Decades ago, when I was still a chemist, I had the same question. I purchased a book called First Aid for Chemical Accidents (or something to that effect) by a French author (I think).
If memory serves me correct, it said flush with water for everything, even water reactives. I think I remember it saying "Éthe flames will die downÉ".
Don't know about the lead but I just got a new roof and they installed lead "sheets" to "flash" around the vent pipes because they can mold it over the top and down the sides without a horizontal seam. I see the same thing in use at my
workplace. I wonder about run off over the years into the surrounding soil and if that is a solution we may regret years later.
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
On Behalf Of Margaret Rakas
Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019 12:06 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [DCHAS-L] Is lead sheeting a source of lead dust? And-Chemical Exposure question...
So...two questions for Friday...
1) If you found a large stack of lead sheets...sitting in a storage area for some time (who knows how long!?)...would you be concerned about lead dust in the immediate area, say the surrounding floor? I understand that grinding, sanding,
filing, etc creates lead dust but this situation doesn't fit any of those...I cannot find any references so in case I'm imagining that just because it's soft, dust forms over time....I wanted to check...
2) A student asked me if there were any chemicals for which you would NOT want to use water in case of chemical exposure. I did a quick search and the Canadian CCOHS (their OSHA) advises "...Note that the manufacturer/supplier .. may recommend
an alternative agent in exceptional cases if water is clearly inappropriate." I have read plenty of SDS's in my time but have never seen an SDS state anything other than using water as the first step. Has anyone ever encountered any other initial instructions
for dermal or eye exposure? (Of course there may be additional steps AFTER water flushing, like use of calcium gluconate gel, etc)...
MANY THANKS and happy Friday to all!
Margaret
--
Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
Lab Safety & Compliance Director
Clark Science Center
413-585-3877 (p)
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