special subjects
Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
Prevention of Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure
Various organizations (eg,Occupational Safety and Health Administration[OSHA],National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health[NIOSH]) provide recommendations for minimizing the risk of exposure to hydrofluoric acid. These recommendations include Providing workers with information about the hazards specific to HF before they handle it Limiting the time workers are exposed to HF Requiring workers to wear a properly functioning fume hood and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, disposable gloves, and acid-resistant apron Requiring workers to wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes Equipping the work area with a safety shower and eye wash station Havingcalcium gluconateavailable for skin treatment Storing HF properly Providing all areas where HF is used with spill-response equipment (eg, dry magnesium sulfate, spill control pads,sodium bicarbonatesolution) 