Clean Suite HF Procedures:

ACCIDENTS

Introduction

Refer to the SOP for Use of Hydrofluoric acid and the COSHH Risk Assessment for Hydrofluoric Acid

HF is a potentially lethal, highly toxic chemical and can give little or no warning of exposure. It is exceptionally dangerous by skin exposure, inhalation of fumes, swallowing, and eye contact. It is quite volatile, and can rapidly build up to dangerous or even lethal concentrations in a confined space. Effects of high levels of exposure are collapse and death from general bodily malfunction due to precipitation of calcium from the blood. Lower levels of exposure can cause extensive tissue damage, disintegration of bones some time after, and serious permanent lung damage.

The first signs of skin exposure are the appearance of white patches at the contact site that may or may not be accompanied by mild localised pain, easily ignored.

1 Spillage INSIDE Workstation - NO Personal Exposure

1.1 Flush area with copious amounts of water. Add CaCl₂ solution to waste.

1.2 Apply Spill-X to any wet areas outside workstation.

 

2 Spillage INSIDE Workstation - PERSONAL Exposure

2.1 Treat suspected exposure as if actual exposure.

2.2 Thoroughly irrigate affected region with Hexafluorine solution. Continue for 3-5 minutes.

2.3 Calcium gluconate gel must be massaged into affected area continuously until patient is seen by a doctor. Gel is stored at the side of every workstation. To dispense larger quantities quickly, cut bottom off tube. The person massaging the gel must wearing protective gloves.

2.4 Helper to call Security on 22222 (internal number) or 02476 522222 and arrange for transport to Casualty Department at University Hospital, Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust.

2.5 First aider to alert Casualty Department to arrival of patient (if necessary delegate this task), and ensure awareness that HF exposure is involved and that HF kills through toxic effects unlike other mineral acids.

2.6 Patient is to be accompanied to hospital, preferably by first aider trained in HF exposure.

2.7 Take copy of HF COSHH entry or this sheet with you to show the doctor.

2.8 Patient will require calcium gluconate injections local to the exposed site.

2.9 Patient may require overnight observation, tests for blood calcium levels, and appropriate remedial treatment for excessively low, or excessively high levels at doctor's discretion.

 

3 Spillage OUTSIDE Workstation - NO Personal Exposure

• Any spillage of concentrated HF, sound SPILL ALARM (blue button or break-glass at various points).

Spillage of dilute or small volume of concentrated HF

• Apply absorber granules or pad from emergency kit to mop up spillage.
• Rinse exterior of protective clothing before removing.
• Exit Clean Suite

More than 10 mLs concentrated HF spilled

• Sound FIRE ALARM, evacuate building
• Outside the building, contact security and inform cause of alarm.

4 Spillage OUTSIDE Workstation - PERSONAL Exposure

Guidelines above should be used in combination appropriate to the levels of spillage and exposure. In addition:

4.1 Sound the Fire Alarm
The first priority is to limit the accident by ensuring that no other person is exposed.

4.2 The exposed individual should be removed from the spillage site as soon as practicable after giving the most immediate first aid. (Rapid - say 10-20 seconds irrigation).

4.3 Summon a qualified first aider.

4.4 Extensive spillage may involve exposure of large areas of body - e.g. whole limbs, the groin and upper thigh (spillage into lap) etc. Any first aider and helper must take all means available including the wearing of full emergency equipment to ensure that neither they nor anyone else is exposed.

(a) Saturate affected clothing with water and remove, cutting away if necessary..

(b) Saturate and irrigate affected area with water from any available source. If floor becomes wet, look out for electrical hazard and slipping.

(c) Obtain transport (through Security on 22222 or 02476 522222) to the Casualty Department at University Hospital, Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust. Ensure Casualty Department is aware of the nature of the accident, and that HF kills through toxic effects unlike other mineral acids.

(e) Massage copious calcium gluconate jelly into affected area until medical treatment obtained. It is most important to maintain treatment en route to hospital. Extra calcium gluconate is kept in the emergency kits. Cut ends off tubes to dispense large quantity swiftly.

(f) If necessary, patient may be moved on thick polyethylene sheet.

(g) Take care with exposed clothing.

Clean Suite Emergency Equipment

At side of each work station Hexafluorine wash bottle (twist cap to open)
Tube of Calcium Gluconate (reverse cap and pierce to open)
Fine jet spray hose
Pack of Spill-X granules

In each work area Emergency shower
Spill kit

Spill Kits

The containers (capacity 60 litres) are grey polyethylene with integral hinged lids that may be sealed. (They can then be used as receivers for contaminated clean up equipment). They are clearly labelled on top and front "HF Spill Kit" in green and white.

Contents (each kit)

1 off Chemres suit, large, integral boots and hood

4 off gloves, large

10 off "Spillow" absorber pad, 250 mLs capacity

1 off “Spill-X” granules for absorbing and neutralising HF spills.

6 off Calcium Gluconate HF burn jelly

1 off heavy duty polyethylene sheet 2 m x 2 m

 

T Naylor Sept 2007