Compressed Gas Users: AHF Hazard Alert
Old carbon steel cylinders containing liquid anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) were identified as a potential hazard in a letter published in the April 28, 1997, Chemical & Engineering News. A representative of the Chemical Manufacturers' Association reports that AHF reacts with the iron in the steel cylinder releasing hydrogen gas. This can lead to a pressure increase in the lecture cylinder. One 14-year-old cylinder of AHF was estimated
to contain a pressure of 2400 psig. Normal pressure for this lecture cylinder is less than 15 psig.
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) recommends that all labs inventory their lecture and full-size cylinders to determine if old carbon steel cylinders of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride are present. Contact Kyle Rosato (Ext. 8-4453) at EHRS, if you find old cylinders of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride. Do not handle or attempt to vent these lecture cylinders.
-- Joe Passante, Environmental Health and Radiation Safety
Almanac
Volume 43 Number 34
May 13, 1997
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