A 37-year-old male laboratory technician was performing acid digestion of oil well core, and ditch samples with 70% w/w concentrated hydrofluoric acid in a fume cupboard. He was believed to be seated when he knocked over a small quantity (100-230 ml) of hydrofluoric acid onto his lap, splashing both thighs. The only pieces of personal protective equipment worn were a pair of rubber hand gloves and a PVC sleeve protector.
The technician sustained burns to 9% of his body surface area, despite washing his legs with water from a makeshift plumbing arrangement that supplied water. No calcium gluconate gel was applied to the affected area, and contaminated clothing was not removed during the flushing with water. Following flushing, the technician, who appeared to be in severe pain and shock, immersed himself in a chlorinated swimming pool at the rear of the workplace, where he remained for…
