OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
May 23, 1989
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
EDWARD BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin on the Use of Open Containers in Transporting Corrosive Chemicals |
The purpose of this bulletin is to alert field personnel to a potential
serious hazard arising with the use of open containers to hand
carry/transport corrosive chemicals. Just recently the Boston Regional
Office brought to our attention a fatality involving an employee of a small
metals testing firm. The employee was engaged in increasing the percent acid
concentration of a 40 gallon acid etch tank that contained a mixture of both
nitric and hydrofluoric acids. The employee dispensed via hand pump,
approximately 10 liters (2.6 gallons) of 70% hydrofluoric acid into a 15
liter open pail. While transporting this acid the employee either stumbled
or lost his balance and splashed his upper torso with the concentrated acid.
According to available reports the company attempted to immediately render
first aid to the employee, in that, the employee was deluged with water and
immersed in a water rinse tank. The employee, however, died within one hour
as a result of acute inhalation of hydrofluoric acid vapors. At the time of
the accident the employee was only wearing rubber gauntlet gloves for
personal protective equipment.
It appears that it is not uncommon that workers transport small quantities
of corrosive chemicals in open containers such as pails from a storage area
to the point of final use. The above mentioned accident highlights the need
for maintaining adequate first aid supplies, using appropriate protective
equipment and exercising extreme caution when handling hydrofluoric acid and
other corrosive chemicals.
Anhydrous (hydrogen fluoride) or concentrated aqueous hydrofluoric acid
causes immediate and serious burns to any part of the body. Dilute solutions
are also harmful, although several hours may pass before the hydrofluoric
acid penetrates the skin sufficiently to cause redness or a burning
sensation. Wearing clothing, including leather shoes and gloves that has
adsorbed small amounts of hydrofluoric acid can result In serious delayed
effects such as painful, slow-healing skin ulcers.
Inhalation of the gas/vapors of anhydrous and aqueous hydrofluoric acid can
cause severe respiratory tract irritation that may be fatal. All contact of
the acid with eyes, skin, respiratory system, or digestive system must be
avoided by using personal protective equipment such as face shields,
tight-fitting chemical goggles, aprons, boots, coats, jackets, neoprene or
polyvinyl chloride gloves, and respirators when appropriate. The protective
equipment should be washed after each use to remove any hydrofluoric acid on
it. Safety showers and eyewash fountains should be nearby.
Anyone working with anhydrous or aqueous hydrofluoric acid should have
received prior instruction about its hazards and in proper protective
measures and should know the recommended procedure for treatment in the event
of exposure.
Unlike hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid has a latent
period. In concentrations greater than 50%, the burn in felt immediately and
tissue destruction is rapidly apparent; In concentrations of 20-50%, the burn
becomes apparent 1-8 hours following the exposure; and in concentrations of
less than 20%, the pain and erythema can be latent for as long as 24 hours
after the exposure. Latent symptoms can seriously delay proper treatment.
First aid facilities specific to the hazards of hydrofluoric acid must be
readily available. Examples of first aid treatment after water flushing
(5-15 minutes) are Hyamine 1622 [benzethonium chloride] or Zephiran
[benzalkonium chloride] soaks, calcium gluconate gel application or 10-
aqueous calcium gluconate injections beneath, around and into the burned area
if pain continues after use of the soaks or compresses. Information
regarding appropriate first aid treatment is found in the Material Safety
Data Sheets.
When transporting anhydrous or aqueous hydrofluoric acid, closed containers
must be used. Nonbreakable, corrosion resistant containers (high density
polyethylene construction) equipped with spring closing caps that seal
tightly, to prevent contents from spilling while transporting, are
commercially available. These translucent containers permit easy inspection
of content level. Filling and dispensing of liquids should be such that
potential spillage is reduced to minimum.
Please distribute this bulletin to all area offices, State Plan States and
Consultation project Officers.
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