M10.2 Blog about MSDS and ToxNet

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Because my workplace does not deal with chemicals it was very difficult for me to find a MSDS. However, my husband works at the US Geological Survey and works with chemicals all the time. When I asked to see his MSDS, he said "Which one?". We chose to look at Hydrofluoric Acid (HF). He uses this substance about 5 times a month. 

 The potential dangers that we found with this chemical is that:
1) Severe acidic burns 
2) Seeps into skin
2) Toxic fumes
3) Could cause heart attack if left untreated
4) Readily available neutralizer- Calcium Glutimate

 Precautions: 
1) full acid suits
2) fume hood
3) Cannot have BPA-has to be pure nalgene type plastic
Was the MSDS an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding about the potential health risks and how to protect him/herself? (Consider that the general public reads at a reading level at or below 6th grade, and that's if English is their first language.)

 Looking at my husband's MSDS, it is not an adequate tool to use. His job requires him to go into further training before he is even allowed to get near the stuff. When I looked at the MSDS, even though I understand what he is working with, it was hard for me to comprehend the full extent of the dangers that are associated with the chemical or why it is being used. Another key piece that is missing from the MSDS is disposal of HF, which seems to be a big issue. 

 My husband told me that he needs to use the chemical to "etch" (clean crystals) rocks. This is the only way that they can properly date the crystal and to get an accurate read on the data. The USGS takes safety very seriously and will take more precautions than most companies when it comes to harmful chemicals. It gives me peace of mind when I am thinking about him working, however, just relying on the MSDS's is not enough. 

Comments

  1. Daisy AlbarranNovember 1, 2018 at 3:48 PM

    Hi Kera,
    I do work at a place that works with chemicals and I found it a bit difficult to find the MSDS's. It is somewhat concerning that it is not readily available to employees - one has to really search for them - so it is great that there are companies/agencies that make it easily available to their employees. Overall, interesting finds on the chemical!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 7, 2018 at 3:26 PM

    Hi Kera,
    Thank you for sharing the information you found from the MSDS of a chemical your husband is exposed to at work. That is a very scary list of potential dangers! Could cause a heart attack?! I am glad that his workplace ensures that the proper precautions are taken. I agree that MSDS is often not the most adequate of tools and that additional information should be researched for certain chemicals. I am especially skeptical because the MSDS is provided by the companies who make the products and I feel that they are not 100% truthful about potential dangers. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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