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10: Chemical Specific Information
Hydrofluoric Acid
Overview
Exposure to hydrofluoric acid (HF) can produce harmful health effects
that may not be immediately apparent. Both the liquid and vapor
forms are extremely hazardous. HF causes severe, penetrating burns.
HF may be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. Burns can occur to the
skin, eyes and respiratory tract. HF causes bone damage.
HF will react with certain metals and generate flammable and potentially
explosive hydrogen gas. Those working with HF must have a detailed
first aid procedure planned before work begins. Laboratories
using HF should have calcium gluconate gel available.
This gel may be purchased directly from an on-campus stock maintained by EHS, contact James Boehlert at 8-7882. Calcium Gluconate is also available for purchase from the following companies:
Attard's Minerals
San Diego, California.
Tel: (619) 275-2016
E-mail: attard@attminerals.com
Web: http://attminerals.com/other_items.htm
Pharmascience, Inc.
8400 ch. Darnley Road
Montreal, Quebec H4T 1M4 Canada
Tel: (514) 340-1114
Fax: (514) 342-7764
E-mail:service@pharmascience.com
Web: http://www.pharmascience.com/
Emergency Procedures
In case of skin contact: Remove the victim from the contaminated
area and immediately wash the area with copious amounts of water for
5
minutes. After 5 minutes, treat the area with 2.5% calcium gluconate
gel. Continue to treat the burn while seeking medical attention. Seek
medical attention immediately for all burns regardless of how minor
they may appear initially.
In case of eye contact: Rinse the eyes with copious amounts
of water, keeping the eyelids apart and away from eyeballs during irrigation,
for a minimum of 5 minutes and seek medical attention. Do
not apply calcium gluconate gel to the eyes.
In case of inhalation: Get medical help immediately. If patient
is unconscious, give artificial respiration or use inhalator. Keep patient
warm and resting, and send to hospital after first aid is complete.
In case of ingestion: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.
Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
person. Get medical attention immediately.
Spills: Most spill pads do not work for HF spills. Ensure
that you have spill controls materials for HF available in your lab.
3M Chemical Sorbents, Spillfyter Kollect-A-Kem pillows and pads, and
Ansul Spill-X Agent for Acids are examples of materials that are appropriate
for HF. All are available from Fisher, Lab Safety Supply and other safety
supply vendors.
Handling
Use chemical splash goggles, face shield, chemical protective lab
coat and/or apron and neoprene or PVC gloves when handling HF. Anyone
handling HF should have a tube of 2.5% calcium gluconate gel on hand.
HF-specific spill control materials are required for spills. Avoid
moisture and contact with metals. Wash hands thoroughly after
handling.
Storage
Keep in tightly closed polyethylene containers. HF attacks glass
and therefore should never be stored in a glass container. Containers
of this material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product
residues.
Disposal
HF and HF-contaminated materials should be disposed of as hazardous
waste according to Princeton University's general
waste procedures.
For More Information
See the HF Fact Sheet from Environmental Health & Safety
See the MSDS for HF from JT
Baker
 Section
10: Chemical Specific Information
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