Pickling pastes contain a combination of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid which can cause serious burn injuries. They are primarily used to post weld clean stainless steels and can be applied by brush or by a spray on process. Their use is relatively widespread amongst stainless steel fabricators although they tend to be used infrequently. As a consequence they are often overlooked by employers when conducting assessments under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
This document explains the risks and the controls measures likely to be required following a risk assessment under COSHH.
Pickling surface cleaners and passivating solutions are not covered as they do not generally contain hydrofluoric acid. The guidance contained here is not exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the product's health and safety data sheet. If the product supplier does not supply the material safety data sheet it is essential to ask for it.
Stainless steel's corrosion resistance results from a thin, transparent layer of chromium oxide formed on its surface during production. When this film is present the metal is in a passive state. During fabrication and welding the film can be damaged by scratches, the formation of surface oxides (including heat tint) and embedded iron. This can reduce the chromium content of the surface metal, preventing the passive film from reforming naturally. As a result, areas of lower corrosion resistance are formed.
To restore the protective surface these areas are typically treated, eg by immersing the fabrication in a pickling bath. The use of pickling pastes arises where a fabrication is too large to fit into a pickling bath or where either the pickling has to be done in situ or where only localised pickling is required, such as on weld seams. The paste can be applied either directly to the weld or following mechanical dressing of the weld, for example by grinding and/or abrasive blasting. The pickling paste removes any resulting free iron or other surface contamination, areas of chromium depletion being removed by the hydrofluoric acid component.
Whilst pickling pastes are normally used on stainless steels, a small number can be used on aluminium as a means of recreating a bright, polished surface.
A small range of proprietary pickling pastes is available in the UK, the majority of which are imported, reflecting their greater use abroad. They are available mainly from welding consumable and stainless steel suppliers, who tend to stock only a single range of pastes. They are supplied ready made up, generally in plastic canisters. Prior to use the paste has to be stirred, it is then applied by either brush, roller or occasionally by spray. The paste is left on for anywhere between 15-60 minutes before it is washed off with water which may be applied under pressure.
Pickling pastes typically contain 20% nitric acid and 5% hydrofluoric acid by weight, although this can vary.
Hydrofluoric acid is a highly toxic, reactive chemical. Skin contact with diluted solutions can cause very serious and extremely painful burns. The extent of these burns can readily be missed at the initial stage, as it can take up to 24 hours after contact before the pain is felt. The acid is also capable of destroying flesh long after initial efforts have been made to wash it from the skin. Very small quantities of diluted hydrofluoric acid can cause irreparable damage to the eye. It is toxic by inhalation and has a workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 1.8 parts per million (ppm) (as fluoride) (8-hour time weighted average reference period) and 3 ppm over a 15-minute reference period. This reflects the level of exposure which based on current scientific knowledge will not damage the health of people exposed to it by inhalation day after day.
Nitric acid is highly corrosive and will produce lesions of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes on contact. The severity of the lesions will depend on the length of contact and the concentration of the acid. It has a WEL of 2ppm (8-hour time weighted average reference period) and 4ppm over a 15-minute reference period.
Before using pickling paste consideration should be given to whether it has to be used. This largely depends on the fabrication's intended process environment. Where for example a fabrication is destined for a high temperature, heat resistant application, scope may exist to eliminate post weld cleaning and hence the need to use pickling paste. However, in most cases where stainless steel is used, some form of post weld cleaning will be necessary particularly where ultra-clean surfaces are required, as in the case of pharmaceutical and food process equipment.
The scale of this cleaning may however be controlled, eg by avoiding embedded iron contamination. Ways of achieving this include:
Where post weld cleaning cannot be avoided consideration should be given to using a less hazardous alternative to pickling paste. Where a contract specifies that pickling paste has to be used, the employer is not exempted from this requirement. In such circumstances the employer should challenge the specification.
A number of alternative methods of post weld cleaning exist, these can be broken down into two broad categories; mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical cleaning includes:
Consideration should be given to adopting either one or a combination of these methods before selecting chemical cleaning.
The resulting quality of finished surface will vary depending on the method or methods chosen. Depending on the final process environment it may not be possible to completely avoid the use of pickling paste. A follow on application of pickling paste may for example be necessary for a high-purity process where a high standard of finish is required. Where this is not the case pickling paste can more readily be avoided.
Pickling paste is sometimes used where it is not possible to access a weld using mechanical cleaning methods. This may be partially offset by careful planning of the order in which a fabrication is assembled and by cleaning welds as fabrication progresses.
The main chemical alternative to using hydrofluoric acid is electrochemical cleaning. The surface to be cleaned is made the anode and a current is applied which initiates the surface's controlled corrosion. A number of electrolytes are available such as dilute phosphoric acid or a mixture of phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid. The fabrication can either be immersed in the acid or alternatively hand-held devices are available.
In the case of hand-held devices the acid solution is either pumped to a contact pad at the tip of a hand wand or the tip is simply immersed in the solution. The connection of an earth lead and the hand wand making contact with the work piece, completing an electrical circuit. This in turn locally heats the work surface and the acid solution, activating the cleaning process. The resulting fumes can be controlled either by local exhaust ventilation (LEV) or by an extraction system fitted to the cleaning unit. While the acids used are mild in comparison with hydrofluoric acid, a COSHH assessment is still required which should include consideration of whether PPE is necessary.
The surface produced is smooth and requires only a wipe down. Due to the size and shape of the contact pad it may be possible to access welds that are inaccessible to mechanical cleaning methods. However, there are variations between different manufacturers' makes and models as to the weld type and plate thickness on which these devices can be used.
The hydrofluoric acid concentration of the various proprietary pickling pastes differs slightly. Where it is not reasonably practicable to use an alternative to pickling paste, consideration should be given to using a lower concentration paste. A higher viscosity paste is also less likely to splash when applied. However, before starting work with any pickling paste an assessment should be made of the risks associated with this work. This enables any necessary precautions to be identified and put in place.
As well as the precautions detailed below, as a minimum gloves and/or eye protection should be worn when applying pickling paste to avoid an immediate risk of serious health effects. Adequate first aid should be available (ie calcium gluconate gel or trained first aiders) even when gloves or eye protection are worn. In such cases the activity should not be allowed to start or continue without these control measures in place.
The following precautions should be followed:
Pickling paste can be made up using pickling bath solution and an inert material such as graphite. This increases the handling of the solution and therefore increases the risk of splashes and/or spillage. It is therefore recommended that a proprietary brand of pickling paste is used instead. These are available in different container sizes. It is recommended that smaller container sizes are purchased as this helps to avoid future decanting of the paste into a smaller, possibly unmarked container that may also be unsuitable.
Care will be needed to avoid the spread of contamination. Spillages/splashes of pickling paste should therefore be cleaned up as soon as they occur, using a suitable cloth. Used cloths should be put in a suitable clearly-marked container, and disposed of according to local waste disposal authority guidelines. Where possible, contaminated clothing and equipment should be neutralised and cleaned prior to leaving the immediate work area. Where this is not possible it should be put in a suitable, clearly marked receptacle until cleaning can take place. During cleaning suitable hand protection should be worn. Care should be taken to avoid touching surfaces or items such as door handles and taps while wearing contaminated gloves. Further guidance on the cleaning of PPE is contained below.
Provide a good standard of general ventilation with 5-10 air changes per hour with a through draught to dilute the acid fumes from the application of pickling paste. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) should be considered where a large area is required to have pickling paste applied.
The need for LEV should be identified before work commences to ensure that it is both available and suitable. Local exhaust ventilation should always be used in preference to RPE which should only be used as an additional control measure and not as a substitute.
Avoid using pickling pastes in confined spaces as an immediate risk of a serious health effect will exist where pickling paste is applied in a confined space without the use of appropriate LEV or RPE. The likelihood of this risk will depend on the quantity of the paste that is applied and the available ventilation. However, where ventilation is severely restricted and suitable RPE is not worn then the activity should not be allowed to start or continue.
Pickling paste can be applied by brush or by roller, both of which should be acid resistant. Using a roller generates more splashes. While a splash guard can be fitted, brushing remains the preferred option. Using a roller is also not recommended due to the contours of weld surfaces. The paste normally has to be applied in a relatively thick layer. However, care should be taken to avoid applying excess quantities particularly when applying it overhead. In the case of large fabrications the work should be organised to avoid accidental contact with the paste. For example weld seams that are towards the inside of the fabrication should be cleaned first.
Spray application generates fine airborne droplets which increases the risk of exposure. This method of application should therefore only be selected where application by hand is not reasonably practicable, eg where it is difficult to reach a weld or where a large surface area has to be treated. It is essential that where pastes are applied by this method that this is taken into consideration in the COSHH assessment. This should consider not only the people carrying out the work but also other people in the area, who may also be at risk. Safety precautions capable of addressing these risks should also be established.
Only pickling pastes that have been identified by the paste supplier as suitable for spraying should be used. The spray unit should also be of a type specified by the paste supplier. This in most cases will be a pressure pump, hand spray unit fitted with a hand held lance. Such units are typically available from the paste supplier. Where possible, compressed air-driven spray units should be avoided due to the greater potential for over spray.
When decanting the paste into the spray unit care should be taken to avoid spillage; using a funnel may help. Spray activities should as far as possible be segregated from the rest of the work area particularly when applying the paste to a large surface area or when using a compressed air-driven, spray unit. Non-essential personnel should be prohibited from the immediate vicinity unless they are wearing suitable PPE.
A number of different cleaning methods are available for removing the paste from the fabrication involving either one, or a combination of:
Using a damp sponge or cloth creates the least amount of splashes and the smallest quantity of waste water and is therefore the preferred method. Using a pressure washer is the least preferred option. However, for large fabrications it may be the only practical option. The resulting waste water will be acidic and may contain residues of heavy metals. This water should not be allowed to enter the public drainage system without prior treatment including neutralising with slaked lime. Alternatively, neutralising pastes are also available which can be applied to the pickling paste prior to its removal from the fabrication. In either case the local water company should be contacted for further details before discharging waste water into the public drainage system.
Before pickling pastes are used a risk assessment should be conducted to establish the need for PPE. As part of this assessment the product's material safety data sheet should be consulted. This should specify the type of PPE that may be required. If this information is not detailed the product supplier should be contacted for further advice. When the assessment is completed, any PPE identified as necessary should be provided to those people who need it.
Typically the equipment will consist of:
Care should be taken to avoid contact with contaminated equipment, eg, by not raising face protection with soiled gloves as this can result in facial burns. Personal protective equipment should be thoroughly cleaned with water after use and checked for wear such as pinholes or cuts in the gloves, especially in the fingertips. These can be detected by filling the gloves with water before leaving them to dry.
Contaminated clothing should be removed at once and neutralised with sodium bicarbonate solution before washing separately. When handling the contaminated clothing suitable hand protection should be worn such as neoprene rubber gloves.
Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should not normally be required when brush application of pickling pastes is carried out. RPE is needed when spray application of the paste is carried out. RPE should also be considered for tasks requiring large areas to have pickling paste applied and where the COSHH assessment has identified LEV on its own cannot achieve adequate control.
The RPE selected should be adequate to protect the wearer from the hazardous substances present and suitable for both the task and the individual.
Where the COSHH assessment identifies that RPE is required, an air-fed visor should be worn. Where work using pickling pastes takes place within a confined space, specialist advice should be sought. This will also be the case for entry into the confined space and for emergency rescue. Further information on RPE and LEV can be found on the HSE website.
Before any employee uses a pickling paste they should be informed of the associated hazards and risks. In particular they should be made aware of the potential for serious burns and the required safety precautions. This should involve detailed instructions and training on the safe use of the paste and the protective equipment that is needed. The training should also include the measures required to prevent accidental skin contact with the paste, both by those working with the paste and those who are not. They should also be fully briefed as to the action that needs to be taken in the event of paste getting on their skin or in their eyes. As part of this training, the Hydrofluoric acid poisoning leaflet could be issued.
The use of the paste should be supervised to ensure all the required precautions are followed. This should include supervising the correct use of PPE.
As pickling pastes contain hydrofluoric acid which causes severe burns that may not at first be painful, first aid treatment needs to be urgent. First aiders should receive additional specific training in the hazards of hydrofluoric acid burns and their treatment. This training will not normally be included in general first aid training and may need to be arranged separately. Records of training should be kept for the first aiders trained to treat hydrofluoric acid burns. When treating a casualty the first aider needs to ensure both they and the casualty are protected from further exposure. Casualties should be sent to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible. In all cases the hospital should be informed of the cause of the injury so they in turn can give appropriate treatment.
Contaminated clothing should be removed and it is essential that the affected area is flooded with plenty of clean, cool water, for at least 5-10 minutes. Calcium gluconate gel should be applied by the trained first aider on and around the affected area and continuously massaged into the skin until at least 15 minutes after any pain is relieved. The first aider should ensure their own hands are protected with neoprene rubber gloves of adequate strength when removing contaminated clothing and when applying this treatment. The casualty should be taken to hospital and treatment with calcium gluconate gel should be continued whilst in transit, particularly if any pain has returned to the injured area. After pain has been relieved the area can be covered with a dressing soaked in calcium gluconate gel and lightly bandaged.
Calcium gluconate gel is essential to the first aid treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns. The first aider or another nominated person should therefore closely monitor the availability of the gel to ensure a sufficient quantity is always available eg in relevant first aid box . As the gel has a limited shelf life of two years a method of checking the expiry date and replacing the gel as necessary, should also be in place. Pickling paste should not be used unless the gel is available as this will otherwise increase the severity of any injuries that may be sustained.
If pickling paste enters the eye urgent action is again required. The eye should be flushed with water for at least 20 minutes. While this is carried out the casualty should be transported to an A&E department, that is able to provide urgent ophthalmological assessment. Not all hospitals can offer this, and the nearest hospital that can should be identified as part of the risk assessment and first aiders should be made aware of the name of that hospital.
In the event of gassing the casualty should be removed from the contaminated area and placed in fresh air, if necessary they should be resuscitated. The casualty should be sent to A&E department.
If pickling paste has been swallowed do not attempt to induce vomiting. If the casualty is still conscious, continuously rinse their mouth out with clean, cool water whilst they are transported to the A&E department.
The following publications are relevant: