INTRODUCTION ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION（介绍事故描述）.pdf

FATALITY DUE TO ACUTE FLUORIDE POISONING FOLLOWING DERMAL CONTACT WITH HYDROFLUORIC ACID IN A PALYNOLOGY LABORATORY Luciano Muriale, * Evelyn Lee,* John Genovese+ and Steven Trend* *WorkSafe Western Australia, P.O. Box 294, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia;and Chemistry Centre of Western Australia, 1250 Hay Street, East Perth, WA 6004, Australia . Originally published in the journal of the British Occupational Hygiene Society Vol. 40, No. 6 pp. 705-710, 1996. Reprinted by permission of the editor, Dr. H.A. Waldron) Abstract-A fatal accident involving concentrated hydrofluoric acid in a palynological laboratory is described. Similar deaths due to dermal exposure to concentrated hydrofluoric acid have been reported in the literature. It is evident that rigorous control measures including proper personal protective equipment and first aid are of utmost importance in the prevention of death and injury when handling hydrofluoric acid. Possible factors that may have contributed to the accident are reviewed. Copyright © 1996 British Occupational Hygiene Society. INTRODUCTION Hydrofluoric acid is a corrosive and toxic liquid that is potentially toxic even following dermal exposure to small amounts (Burke et al., 1973). The fatality described below highlights the potential for relatively small quantities of concentrated hydrofluoric acid to produce acute systemic toxicity and it is clear that laboratory personnel underestimated the risks associated with the acid. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the inherent dangers associated with dermal contact with concentrated hydrofluoric acid, and of the importance of observing strict precautions when handling it. ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION A palynological technique used by geologists involves the dissolving of sedimentary rock with mineral acids (hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acid) to liberate acid-insoluble microscopic fossils. The fossils are then examined by microscopy to determine the age of the r