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DX380LC-7
Rubber That Contains Fluorides
Observe extra great care when it is suspected that you may
have to handle rubber that contains fluorides.
Certain seals which have to withstand high operating
temperatures (e.g. in engines, transmissions, axles, hydraulic
motors and pumps) may be made from rubber that contains
fluorides, which, when exposed to high heat (fire), forms
hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid. This acid is very
corrosive and cannot be rinsed or washed off from the skin. It
causes very severe burns which take a long time to heal.
It usually means that damaged tissue must be surgically
removed. Several hours may pass after contact with the acid,
before any symptoms appear and therefore one is not given any
immediate warning. The acid may remain on the machine parts
for several years after a fire.
If swelling, redness or a stinging feeling appears and one
suspects that cause may be contact with heated rubber that
contains fluorides, contact a medical doctor immediately. If a
machine, or part of a machine, has been exposed to fire or
severe heat, it must be handled by specially trained personnel.
In all handling of machines after a fire, thick rubber gloves and
protective goggles must be used.
The area around a part which has been very hot and which may
be made of rubber that contains fluorides must be
decontaminated by thorough and ample washing with limewater
(a solution or suspension of calcium hydroxide, i.e. slaked lime
in water). After the work has been completed, the gloves must
be washed in limewater and then discarded.
