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#1 Posted : 02 October 2009 08:57:00(UTC)
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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
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#2 Posted : 02 October 2009 09:25:00(UTC)
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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
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#3 Posted : 02 October 2009 09:40:00(UTC)
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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.
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#4 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:01:00(UTC)
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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!
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#5 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:09:00(UTC)
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Posted By Peter Zunda For the bulletin mentioned in my earlier post, google "Network Rail IGS 203" !
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#6 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:34:00(UTC)
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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
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#7 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:43:00(UTC)
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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
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#8 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:58:00(UTC)
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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.
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#9 Posted : 02 October 2009 11:40:00(UTC)
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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
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