Chemical Spills

1. If greater than one liter of HF is spilled outside of a chemical hood, evacuate the area, close the doors, post the area with a sign to prevent others from entering and notify the University Police at 123 or 702-8181. 

2. Laboratory staff can clean up spills less than one liter of HF inside a chemical fume hood by containing the spillage and carefully neutralizing the spill with Spill-X-C caustic neutralizer found in University provided spill kits in corridors, caustic soda, applying powdered calcium carbonate or calcium hydroxide, or use a commercial HF spill kit.  

3. All spills shall be cleaned in accordance with the Chemical Spill Response procedure, Section 1.2. 

Skin Contact

The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for skin contact:

1.  Immediately proceed to the nearest emergency shower and flush affected area for at least 15 minutes;

2. Remove all contaminated clothing while in the shower; and

3. Contact the University Police at 123 or 702-8181 for medical assistance.
   Note:  Those who assist HF victims must be careful not to contaminate themselves and wear proper PPE while assisting after an HF exposure.

Eye Contact

The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for eye contact:

1. Immediately proceed to the nearest eyewash or sink and while holding the eyelids open, flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of water; and

2. Contact the University Police at 123 or 702-8181 for medical assistance.

Ingestion

The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for ingestion:

1. First, dilute the acid by drinking large quantities of water;

2. Give several glasses of milk or several ounces of milk of magnesia or eight to twelve Tums® or Rolaids®;

3. Contact the University Police at 123 or 702-8181 for medical assistance;

4. Do not induce vomiting; and

5. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious or convulsing person.

Inhalation

The following first aid procedures shall be initiated for inhalation:

1. Remove victim to fresh air; and

2. Contact the University Police at 123 or 702-8181 for medical assistance.