Perth Petroleum Services Oil & Chemical Spill Equipment

How to safely use a hydrofluoric acid spill kit

Hydrofluoric (HF) acid is a dangerous material that requires special handling if it leaks or spills. Clean–up materials from conventional spill kits, such as booms and pads can be dissolved by hydrofluoric acid. Kitty litters, vermiculite or sand should not be used because HF acid reacts with silica to produce silicon tetrafluoride, a toxic gas.

Hydrofluoric acid spills require specialised spill equipment and PPE all which are in our new HF acid spill kit.

The kit contains:

• 500 grams of neutralizing powder (absorbs 650ml of HF)
• 2x PVC aprons
• 2x Scorpio Neoprene Gloves
• 2x non-vented goggles
• 3x disposal bags
• 2x “Hydrofluoric Acid Contaminated Waste” stickers
• 1x calcium gluconate gel
• 1x spill kit instructions

The kit is designed for spills of 650mL or less. If the spill is larger, do not attempt clean-up and call Fire and Emergency Services on 000.

Below are step-by-step instructions on how to use our HF acid spill kit:

• Isolate the area, notify supervisors, control access to the area. Wear and use all protective equipment contained in the kit at all times before, during and after spill clean-up. Also responders should also be wearing long pants, long sleeves, and closed toe shoes.
• Two responders should work slowly together to achieve an effective cleanup.
• Unscrew lid from the shaker bottle and apply powder forming a ring around the spill. Then shake the powder directly onto the spill until covered.
• Agitate the powder with a small dust pan and brush into any remaining moisture. Ensure to do this carefully and not to agitate quickly.
• Sweep material and place carefully into disposal bag and tie off. Place this bag into another bag and tie off. Place all used PPE into the third bag.
• Labeled the bag with stickers provided. Dispose of waste through a licensed hazchem company. Call PPS for guidance and or replacement of equipment.

In all cases of human contact, call for medical assistance immediately.

Skin Contact
The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for skin contact:

• Immediately proceed to the nearest emergency shower and flush affected area for at least 15 minutes
• Remove all contaminated clothing while in the shower
• Apply calcium gluconate gel to the area as soon as possible

Note: Those who assist HF acid victims must be careful not to contaminate themselves and wear proper PPE while assisting after an HF acid exposure.

Eye Contact
The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for eye contact:

• Immediately proceed to the nearest eyewash or sink and while holding the eyelids open, flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water

Ingestion
The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for ingestion:

• First, dilute the acid by giving large quantities of water
• Give several glasses of milk
• Do NOT induce vomiting
• Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person

Inhalation
The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for inhalation:

• Remove victim to fresh air