Reference no: EM133303755

Case Study: Hydro?uoric acid is a highly corrosive and toxic liquid that is generally noted to cause fatalities following skin exposure in small amounts. Dermal contact with concentrated hydro?uoric acid to approximately 2.5% of the body surface (i.e.= the forearm) is reported to be a potentially lethal dose. Calcium gluconate is the topical {applied to the skin) treatment most effective in binding ?uoride ions on me skin to prevent burns and thus a potential fatality. A 3?-year-old male laboratory technician working alone was performing acid digestion of oil well core and ditch samples using 10% concentrated hydrofluoric acid, in a fume cupboard. The technician was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity {100- 230 m1} of hydro?uoric acid onto his lap: splashing both thighs. The only personal protective equipment {'PPE) worn was tvvo pairs of wrist length rubber gloves and a pair of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sleeve protectors. The technician sustained burns to 9% of his body surface area: despite washing his legs with water. The contaminated clothing was not removed during the ?ushing with water. Calcium gluconate gel was not available. Following ?ushing: the technician, who was in severe pain and shock: immersed himself in a chlorinated swimming pool, remaining there for approximately 35-10 min before ambulance help arrived. His condition deteriorated in The hospital, and he subsequently died from multi-organ failure 15 days a?er the hydro?uoric acid spill.

Question 1: What are the likely contributing factors to the incident described above
Question 2: In this situation, what control measures would you recommend to avoid similar incidents in the future