Re: Nasty shale processing (posted for W. A. Shear)

[N.MacLeod@xxxxxxxxx (N. MacLeod)]

Mime-Version: 1.0
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 14:17:35 -0500
To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
From: bills@tiger.hsc.edu (Bill Shear)
Subject: Re: Nasty shale processing
Status: O

Actually I don't find HF all that problematical.  It has to be treated the
same as any dangerous acid, with the proviso that it can dissolve glass
(everything has to be plastic--even commercial freezer containers work
well).  I use a standard fume hood, keep all HF containing vessels covered,
use heavy-duty rubber gloves, a rubberized chemists apron, and the type of
face protection used by welders--a plexi face sheild.  Some people also
wear rubber boots in case a spill hits your feet.  I also keep handy HF
spill kits which are available from any good science supplier.   Used acid
can be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate.  Haven't had any problems in
five years of heavy usage.

Best wishes, Bill
___________________
William A. Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943 USA
phone (804) 223-6172
FAX (804) 223-6374