Just a comment on the waste HF. Whether you have this or waste ammonium bi fluoride (NH4FHF), use simple lime slurry (CaO + H2O = Ca(OH)2)to neutral ize the acid and to form CaF2 and H2O. Small amounts of the ammonium compo unds can be released to the sewer system. Can use pH paper to obtain a pH between 7.0 - 9.0. We use the antidote Ca gluconate too, if a person happe ns to get one of the acidic fluoride compounds on their skin. However, whe n it is out of date, you can dilute & flush the Ca gluconate to the public sewer system. Gluconates are biodegradable and the Ca ions are harmless. -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Ra lph Stuart Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 1:01 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] Laboratory medical oversight We have a variety of laboratories that work with chemicals that present acu te hazards that require rapid response in case of exposure. Examples includ e HF and diisopropyl fluorophosphate among others. Some of our labs that us e these chemicals have procured antidotes (such as calcium gluconate or atr opine) for exposures to these chemicals and, for example, taped them to the fume hood where the material is used. We've noticed that these materials t end to be out of date when we discover them. Has anyone developed a program to manage this part of hazardous chemical us e, such as identifying which chemicals require such a measure, assuring tha t the materials are kept up to date, and providing lab workers with trainin g in their use? We're trying to assess what it would take to implement such a program here. Thanks for any information. - Ralph Ralph Stuart, CIH Environmental Safety Manager University of Vermont Environmental Safety Facility 667 Spear St. Burlington, VT 05405 rstuart**At_Symbol_Here**uvm.edu fax: (802)656-5407
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