Approximately 100 ml of 48% hydrofluoric acid (HF) is spilled in your laboratory
ID: 1031331 • Letter: A
Question
Approximately 100 ml of 48% hydrofluoric acid (HF) is spilled in your laboratory. There is NO contact with skin, clothing, PPE, or critical equipment - just a small puddle of liquid that is slowly dripping off the edge of the benchtop and onto the floor. The best thing to do is...
a) panic.
b) while wearing nitrile gloves, grab some paper towels and absorb the liquid. Seal the contaminated paper towels in a plastic bag and place the bag in the laboratory trash can
c) while wearing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves, neutralize the acid with an alkaline powder such as sodium bicarbonate (a.k.a. baking soda), then sweep up the solidified mess into a dustpan and dispose of the material with other contaminated lab trash.
d) keep other people away from the area while you read the MSDS and try to figure-out what further action(s) to take.
e) follow the procedure outlined in your laboratory SOP, CHP, or other emergency response plan. NOTE: you wisely read the MSDS before using the material. You also asked for and received comprehensive SOP and CHP training before entering the lab; therefore, you already know exactly what to do and you are able to respond to the spill confidently, safely, and effectively.
Explanation / Answer
Safety measures during spill
Approximately 100 ml of 48% hydrofluoric acid (HF) is spilled in the laboratory. There is NO contact with skin, clothing, PPE, or critical equipment - just a small puddle of liquid that is slowly dripping off the edge of the benchtop and onto the floor. The best thing to do is,
c) while wearing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gloves, neutralize the acid with an alkaline powder such as sodium bicarbonate (a.k.a. baking soda), then sweep up the solidified mess into a dustpan and dispose of the material with other contaminated lab trash.
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