I will not speak of any commercial products on this listserve. I would consider it a breach of ethics. Just because I happen to think there might be a better way, it is not available in the US as of now and so we should do what we've always done in accordance with the ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2009 Standard until our committee comes out with the newer version (with all appropriate peer review, etc.). I, however, do not expect any significant changes and we will be meeting again over the next couple of years. But most folks there are plumbers/plumbing engineers, so don't expect any major changes.
And while I and those at Honeywell may have certain different opinions, their advice is excellent and no one could fault anyone who follows their advice for HF exposure in the US today.
And otherwise, Harry, excellent advice, as always. Any of us could teach a class. I just suggested an on-line alternative that might be cost-effective (and no, I don't get any funding if anyone uses this course).
Date: Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:45:45 -0500
From: helston**At_Symbol_Here**FGI.NET
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] First aid for Chemical exposures
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL..EDU
So are any number of us on this list, George.
However. I do not believe that one would need specific training for FIRST AID beyond what you find in open source literature. Anything beyond rinse and EMS (and perhaps Ca gluconate for HF) gets dangerously close to TREATMENT, which is beyond the scope of most.
Regarding calcium gluconate on HF, I believe that one will find that as a first aid measure in the Honeywell HF reference booklet.
It is recognized that there are other washes available (e.g. Diphoterine, Hexafluorine) that are gaining traction, especially outside the US. Alan Hall can speak more cogently about that than I can.. The peer-reviewed case studies using these solutions is mounting in a positive direction.
A couple of take home messages for first aid:
1. Water and lots of it.
2. Don't be a chemist on someone else's skin or eyes. Or your own for that matter.
3. Leave TREATMENT to the pros. Think standard of care here.
Get your EHS group to run some exposure drills and honestly critique the outcome if you want some fun! You "can" hire it out, but everyone still needs to be involved for it to be meaningful.
H
sent from my Samsung Captivate
On Apr 18, 2012 7:15 AM, "george wahl" <
ghw917**At_Symbol_Here**mac.com> wrote:
Jim Kaufman would give you excellent training!
George Wahl
On Apr 17, 2012, at 9:21 AM, Humphrey, Karalyn J. wrote:
My department chair wants to have a training that specifically addresses first aid for chemical exposures. Does anyone know of someone who might be certified/qualified to come and lead such a training?
Thanks,
Dr. Karalyn (Karen) Humphrey
Laboratory Coordinator, Department Safety Officer & Part-Time Lecturer
Baylor University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Office: BSB E.111
"Vast worlds lie within the hollows of each atom, multifarious as the motes in a sunbeam." ~Yoga Vasishtha
