I thought I was taking every precaution when adding acid to my pool.
Safety Googles
Charcoal Respirator
Nitrile Gloves
Hose to wash off acid splash
Bucket to contain acid if leaked
Last night, at about 9pm, I opened the 14.5% acid in a bucket. It had the seal on the opening. The seal didn't want to come off. I had to lean over the acid so I could get some leverage. I got the seal off, and within 15 seconds my eyes were burning. I didn't smell anything, because I had a charcoal respirator. I thought it would be something temporary, and I added the acid to the pool. Then I realized the stinging wasn't getting any better. I looked online, and various agencies said to flush for 15 minutes, which I did. The stinging persisted. My eyes are bloodshot and stinging this morning.
Now I am off to see an ophthalmologist.
Lessons:
Make sure there is some wind behind you, or use a fan.
Use a tool, such as pliers to get the seal off, rather than leaning over it.
I can't even imagine what would happen if this splashed in your eyes, or you got a lung full of it. Make sure you have the safety equipment. There is no turning back once this acid gets to your body.
I am going to get a full face respirator. Regular safety googles aren't enough. Going without isn't worth it.
Safety Googles
Charcoal Respirator
Nitrile Gloves
Hose to wash off acid splash
Bucket to contain acid if leaked
Last night, at about 9pm, I opened the 14.5% acid in a bucket. It had the seal on the opening. The seal didn't want to come off. I had to lean over the acid so I could get some leverage. I got the seal off, and within 15 seconds my eyes were burning. I didn't smell anything, because I had a charcoal respirator. I thought it would be something temporary, and I added the acid to the pool. Then I realized the stinging wasn't getting any better. I looked online, and various agencies said to flush for 15 minutes, which I did. The stinging persisted. My eyes are bloodshot and stinging this morning.
Now I am off to see an ophthalmologist.
Lessons:
Make sure there is some wind behind you, or use a fan.
Use a tool, such as pliers to get the seal off, rather than leaning over it.
I can't even imagine what would happen if this splashed in your eyes, or you got a lung full of it. Make sure you have the safety equipment. There is no turning back once this acid gets to your body.
I am going to get a full face respirator. Regular safety googles aren't enough. Going without isn't worth it.