OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND

SAFETY PRACTITIONER
A CASE STUDY ABOUT HYDROFLUORIC ACID

Submitted to the
FEU – Institute of Technology

In partial fulfillment
Of the course requirements in
SAFETY
Saturday, 9:00-11:40 AM
Term 3, AY 2018-2019
May 19, 2019

Submitted by:
GROUP 1
Agustin, Phil
Apacible, Adrian
Bernal, Rowie Ivy
Cruz, Ezekiel
David, Ejayshean
Galande, Yvan
Misa, Jay
Omillo, Shaina Marsh
Raizel, Jazmine

Submitted to:
Engr. Gerand Boy O. Elinzano
SYNTHESIS
This study is a brief explanation regarding the different properties of hydrofluoric acid.
According to the author, Mr. Luciano Muriale an Occupational Hygienist, having basic
knowledge about the said acid is important to eliminate unintentional incidents. There are also
ways on how to prevent such incidents according to Mr. Muriale. Controlling and knowing
what will cause the incident from happening is one of it.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a weak acid that is used in many industries for metal cleaning,
glass etching and electronics manufacturing. It is also found in households in rust removers,
porcelain cleaners, brick cleaners, aluminum brighteners, and automotive wheel cleaners
(Toxtidbits et al., 2017). Since Hydrofluoric acid can be widely used in many ways, the effect
of it was mostly ignored. Thus, Mr. Muriale wanted to spread awareness and give strict
precautions when handling it. Hydrofluoric acid is also used in determining the age of rock and
its oil potential. There are also reported accident out a male laboratory technician who spilled
100-230 ml of concentrated hydrofluoric acid on his lap while having an experiment. There are
visible burn on his leg that even washing it with water can’t stop the intense pain. The
technician died 15 days after the spilling because of the lack of calcium. This is thought to be
due to fluoride binding to calcium ions in the tissue causing an efflux of potassium which
stimulates nerve ending (Toxtidbits et al., 2017). The burn potential of hydrofluoric acid should
not be underestimated, especially on exposing the acid on dermal parts of the body. Wearing
personal protective equipment is necessary when using the acid, according to the author. Not
just for handling, but also have a overall cover to prevent burns when some incident would
happen. The proper way to wash the spilled skin is by flowing a water from a hose with low
flow rate to prevent acid from spreading onto the skin. Calcium gluconate is also an effective
gel to treat Hydrofluoric acid burns. Fluoride poisoning can also happen due to inhalation of
hydrofluoric acid’s high vapor pressure. When working with this acid, the work station should
have a high working height to let the deceased standing while working, the workstation should
have stable digestion cups, and a big space. But the deceased’s laboratory did not follow these
condition. Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulation could have lessen
the effect of the accident.

POINT OF VIEW
This case study is taken from the point of Luciano Muriale, an occupational hygienist. Being
an occupational hygienist, Muriale examined the dangers of hydroflouric acid and the risk of
fatality in a laboratory if hydroflouric acid is handled without adequate personal protective
equipments (PPEs) and
a prohibition notice preventing the use unless calcium gluconate gel, eyedrops, and tablets are
at hand.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The aftermath of the death of the deceased geologist bringforth a number of concerns to
the employer which (1) did not provide the adequate countermeasures in contamination of
hydroflouric acid, (2) did not provide proper PPE such as gas mask ,PVC gloves, and PVC
coveralls (3) did not have proper room area for the employee to work on (4) did not have an
emergency shower in case of contamination. What would be the action of the employer so that
this situation would not develop on the next employees to go through this process?

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES

The main objective of Mr. Muriale is he wants to spread the awareness and give strict
precautions about handling or using the Hydrofluoric Acid. For him to be successful on doing
it, then he should do the following:

• Conduct a seminar or an orientation about handing or using the Hydrofluoric Acid.

• Teach the people to use PPEs for using the Hydrofluoric Acid for their own safety.
• Teach the different user of this chemical of what this chemical can do for their health.
• Give a seminar about Occupational Safety and Health Regulation to lessen the chance
of having an accident

AREAS OF CONSIDERATION
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION
RECOMMENDATION

IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN
For Mr. Muriale to become successful with his objectives or plan to raise awareness about
Hydrofluoric Acid, he should of course raise some fund, by what? By getting some help with
the companies who are interested or using this chemical on their products or workplaces to
also help their workers to be aware of what this chemical can do for them.

REFLECTION
“Awareness is the first step to action. They have to know something is going on to know
to do something about it. “ - Derick Virgil

Awareness is the key for us to be safe, awareness is something that everyone should have
for our surroundings and awareness is something we should practice on our everyday lives
for us to be safe. We should be aware of what is dangerous, what can put us to danger, and
what could danger us anytime. Hazard could or can be anywhere or everywhere around us
and unwanted accidents can happen anytime that we cannot predict when, but we just need to
be aware of what can cause accidents to prevent or avoid being injured or worst, death. So if
we are aware of what can cause us danger, then it our job to let others know what they should
be aware of too.