**if your lab uses hydrofluoric acid (hf), be certain you have a … · 2019. 12. 3. · hf burn q...

HydrofluoricAcid

Volume 3 / Issue 7

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE The Dartmouth College laboratory safety newsletter

ContactEHSforspecificques8ons,646-1762ore-mailehs@dartmouth.edu

**IfyourlabusesHydrofluoricAcid(HF),becertainyouhaveatubeofcalciumgluconate(Calgonate®)topicalgelfortreatmentofexposures.**EHShasafreshsupplyofCalgonate®gel.Checktheexpira-ondateonyourcurrenttubeofgel.

Ifyourtubeisexpired…Sendanotetoehs@dartmouth.eduforafreefreshtube.Prior to working with or purchasing HF for the first time,

consult with EHS.

All exposures to HF must be treated as a medical emergency.

Immediately flush with water then apply calcium gluconate gel repeatedly every 10 minutes.

Call 911 (GMS@DHMC dial 5555)

EHSStaffMaureen, Michael, Katrina, Sandy, Ryan, Jeff, Caitlyn, Molly, Jason !

EHS main page: h2p://www.dartmouth.edu/~ehs/

§  HFisanacutelytoxicandcorrosivechemical.

§  AtlowconcentraAons(<15%)

exposurecancauseskinburnsthatmaygoundetectedforhours.

§  AthighconcentraAons,deep

skinburnsareimmediateandpainful.

HF burn

q  HF etches glass

q  Never store HF in or use glass containers

1.  PurchaseHFinthesmallestpossiblevolumeandstoreinafumehood

2.  Segregatefrom

bases,reducingagents,cyanides,sulfides,glass,ceramicandmetalsurfaces

3.  Washyourhandsthoroughlywithsoapandwaterafterremovingyourgloves

4.  Neverworkalone

inthelabwithHF

HF penetrates deep and can attack bone.

Calcium gluconate provides extra calcium ions which scavenge free fluorine ions before they penetrate deep into the skin/bone.