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Subject: Re: BOC clevage safety protocols
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 08:11:05 -0700
Author: Russell Vernon 		Next by Date:
Subject: Re: BOC clevage safety protocols
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:17:24 -0400
Author: "Brennan, Catherine (Environment Health & Safety)"


Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2010 09:00:26 -0700
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Kim.Stone**At_Symbol_Here**SANOFI-AVENTIS.COM
Subject: Re: BOC clevage safety protocols
In-Reply-To: A<006a01cb5bfa$b541a180$1fc4e480$**At_Symbol_Here**vernon**At_Symbol_Here**ucr.edu>

TFA (triflouroacetic acid) is commonly used for cleavage purposes in solid phase chemistry and in a 0.1% concentration in HPLC water to clean up the peaks.  Although not as bad as HF, it is probably the most dangerous acute hazard we have on site and exposure treatment is similar to that of HF. An individual has only moments to start treatment.  For skin contact wash the area immediately with water and then apply a gel of 2.5% calcium gluconate (available from Calgonate Corp in Florida-I can get the contact information if you need it). Keep reapplying the gel for 15 minutes and seek medical help (although in the lab, the usual small quantities in exposures have been neutralized by the time you can get medical attention).  We require that this gel be on hand when working with TFA and everyone is aware of the hazards of working with TFA.  Triflouroacetic acid and the associated fluoride ion is absorbed very quickly through the skin and starts to bind with calcium while serious tissue damage very quickly.  Large exposures can be systemically serious.  Give me a call if you want further information on my experiences with TFA.
 

Kim Stone, MPH, CCHO

Senior Manager Health, Safety & Environment

sanofi-aventis Research Center

2090 E. Innovation Park Drive 85755

520 544-5821

Fax 520 575-8283

 

 


From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Russell Vernon
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 8:11 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] BOC clevage safety protocols

Hi Don,

I have seen TFA exposures and they never were as significant as this one is reported to be.

I believe they made the mixture themselves from the pure reagents.

I’m sure you are right that good protocols for handling corrosives should be protective. From the description of this incident, it seems the addition of long gauntlets and perhaps sleeve protectors would be warranted.

Thanks,

-Russ

Russell Vernon, Ph.D.

Research Safety

Environmental Health & Safety

University of California, Riverside

900 University Ave

Riverside, CA 92521

www.ehs.ucr.edu

russell.vernon**At_Symbol_Here**ucr.edu

Direct (951) 827-5119

Admin (951) 827-5528

Fax (951) 827-5122

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Don Abramowitz
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 7:23 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] BOC clevage safety protocols

Seems to me the injury was primarily a function of the TFA (trifluoroacetic acid), which is a pretty aggressive corrosive material.    I would think generic protocols for handling corrosives would be applicable. 

My questions are:   To what extent do users understand what's in the cocktail?  If the mixture has a name of its own, does awareness of its hazardous properties get lost along the way?

          & nbsp;                                 Don          

Donald Abramowitz
Environmental Health & Safety Officer
Bryn Mawr College
Bryn Mawr, PA

My first question is: where was the PPE?

As for a written protocol, I would include working within a VBE  
(vent. balance enclosure), gloves and safety glasses...

I am certain others here have more feedback...

Sincerely,
george


George D. McCallion
Chemist III
Chemical Process Research & Development
Johnson Matthey Pharmaceutical Materials
2003 Nolte Drive
West Deptford, NJ 08066-1742
Voice: 856.384.7255
Fax: 856.384.7186
E-Mail: medchem**At_Symbol_Here**comcast.net
************************************************** **********************
*********

On Sep 23, 2010, at 9:38 PM, Russell Vernon wrote:

> Dear Fellow Chemists,
>
> A researcher at one of our sister campuses was using a needless  
> syringe filled with a solution of 36 mL TFA, 2 mL thioanisole, 1.2  
> mL ethane dithiol, and 0.8 mL anisole, She inadvertently expelled a  
> portion which impacted her elbow. She very quickly washed the  
> exposure with copious water. The skin became seriously discolored  
> and it is likely the treatment will include skin grafts.
>
> This isn’t my area of expertise but from what I read it is a common  
> protecting group cleavage cocktail for protein synthesis.
>
> If any of you have any written procedures that would improve the  
> process we would appreciate getting a copy.
>
> Sincerely,
> -Russ
>
>
> Russell Vernon, Ph.D.
> Research Safety
> Environmental Health & Safety
> University of California, Riverside
> 900 University Ave
> Riverside, CA 92521
> www.ehs.ucr.edu
> russell.vernon**At_Symbol_Here**ucr.edu
>
> Direct (951) 827-5119
> Admin (951) 827-5528
> Fax (951) 827-5122

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