Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Durkin
Hi All,
I know it's Friday,but in the South East we have been informed that vandals are using hydrofluoric acid (HF) to etch their tags (names) on glass.Apparently they use 'bingo dabbers'wrapped in masking tape to apply.HF is extremely corrosive and serious injuries may occur if it comes into contact with skin,particularly the hands if handled unsuspectively.I pass this on in case the use is more widespread than Kent & the SE.
Regards,Paul
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Leo26
Paul,
Having had experience working in industries that use large quantities of HF, I agree that it is very dangerous....especially in the hands of mindless idiots.
Where do these taggers get their supplies of HF from?
Leo26
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Peter Zunda
We were sent a copy of a Safety Bulletin issued by Network Rail from one of our clients in mid-August on this very subject.
I then used this as a basis for notifying our own personnel of the potential hazard as, working in the social housing field, we would more than likely encouter this at some stage.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Bob Youel
if I remember my chemistry properly the problems start under the skin first and then materialise outside afterwards hence making it very very dangerous
can anybody provide more detail!
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Peter Zunda
For the bulletin mentioned in my earlier post, google "Network Rail IGS 203" !
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By John J
Couple of pointers -
All HF burns are serious no matter how small
– AHF burns are immediately obvious and painful
– DHF burns can have delayed effects (up to 24 hours)
HF is absorbed through the skin and can affect the electrolytes within the blood which can cause:
– Pulmonary Oedema (liquid on the lungs) leading to:
– Respiratory failure (even without inhalation)
– Cardiac arrest (heart attack)
– Long term liver function damage
An exposure equivalent in size to the palm of the hand can be fatal
Its also present in a surprisingly wide variety of guises including dry cleaning products, car valeting products and alloy wheel cleaner.
John
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Paul
I assume you are alerting us to the problem from the point of view that employees may encounter HF residues after the 'artists' have left their mark.
Paul
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By John J
The artists have a habit of leaving the bingo dabbers (used to hold the HF) lying around which leads to cleaning staff picking them up and burning themselves.
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Durkin
Thanks All,
Yes, as Paul L ,notes,I have warned all our building managers to alert staff,caretakers etc i.e. NOT TO TOUCH but report,also alerted the local hospitals & MIUs.
Not seen this reported elsewhere in the H&S publications,so thanks all for your responses.
Hope we don't have to take action,better to be prepared.
Regards,Paul
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.