The Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) Panel has established Task Groups to focus on particular areas of interest. HF Panel Task Groups currently include Hazardous Air Pollutants Testing, Medical and Toxicology, and Mutual Aid. Each task group is made up of representatives designated by member companies of the Management Task Group.
Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) Testing Task Group
In 1994, EPA selected certain compounds for inclusion in a test rule based under section 4 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). All chemicals selected for inclusion in the test rule had reported air emissions above 50 tons in 1993. The proposed test rule invited prospective test sponsors to submit alternative testing proposals where scientifically appropriate. The TG submitted such a proposal in November 1996, and has had extensive follow-up correspondence with the Agency.
The primary use of the test data will be to support residual risk determinations under Section 112(f) of the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to promulgate technology-based standards that require the maximum degree of HAP emission reductions achievable for a source category. The Act requires EPA to establish any additional air emissions standards that are necessary to protect public health and the environment with an ample margin of safety, and to ensure an excess cancer risk of no greater than one in one million. EPA is required to make these residual risk determinations only for categories or subcategories of sources that include at least one major source of HAPs.
Task Group Objective: Work with EPA to develop an approach to any toxicity testing of HF that is scientifically appropriate, cost effective and makes the best use of existing data and the latest scientific techniques.
Membership on the HAPs Testing Task Group: Membership is comprised of manufacturers and importers of HF and those who supply HF to importers and contribute their proportional share of the approved budget. Membership is open to all other companies/organizations willing to contribute to the HF HAPs testing program. In addition, at least one member company of the Panel will participate in the HAPs TTG and act as a liaison between the two groups.
Medical and Toxicology Task Group
The Medical and Toxicology Task Group (MTTG)investigates, develops and exchanges the latest medical and toxicological knowledge concerning Hydrogen Fluoride. It disseminates that knowledge to ensure that workers and the public who might be exposed to Hydrogen Fluoride receive appropriate and timely medical intervention.
Task Group Objective: To exchange information regarding decontamination procedures, first aid and medical treatment and toxicology information specific to HF.
Current Activities: The Task Group continues to evaluate potential use of new HF treatments and procedures, and monitors and exchanges medical and government documents.
Mutual Aid Task Group
Membership in the HF Mutual Aid Task Group (MATG) is open to all companies recognized as manufacturers, transporters or users of HF that sign a Mutual Aid Agreement. The HF Mutual Aid Task Group addresses industry issues related to emergency response and mutual aid assistance for anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid.
Objectives:
- Provide emergency response and mutual aid support for any HF transportation incident that may occur.
- Exchange HF emergency response experience.
Current Activities:
The Task Group has established a Mutual Aid Network which provides for cooperative emergency response by member companies in the event of a transportation incident.
Emergency response assistance is coordinated through CHEMTREC®. CHEMTREC offers shippers and carriers of hazardous materials a cost-effective way to comply with Federal DOT Regulations, while reducing risk and promoting Responsible Care®.