ChE Faculty, Staff and Students, A container of hydrogen fluoride (HF) exploded in a third floor Wetherill lab on Monday evening. Thankfully, no one was hurt but six people were treated at the hospital for HF exposure. The following article appeared in the Journal & Courier: http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110621007. Two things are extremely worrisome about this incident: 1) The researchers were not aware that the lab contained HF. This suggests that the lab did not have an up-to-date chemical inventory and MSDS book - both are integral to Right to Know and are required by OSHA and IOSHA. 2) Six people were exposed to HF. Hydrogen fluoride is a weak acid that is absorbed very rapidly through the skin, mucous membranes and lungs. Exposure can result in amputation and even death. More information on HF and HF hazards and precautions can be found at: http://www.chem.purdue.edu/chemsafety/chem/hfuse.htm. The graduate students and emergency response personnel were very, very lucky. This is a potent example of why we must know and understand the hazards in our laboratories and take steps to protect ourselves and others. Please discuss this incident in your research groups. Linda Linda S. Davis Industrial Education Director Chair, ChE Safety Committee (https://engineering.purdue.edu/ChE/AboutUs/Safety.html) School of Chemical Engineering Purdue University 480 Stadium Mall Dr. West Lafayette, IN 47907-2100 Phone: (765)496-1710 lsdavis@purdue.edu