Hydroflouric Acid

Mark

Moderator / Sponsor
I just wanted to post some reminders about using HF acid safely, and the consequences of HF acid accidents.

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http://www.carwash.com/article.asp?indexid=4230101


Death prompts HF safety tips

KATHLEEN, FL — In the wake of a death caused by hydrofluoric acid (HF) at a pressure-cleaning business, Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine is reminding carwash operators to carefully follow the recommended safety suggestions for handling the dangerous cleaner.

Seven-year-old Savannah Redfern died Friday May 4 when less than a pint of hydrofluoric acid spilled on her body while she was playing in her father's pressure-washing business. She died at Tampa General Hospital a short time later

When the fluoride ions present in many popular wheel cleaners and pre-soaks enter body tissues as the result of inhalation or skin contact, they cause deep, progressive burning that may quickly lead to multi-organ failure and death. Long-term exposure to even minimal amounts of HF can lead to brittle bones, weight loss, anemia, and calcified ligaments.

When using HF or ammonium bifluoride (ABF), follow these safety guidelines:
•Do not store in metal or glass containers. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
•Never remove or deface container labels. Properly label all secondary containers containing these solutions. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area, separate from acids and alkalis.
•Be sure employees are trained in the proper use of these solutions. Do not allow access to these substances by untrained or unauthorized personnel.
•Avoid spraying fines mists. Droplets can enter the respiratory system through normal breathing.
•Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, apron or coveralls to prevent skin contact. Discard and replace damaged gloves immediately.
•Use safety goggles and/or full face shield in situations where solutions may splash. Maintain eye-wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work areas.
•Properly ventilate the area to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits.
•If these acids come into contact with skin, wash the contaminated areas promptly with soap and water. Remove and launder contaminated clothing immediately. Shots and special neutralizing baths are available to counteract exposure to the fluoride.

For more of the latest news, click on link below.

http://www.carwash.com/article.asp?indexid=4230101
Carwashing Archives
 

Dan S

New Member
For more of the latest news, click here.
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THATS FUNNY I CLICKED ON ALL OF THE ABOVE AND IT DIDNT WORK !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ........>> LOL
 

crispy crittr

New Member
Here is a link to an article that ran in Cleaner Times.

http://www.adpub.com/ctimes/features3/Hydrofluoric.cfm

I pray and hope that no one here ever needs to be treated for HF exposure. The story of Savannah's accident still affects me whenever I am reminded of it. So does Bob Belk's accident. Bob was the owner of Soap Warehouse. He had a hose come out of a drum of HF while mixing some truck wash.

Be careful guys, your families and your expertise to the industry through these boards are very important.

Chuck
Cleaner Times Magazine
 

Larry L.

PWN TEAM - Moderator Emeritus
I've used it over 11 years and make my own aluminum brightner,the raw HF smokes when you take the lid off the drum.I think they even used it in chemical warfare....deadly stuff,nasty,I nicknamed it a few years ago "RATTLESNAKE" in a can.
 

Mark

Moderator / Sponsor
You are right Larry, I have yet to see anything that cleans like aluminum brightener!
 
We suggest to anybody that buys our HF truck cleaner to buy a small tube of Calcium Gluconate. We have it made for us (for our fleet customers) and it is like an ointment. When you are exposed to HF acid, this salve provides the calcium that the HF is looking for and will buy you a lot of precious time to get medical attention. Not cheap, but a pretty reasonably priced insurance policy.
 

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