1. HF Safety

2. HF Safety

3. HF Safety HYDROFLUORIC ACID IS one of the MOST ACUTELY TOXIC CHEMICALS
There is no concentration of HF which can be relied upon as safe!
As little as 7 ml of anhydrous HF in contact with the skin untreated can bind all the free calcium in an adult
With burns involving greater than 25 square inches significant and sometimes fatal hypocalcaemia can occur
There is no material that is completely resistant to HF degradation
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.

4. HF Safety PROPERTIES How Is HF Different from other acids?
Colorless liquid with strong irritating odor
Very strong corrosive inorganic acid
Nonflammable
How Is HF Different from other acids?
HF is readily absorbed into skin binding to calcium and magnesium in the body to form insoluble salts that interfere with cellular metabolism causing cellular death and necrosis
Immediate necrosis and pain at high concentrations
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.

5. HF Safety EXPOSURE Liquid exposure (splash)
Gas exposure (lungs, skin & eyes)
Severe burns
Opacification of cornea
Blindness
Coughing/Choking
Cyanosis (blue lips)
Worker Airborne Exposure Regulations
Irritation to nose and throat at 3 ppm
Short-term exposure limit 15 min - 2 ppm
30 ppm is considered immediately dangerous to life and health
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.

6. HF Safety SAFE WORK PRACTICES Never use HF alone Training
Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Documentation & Signs
Always use HF in the lab hood
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.

7. HF Safety PPE Neoprene gloves (Resistant for more than 8 hours)
Saranex coated coveralls
Face shield
Foot protection
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.

8. HF Safety Do not panic! Think Think Think Assistant response
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
Do not panic! Think Think Think
Assistant response
Help individual to eyewash/safety shower flush the area with large amounts of water for 5 minutes. Have the person remove all contaminated clothing while under the shower.
DO NOT CONTAMINATE YOURSELF
HF first aid treatment is not limited to washing off the skin (Calcium Gluconate Antidote).
Baird D. and Cooper C., “Hydrofluoric Acid Safety”, Fermilab.