Below is the content of an email I just sent to the people who published the pyrophoric alert.

As a chemist and an expert in handling reactive materials, I have reviewed your pyrophoric chemical ALERT and strongly disagree with the gloves shown in the figure.  The gloves being used protect against the much less severe chemical hazard, not against the significant fire hazard.  The figure shows the result of an inadequate hazard recognition and risk assessment, translated into an inappropriate PPE assessment.

“Pilots Gloves” with thin mil nitrile under them, if wanted, is the appropriate PPE.  In addition, a device such as a Unishield should be used to protect the face, and fire retardant clothing, such as a Nomex lab coat, not the cotton one shown, should be used.

There is a lot of mis-information both about the incident and the correct way to handle pyrophoric chemicals.

Neal

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NEAL LANGERMAN
ADVANCED CHEMICAL SAFETY, Inc.
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