED FROM LOTS

OF DIFFERENT SIZES

LOT SIZE SAMPLESIZE

N n

up to 25 2

26to 50 3

51 to 100 4

101 and above 5

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IS : 5761( Part 1 ) - 1984

C-2.3 All the containers shall be selected at random and in order to

ensure the randomness of selection, procedures given in IS : 4905-1968*,
may be followed.

C-3. PREPARATION OF SAMPLES

C-3.1 From each of the containers selected according to C-2.3, about
10 g of material shall be withdrawn taking all the necessary precautions.
These portions shall be kept separately in suitable containers with
relevant details of sampling. These shall be called individual samples.

C-3.2 From each of the individal samples a small but equal quantity of
the material shall be taken and thoroughly mixed to form compositd
samples weighing about 10 g.

C-4. NUMBER OF TESTS AND CRITERIA FOR CONFORMITY

C-4.1 Tests for gold content shall be conducted separately on any two
of the individual samples. Tests for other characteristics shall be made
on the composite sample.

C-4.2 The lot shall be deemed to conform to this specification if the test
results on individual and composite samples satisfy the corresponding
requirements given in Table 1.

*Methods for random sampling.

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