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