Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Program

Hydrofluoric acid has a number of chemical, physical and toxicological properties, which make handling this material especially hazardous. All forms, including the solution or the vapor, can cause severe burns to tissue and cause serious toxic systemic effects. Fluoride ions are both acutely and chronically toxic. Fluorides are easily absorbed through the skin, cause death of soft tissue and erode bone as well as cause cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Acute effects of hydrofluoric acid exposure include extreme respiratory irritation, immediate and severe eye damage and pulmonary edema. Skin, eye, or lung exposure to concentrated (>50%) hydrofluoric acid solutions will cause immediate, severe, penetrating burns. Exposure to less concentrated solutions may have equally serious effects, but the appearance of symptoms can be delayed for up to 24 hours.

Principal Investigators requesting authorization to purchase and use hydrofluoric acid in their research must complete a Standard Operating Procedure/Authorization Form and submit to the Chemical Hygiene Committee for approval.

Standard Operating Procedure/Authorization Form for Use of Hydrofluoric Acid

Hydrofluoric Acid User Authorization Form

Environmental Health & Safety Hydrofluoric Acid Spill and Splash Pamphlet

On-Line Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Refresher Training

Honeywell Specialty Materials - Hydrofluoric Acid Resources

Any questions or concerns related to safe use of hydrofluoric acid should be addressed to the Departmental Chemical Hygiene Officer or to Jane J. Frank or call 831-2103.

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