Seems to me the injury was primarily a function of the TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), which is a pretty aggressive corrosive material.    I would think generic protocols for handling corrosives would be applicable. 

My questions are:   To what extent do users understand what's in the cocktail?  If the mixture has a name of its own, does awareness of its hazardous properties get lost along the way?

            & nbsp;                               Don          

Donald Abramowitz
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA

My first question is: where was the PPE?

As for a written protocol, I would include working within a VBE  
(vent. balance enclosure), gloves and safety glasses...

I am certain others here have more feedback...

Sincerely,
george

George D. McCallion
Chemist III
Chemical Process Research & Development
Johnson Matthey Pharmaceutical Materials
2003 Nolte Drive
West Deptford, NJ 08066-1742
Voice: 856.384.7255
Fax: 856.384.7186
E-Mail: medchem**At_Symbol_Here**comcast.net
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On Sep 23, 2010, at 9:38 PM, Russell Vernon wrote:

> Dear Fellow Chemists,
>
> A researcher at one of our sister campuses was using a needless  
> syringe filled with a solution of 36 mL TFA, 2 mL thioanisole, 1.2  
> mL ethane dithiol, and 0.8 mL anisole, She inadvertently expelled a  
> portion which impacted her elbow. She very quickly washed the  
> exposure with copious water. The skin became seriously discolored  
> and it is likely the treatment will include skin grafts.
>
> This isn=E2=80=99t my area of expertise but from what I read it is a common  
> protecting group cleavage cocktail for protein synthesis.
>
> If any of you have any written procedures that would improve the  
> process we would appreciate getting a copy.
>
> Sincerely,
> -Russ
>
>
> Russell Vernon, Ph.D.
> Research Safety
> Environmental Health & Safety
> University of California, Riverside
> 900 University Ave
> Riverside, CA 92521
> www.ehs.ucr.edu
> russell.vernon**At_Symbol_Here**ucr.edu
>
> Direct (951) 827-5119
> Admin (951) 827-5528
> Fax (951) 827-5122