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Disclaimer: These guidelines were developed under contract using generally accepted secondary sources. The protocol used by the contractor for surveying these data sources was developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Department of Energy (DOE). The information contained in these guidelines is intended for reference purposes only. None of the agencies have conducted a comprehensive check of the information and data contained in these sources. It provides a summary of information about chemicals that workers may be exposed to in their workplaces. The secondary sources used for supplements 111 and 1V were published before 1992 and 1993, respectively, and for the remainder of the guidelines the secondary sources used were published before September 1996. This information may be superseded by new developments in the field of industrial hygiene. Therefore readers are advised to determine whether new information is available.
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR HYDROGEN FLUORIDE
INTRODUCTION
This guideline summarizes pertinent information about hydrogen fluoride for
workers and employers as well as for physicians, industrial hygienists, and
other occupational safety and health professionals who may need such
information to conduct effective occupational safety and health programs.
Recommendations may be superseded by new developments in these fields;
readers are therefore advised to regard these recommendations as general
guidelines and to determine whether new information is available.
SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION
* Formula
HF
* Structure
(For Structure, see paper copy)
* Synonyms
Anhydrous hydrofluoric acid, antisal 2B, hydrofluoride, hydrofluoric
acid, fluorhydric acid, fluoric acid
* Identifiers
1. CAS No.: 7664-39-3
2. RTECS No.: MW7875000; (also listed as MW7890000)
3. DOT UN: 1052 15 (anhydrous), 1790 59 (solution)
4. DOT label: Corrosive, poison (anhydrous)
* Appearance and odor
Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless, fuming liquid or gas (depending on the
temperature) with a strong, irritating odor. The air odor threshold for
hydrogen fluoride is 0.042 part per million (ppm) parts of air.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
* Physical data
1. Molecular weight: 20.01
2. Boiling point (at 760 mm Hg): 19.51 degrees C (67.2 degrees F)
3. Specific gravity: 0.987 at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F)
4. Vapor density: 0.92
5. Melting point: -83.1 degrees C (-117.58 degrees F)
6. Vapor pressure at 2.5 degrees C (36.5 degrees F): 400 mm Hg
7. Solubility: Very soluble in water, in alcohol, and in most organic
solvents; slightly soluble in ether.
8. Evaporation rate: Data not available.
* Reactivity
Conditions contributing to instability: Exposure to moisture or
steam may produce highly explosive hydrogen gas. Reactions may also occur in
the presence of heat and light.
1. Incompatibilities: Contact between hydrogen fluoride and metals,
concrete, glass, strong bases, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and
ceramics may result in reactions.
2. Hazardous decomposition products: Toxic gases and vapors such as
fluorine may be released in a fire involving hydrogen fluoride.
4. Special precautions: Store in containers composed of non-corrosive
materials, such as lead and wax. The corrosive action on metals can result
in the formation of hydrogen gas.
* Flammability
Hydrogen fluoride is a nonflammable gas .
The National Fire Protection Association has assigned a flammability
rating of 0 (minimal fire hazard) to hydrogen fluoride.
1. Flash point: Not applicable.
2. Autoignition temperature: Not applicable.
3. Flammable limits in air: Not applicable.
4. Extinguishant: For small fires use dry chemical or carbon dioxide for
fires that include anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. For small fires that involve
the hydrogen fluoride solution use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, water spray
or regular foam. Use water spray, fog, or regular foam to fight large fires
involving both phases of hydrogen fluoride.
Fires involving hydrogen fluoride should be fought upwind from the
maximum distance possible. Keep unnecessary people away; isolate the hazard
area and deny entry. Isolate the area for at least 150 feet in all
directions until gas has dispersed. Emergency personnel should stay out of
low areas and ventilate closed spaces before entering. Containers of hydrogen
fluoride may explode in the heat of the fire and should be moved from the
fire area if it is possible to do so safely. If this is not possible, cool
fire exposed containers from the sides with water until well after the fire
is out. Do not get water inside the containers. Stay away from the ends of
containers. Firefighters should wear a full set of chemical protective
clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting fires involving
hydrogen fluoride.
EXPOSURE LIMITS
* OSHA PEL
The current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hydrogen fluoride is 3 ppm() as an
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration [29 CFR 1910.1000, Table
Z-2].
* NIOSH REL
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
has established a recommended exposure limit (REL) for hydrogen fluoride of 3
ppm (2.5 mg/m(3)) as a TWA for up to a 10-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek
and a short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 6 ppm (5 mg/m(3)) [NIOSH
1992].
* ACGIH TLV
The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH) has assigned hydrogen fluoride a ceiling limit value of 3 ppm (2.6
mg/m(3)), which should not be exceeded during any part of the working
exposure [ACGIH 1994, p. 23].
* Rationale for Limits
The NIOSH limit is based on the risk of skin, eye, and airway
irritation; and on effects on bone tissue [NIOSH 1992].
The ACGIH limit is based on the risk of irritation [ACGIH 1991, p.
781].
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
* Routes of Exposure
Exposure to hydrogen fluoride and its aqueous solution can occur
through inhalation, ingestion, and eye or skin contact [Sittig 1991, p.
909].
* Summary of toxicology
1. Effects on Animals: Hydrogen fluoride is a severe pulmonary irritant
as a gas; as a liquid, it is corrosive to the skin and eyes. The 1-hour
LC(50)s in rats, mice, and monkeys are 1,276 ppm, and 1,774 ppm, respectively
[Sax and Lewis 1989]. Rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and dogs experienced
irritation of the conjunctivae, nasal tissues, and respiratory system after
acute inhalation exposures at near-lethal levels. Pathological lesions were
observed in the kidney and liver, and the severity of the lesions was dose
related. The external nares and nasal vestibules were black, and, at dosages
causing considerable mortality, those areas showed zones of mucosal and
submucosal necrosis. The skin of animals exposed at lethal concentrations
showed superficial subcutaneous and deep dermal zones of acute inflammation.
The hair of these animals could be pulled out with ease and skin ruptured
under minimal tension [Clayton and Clayton 1982]. Experiments in which a
20-percent aqueous solution was instilled into the eyes of rabbits caused
immediate damage in the form of total corneal opacification and conjunctival
ischemia; within an hour, corneal stroma edema occurred, followed by necrosis
of anterior ocular structures [Grant 1986]. Subacute, 30-day exposures at 30
ppm caused moderate hemorrhage and edema of the lungs in dogs, rabbits, and
rats. At autopsy, rats showed renal cortical degeneration and necrosis, and
dogs had ulceration of the scrotum. Exposures at 5.5 ppm under the same
conditions produced localized hemorrhage in the lung in one of five dogs, but
no changes were observed in the rabbit or rat [Clayton and Clayton 1982].
Hydrogen fluoride has also produced reproductive, teratogenic, and mutagenic
effects in experimental animals [NIOSH 1991].
2. Effects on Humans: In humans, inhalation of hydrogen fluoride gas may
cause immediate or delayed-onset pulmonary edema after a 1-hour exposure
[Hathaway et al. 1991]. In addition, exposure to high concentrations of the
vapors of hydrofluoric acid characteristically results in ulcerative
tracheobronchitis and hemorrhagic pulmonary edema; this local reaction is
equivalent to that caused by gaseous hydrogen chloride [Gosselin 1984]. From
accidental, occupational, and volunteer exposures, it is estimated that the
lowest lethal concentration for a 5-minute human exposure to hydrogen
fluoride is in the range of 50 to 250 ppm [Hathaway et al. 1991].
Significant exposures by dermal or inhalation route may cause hypocalcemia
and hypomagnesemia; cardiac arrhythmias may follow. Acute renal failure has
also been documented after an ultimately fatal inhalation exposure [Hathaway
et al. 1991]. Repeated exposure to excessive concentrations of fluoride over
a period of years results in increased density of bone and eventually may
cause crippling fluorosis (osteosclerosis caused by the deposition of
fluoride in bone) [Hathaway et al. 1991]. Percutaneous absorption of pure
liquefied hydrogen fluoride gas (chilled and under pressure until the vessel
burst) produced severe hypocalcemia, multiple attacks of ventricular
fibrillation, and death 9.5 hours after exposure. Skin contact with hydrogen
fluoride or solutions containing more than 30 percent hydrogen fluoride
produces immediate pain; reactions to more dilute solutions may be delayed
for many hours. The accompanying pain is excruciating and persistent, and
healing is delayed [Gosselin 1984]. Severe eye injuries may occur from
splashes. Liquefied hydrogen fluoride gas has been known to destroy the eye
and to require enucleation; the severity of burns from the aqueous solution
depends on the concentration [Grant 1986]. Ingestion of an estimated 1.5
grams of hydrofluoric acid produces sudden death; however, repeated ingestion
of small amounts of hydrogen fluoride may cause fluoride osteosclerosis
[Gosselin 1984].
* Signs and symptoms of exposure
1. Acute exposure: Acute inhalation exposures produce severe eye, nose,
and throat irritation; delayed fever, cyanosis, and pulmonary edema; and may
cause death. Contact of the skin with the liquid may cause severe burns,
erythema, and swelling, vesiculation, and serious crusting. With more
serious burns, ulceration, blue-gray discoloration, and necrosis may occur
[Hathaway et al. 1991]. Ingestion causes destruction of the tissues of the
digestive tract and severe irritation of the respiratory tract [NLM 1992].
2. Chronic exposure: Chronic exposure to low airborne concentrations may
cause nasal congestion and bronchitis. Repeated exposure to excessive
hydrogen fluoride concentrations causes fluorosis; the early signs of
increased bone density from fluoride deposition are most apparent in the
lumbar spine and pelvis and can be detected by roentgenograph [NLM 1992].
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROCEDURES
* Emergency medical procedures: [NIOSH to supply]
5. Rescue: Remove an incapacitated worker from further exposure and
implement appropriate emergency procedures (e.g., those listed on the
Material Safety Data Sheet required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard
[29 CFR 1910.1200]). All workers should be familiar with emergency
procedures, the location and proper use of emergency equipment, and methods
of protecting themselves during rescue operations.
EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS
The following operations may involve hydrogen fluoride and lead to worker
exposures to this substance:
* The manufacture and transportation of hydrogen fluoride
* Use in manufacture of chlorofluorohydrocarbons for application as
refrigerant fluids, aerosol propellants, specialty solvents, high-performance
plastics, and foaming agents
* Use (as aqueous acid) in cleaning sandstone and marble, as a pickling
agent for stainless steel and other metals, and as a cleaner in the meat
packing industry
* Use (as anhydrous acid) in manufacture of aluminum fluoride and
synthetic cryolite to reduce aluminum oxide to aluminum
* Use (as aqueous acid) in electroplating operations
* Liberated during manufacture of fertilizer and the burning of coal
* Use (as anhydrous acid) as a catalyst in alkylation of petroleum
fractions to produce high-octane fuels
* Use (as aqueous acid) in etching, frosting, and polishing of glassware
and ceramics
* Use as an acidizing agent during injection of acid into oil wells
* Used (as aqueous acid) in removal of sand and scale from foundry
castings
* Use (as anhydrous acid) in separation and purification of uranium
isotopes
* Use (as aqueous acid) in treating textiles to remove trace metals and
in preparation of microelectronic circuits and quartz crystals for radio
oscillators
* Use (as anhydrous acid) in production of fluorosilicone products
* Use (as anhydrous acid) in manufacture of pharmaceuticals and special
dyes
* Use to arrest fermentation in brewing and for etching silicon wafers in
semi-conductor manufacture, for purification of filter paper and graphite, in
enamelling and galvanizing iron, and to increase the porosity of ceramics
Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to hydrogen
fluoride, depending on the feasibility of implementation, are as follows:
* Process enclosure
* Local exhaust ventilation
* General dilution ventilation
* Personal protective equipment
Workers responding to a release or potential release of a hazardous
substance must be protected as required by paragraph (q) of OSHA's Hazardous
Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard [29 CFR 1910.120].
Good sources of information about control methods are as follows:
1. ACGIH [1992]. Industrial ventilation--a manual of recommended
practice. 21st ed. Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists.
2. Burton DJ [1986]. Industrial ventilation--a self study companion.
Cincinnati, OH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.
3. Alden JL, Kane JM [1982]. Design of industrial ventilation systems.
New York, NY: Industrial Press, Inc.
4. Wadden RA, Scheff PA [1987]. Engineering design for control of
workplace hazards. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
5. Plog BA [1988]. Fundamentals of industrial hygiene. Chicago, IL:
National Safety Council.
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE
OSHA is currently developing requirements for medical surveillance. When
these requirements are promulgated, readers should refer to them for
additional information and to determine whether employers whose employees are
exposed to hydrogen fluoride are required to implement medical surveillance
procedures.
* Medical Screening
Workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards should be monitored
in a systematic program of medical surveillance that is intended to prevent
occupational injury and disease. The program should include education of
employers and workers about work-related hazards, early detection of adverse
health effects, and referral of workers for diagnosis and treatment. The
occurrence of disease or other work-related adverse health effects should
prompt immediate evaluation of primary preventive measures (e.g., industrial
hygiene monitoring, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment).
A medical surveillance program is intended to supplement, not replace, such
measures. To detect and control work-related health effects, medical
evaluations should be performed (1) before job placement, (2) periodically
during the term of employment, and (3) at the time of job transfer or
termination.
* Preplacement medical evaluation
Before a worker is placed in a job with a potential for exposure to
hydrogen fluoride, a licensed health care professional should evaluate and
document the worker's baseline health status with thorough medical,
environmental, and occupational histories, a physical examination, and
physiologic and laboratory tests appropriate for the anticipated occupational
risks. These should concentrate on the function and integrity of the skin,
eyes, liver, kidneys, and respiratory system. Medical surveillance for
respiratory disease should be conducted using the principles and methods
recommended by the American Thoracic Society.
A preplacement medical evaluation is recommended to assess medical
conditions that may be aggravated or may result in increased risk when a
worker is exposed to hydrogen fluoride at or below the prescribed exposure
limit. The health care professional should consider the probable frequency,
intensity, and duration of exposure as well as the nature and degree of any
applicable medical condition. Such conditions (which should not be regarded
as absolute contraindications to job placement) include a history and other
findings consistent with diseases of the skin, eyes, liver, kidneys, and
respiratory system.
* Periodic medical evaluations
Occupational health interviews and physical examinations should be
performed at regular intervals during the employment period, as mandated by
any applicable Federal, State, or local standard. Where no standard exists
and the hazard is minimal, evaluations should be conducted every 3 to 5 years
or as frequently as recommended by an experienced occupational health
physician. Additional examinations may be necessary if a worker develops
symptoms attributable to hydrogen fluoride exposure. The interviews,
examinations, and medical screening tests should focus on identifying the
adverse effects of hydrogen fluoride on the skin, eyes, liver, kidneys, or
respiratory system. Current health status should be compared with the
baseline health status of the individual worker or with expected values for a
suitable reference population.
* Termination medical evaluations
The medical, environmental, and occupational history interviews, the
physical examination, and selected physiologic or laboratory tests that were
conducted at the time of placement should be repeated at the time of job
transfer or termination to determine the worker's medical status at the end
of his or her employment. Any changes in the worker's health status should
be compared with those expected for a suitable reference
population.
* Biological monitoring
Biological monitoring involves sampling and analyzing body tissues
or fluids to provide an index of exposure to a toxic substance or metabolite.
The fluoride concentration in urine is a useful index for exposure to
hydrogen fluoride and has been found to average about 4 mg/liter in an
end-of-shift specimen following an 8-hour exposure to 3 ppm hydrogen
fluoride. Analysis of the specimens is conducted by direct measurement of
inorganic fluoride using a fluoride-specific electrode.
WORKPLACE MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT
Determination of a worker's exposure to airborne hydrogen fluoride is made
using a mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 microns, a filter spacer, and
a Na(2)CO(3) impregnated back-up pad in a three piece filter cassette.
Samples are collected at a maximum flow rate of 1.5 liters/minute (TWA or
STEL) until a maximum collection volume of 90 liters is reached. Analysis is
conducted by using an ion-specific electrode (ISE). This method (OSHA ID
110) is partially validated and is described in the OSHA Computerized
Information System [OSHA 1994] and in NIOSH Method No. 7903 (inorganic acids)
[NIOSH 1994b].
PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES
If hydrogen fluoride contacts the skin, workers should flush the affected
areas immediately with plenty of water, followed by washing with soap and
water.
Clothing contaminated with hydrogen fluoride should be removed immediately,
and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the
clothing. Persons laundering the clothes should be informed of the hazardous
properties of hydrogen fluoride, particularly its potential for causing
irritation.
A worker who handles hydrogen fluoride should thoroughly wash hands,
forearms, and face with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products,
using toilet facilities, applying cosmetics, or taking medication.
Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, apply cosmetics, or
take medication in areas where hydrogen fluoride or a solution containing
hydrogen fluoride is handled, processed, or stored.
STORAGE
Hydrogen fluoride should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in
tightly sealed containers that are labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard
Communication Standard [29 CFR 1910.1200]. Containers of hydrogen fluoride
should be protected from physical damage and should be stored separately from
metals, concrete, glass, strong bases, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide,
and ceramics.
SPILLS AND LEAKS
In the event of a spill or leak involving hydrogen fluoride, persons not
wearing protective equipment and clothing should be restricted from
contaminated areas until cleanup has been completed. The following steps
should be undertaken following a spill or leak:
1. Notify safety personnel.
2. Remove all sources of heat and ignition.
3. Ventilate the area of the spill or leak.
4. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in
place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and
repair leak or allow cylinder to empty.
5. If in the liquid form, allow to vaporize and disperse the gas, or cover
with sodium carbonate or an equal mixture of soda ash and slaked lime. After
mixing, add water, if necessary, to form a slurry.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements for emergency
planning, reportable quantities of hazardous releases, community
right-to-know, and hazardous waste management may change over time. Users are
therefore advised to determine periodically whether new information is
available.
* Emergency planning requirements
Employers owning or operating a facility at which there are 100
pounds or more of hydrogen fluoride must comply with EPA's emergency planning
requirements [40 CFR Part 355.30].
* Reportable quantity requirements for hazardous releases
A hazardous substance release is defined by EPA as any spilling,
leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting,
escaping, leaching, dumping, or disposing into the environment (including the
abandonment or discarding of contaminated containers) of hazardous
substances. In the event of a release that is above the reportable quantity
for that chemical, employers are required to notify the proper Federal,
State, and local authorities [40 CFR 355.40].
The reportable quantity of hydrogen fluoride is 100 pounds. If an
amount equal to or greater than this quantity is released within a 24-hour
period in a manner that will expose persons outside the facility, employers
are required to do the following: - Notify the National Response Center
immediately at (800) 424-8802 or at (202) 426-2675 in Washington, D.C.
[40 CFR 302.6].
- Notify the emergency response commission of the State likely to
be affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
- Notify the community emergency coordinator to the local
emergency planning committee (or relevant local emergency response personnel)
of any area likely to be affected by the release [40 CFR 355.40].
* Community right-to-know requirements
Employers who own or operate facilities in SIC codes 20 to 39 that
employ 10 or more workers and that manufacture 25,000 pounds or more of
hydrogen fluoride per calendar year or otherwise use 10,000 pounds or more of
hydrogen fluoride per calendar year are required by EPA [40 CFR Part 372.30]
to submit a Toxic Chemical Release Inventory form (Form R) to EPA reporting
the amount of hydrogen fluoride emitted or released from their facility
annually.
* Hazardous waste management requirements
EPA considers a waste to be hazardous if it exhibits any of the
following characteristics: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or
toxicity as defined in 40 CFR 261.21-261.24. Under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act (RCRA) [40 USC 6901 et seq.], EPA has specifically listed
many chemical wastes as hazardous. Hydrogen fluoride is listed as a
hazardous waste under RCRA and has been assigned EPA Hazardous Waste No.
U134. This substance has been banned from land disposal until treated by
venting compressed gases into an absorbing or reacting media, followed by
neutralization.
Providing detailed information about the removal and disposal of
specific chemicals is beyond the scope of this guideline. The U.S.
Department of Transportation, EPA, and State and local regulations should be
followed to ensure that removal, transport, and disposal of this substance
are conducted in accordance with existing regulations. To be certain that
chemical waste disposal meets EPA regulatory requirements, employers should
address any questions to the RCRA hotline at (703) 412-9810 (in the
Washington, D.C. area) or toll-free at (800) 424-9346 (outside Washington,
D.C.). In addition, relevant State and local authorities should be contacted
for information on any requirements they may have for the waste removal and
disposal of this substance.
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION
* Conditions for respirator use
Good industrial hygiene practice requires that engineering controls
be used where feasible to reduce workplace concentrations of hazardous
materials to the prescribed exposure limit. However, some situations may
require the use of respirators to control exposure. Respirators must be worn
if the ambient concentration of hydrogen fluoride exceeds prescribed exposure
limits. Respirators may be used (1) before engineering controls have been
installed, (2) during work operations such as maintenance or repair
activities that involve unknown exposures, (3) during operations that require
entry into tanks or closed vessels, and (4) during emergencies. Workers
should only use respirators that have been approved by NIOSH and the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
* Respiratory protection program
Employers should institute a complete respiratory protection program
that, at a minimum, complies with the requirements of OSHA's Respiratory
Protection Standard [29 CFR 1910.134]. Such a program must include
respirator selection, an evaluation of the worker's ability to perform the
work while wearing a respirator, the regular training of personnel,
respirator fit testing, periodic workplace monitoring, and regular respirator
maintenance, inspection, and cleaning. The implementation of an adequate
respiratory protection program (including selection of the correct
respirator) requires that a knowledgeable person be in charge of the program
and that the program be evaluated regularly. For additional information on
the selection and use of respirators and on the medical screening of
respirator users, consult the latest edition of the NIOSH Respirator Decision
Logic [NIOSH 1987b] and the NIOSH Guide to Industrial Respiratory Protection
[NIOSH 1987a].
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Workers should use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment
that must be carefully selected, used, and maintained to be effective in
preventing skin contact with hydrogen fluoride. The selection of the
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, sleeves,
encapsulating suits) should be based on the extent of the worker's potential
exposure to hydrogen fluoride. The resistance of various materials to
permeation by 30 to 70 percent solutions of hydrogen fluoride is shown below:
| Material |
Breakthrough time (hr) |
|
| Saranex |
>8 |
| Barricade |
>8 |
| Chemrel |
>8 |
| Responder |
>8 |
| Butyl Rubber |
>4 |
| Natural Rubber |
Caution 1 to 4 |
| Neoprene |
Caution 1 to 4 |
| Polyethylene |
Caution 1 to 4 |
| 4H (PE/EVAL) |
Caution 1 to 4 |
| Nitrile Rubber |
<1(*) |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol |
<1(*) |
| Polyvinyl Chloride |
<1(*) |
(*) Not recommended, degradation may occur
To evaluate the use of these PPE materials with hydrogen fluoride, users
should consult the best available performance data and manufacturers'
recommendations. Significant differences have been demonstrated in the
chemical resistance of generically similar PPE materials (e.g., butyl)
produced by different manufacturers. In addition, the chemical resistance of
a mixture may be significantly different from that of any of its neat
components.
Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically
evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety
showers and eye wash stations should be located close to operations that
involve hydrogen fluoride.
Splash-proof chemical safety goggles or face shields (20 to 30 cm long,
minimum) should be worn during any operation in which a solvent, caustic, or
other toxic substance may be splashed into the eyes.
In addition to the possible need for wearing protective outer apparel (e.g.,
aprons, encapsulating suits), workers should wear work uniforms, coveralls,
or similar full-body coverings that are laundered each day. Employers should
provide lockers or other closed areas to store work and street clothing
separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work
shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be informed
about the potential hazards of handling contaminated clothing and instructed
about measures to minimize their health risk.
Protective clothing should be kept free of oil and grease and should be
inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness.
Protective clothing may interfere with the body's heat dissipation,
especially during hot weather or during work in hot or poorly ventilated work
environments.
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