I would only imagine it is used to just clean or keep the area clean and act as a disinfectant. Most soaps do have a pH of around 9. So it not being a strong base, for an acid burn it may help neutralize the acid and limit the burn. I would not think this would be the main reason to use it.
Jeff
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU]On Behalf Of Kennedy, Sheila
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 12:50 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Question on trifluoracetic acid & emergencies
Does anyone have an idea of why (M)SDS so often recommend "wash gently with soap and plenty of water"? What is the soap supposed to do? My understanding is that soap primarily acts by dissolving grease; dissolving grease releases dirt; water washes away dirt. Is there a significant fat/oil/grease component to a TFA splash? Are we just reading boiler plate washing instructions?
SMK
_________________________________
Sheila Kennedy, C.H.O.
Safety Coordinator | Teaching Laboratories
UCSD Chemistry & Biochemistry |MC 0303
s1kennedy**At_Symbol_Here**ucsd.edu | http://www-chem.ucsd.edu
Office: (858) 534-0221 | Fax: (858) 534-7687
_________________________________
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU]On Behalf Of Kim Gates
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 5:55 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Question on trifluoracetic acid & emergencies
One of the labs on campus asked about having an HF emergency kit for trifluoracetic acid use.
I need the collective wisdom of his group - yes? no? references? (the SDS doesn't mention anything about this)
Thanks
Kim Gates
Laboratory Safety Specialist
Environmental Health & Safety
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794-6200
Kim.Gates**At_Symbol_Here**stonybrook.edu
631-632-3032
FAX: 631-632-9683
EH&S Web site: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/
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