Pr   1.  Process

Use of hydrofluoric acid in a laboratory environment.

2.      2.  Physical Hazards

q       Clear, colorless liquid.

q       Corrosive.

q       Incompatibilities & Reactivities:

·          Metals, water or steam.

·          Will attack glass and concrete.

·          Attacks organic materials such as leather, natural rubber, and wood.

·          Hydrofluoric acid shall be stored in secondary containment when stored with other acids.

·          DO NOT STORE HF IN GLASS CONTAINERS!

3.      3.  Health Hazards

q       Extremely corrosive material which attacks all tissues of the body.

q       Possesses an irritating odor at or near the PEL (3 ppm).

q       Contact with the skin results in deep tissue burns that are extremely slow to heal.

q       Contact with dilute (<25%) HF solutions may not be felt until a few hours has past, resulting in major tissue damage. Skin contact with higher concentrations of HF causes immediate and painful burns as well as massive tissue and bone destruction.

q       Burns the eyes, ultimately leading to blindness. At concentrations of 10 ppm to 15 ppm HF vapors begin to irritate the eyes.

q       Brief exposure (5 min) to concentrations greater than or equal to 50 ppm can be fatal.

q       Causes severe digestive tract burns with abdominal pain, vomiting, and possible death. May cause systemic toxic effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Ingestion of large amounts of fluoride may include salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, labored breathing. Inorganic fluorides can be harmful. Acute exposure to fluorine compounds can lead to digestive tract burns, and abdominal pain. Exposure to fluoride compounds can result in systemic toxic effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. It may also deplete calcium levels in the body leading to hypocalcemia and death. Contains fluoride. Human fatalities have been reported from acute poisoning. Fluoride can reduce calcium levels leading to fatal hypocalcemia.

q       Chronic inhalation and ingestion may cause chronic fluoride poisoning (fluorosis) characterized by weight loss, weakness, anemia, brittle bones, and stiff joints. Repeated inhalation may cause chronic bronchitis. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause permanent bone structure abnormalities. Chronic exposure to fluoride compounds may cause systemic toxicity.

q       Target Organs: Kidneys and skeletal structures.

4.      4.  Personal Protective Equipment

q       EYE PROTECTION

·         Safety glasses, goggles or face shields shall be worn during operations in which hydrofluoric acid might contact the eyes (e.g., through vapors or splashes of solution). 

·         Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection.  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational Education Eye and Face Protection (ANSI Z87.1-1989) and must be equipped with side shields. 

·         Fisherbrand® Chemical Splash Goggles, catalog # 19-041-739 are recommended.

·          Contact lenses shall not be worn if the potential exists for hydrofluoric acid exposure.

q       HAND PROTECTION

·         Use of SilverShieldÒ/4H Protective Wear Gloves is recommended for use against hydrofluoric acid which is Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-26697.

q       LAB COATS, ETC.

·         Lab coats, close toed shoes and long sleeved clothing shall be worn when handling hydrofluoric acid. Protective clothing shall be worn to prevent any possibility of skin contact with hydrofluoric acid.

q       SAFETY SHOWER/EYEWASH 

·         Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to hydrofluoric acid, suitable facilities for quick drench or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use. 

·         Bottle type eyewash stations are not acceptable.

5.      5.  Designated Area for use and Containment Devices

q       All hydrofluoric acid work shall be done in the laboratory fume hood.

q       The fume hood’s sash must be in the position where a face velocity of 100 feet per minute is achieved.  

6.      Special Handling Procedures and Storage Requirements

q       Keep an updated supply of 2.5% calcium gluconate ointment in the work area.   This can be purchase from Attard’s Minerals, catalogue # 619-275-2016.

q       Flush eyes with plenty of cool tap water for 15 minutes.

q       Immediately flood the affected body area with cool water for a minimum of 5 minutes, if calcium gluconate is available.

q       If calcium gluconate is not available, continue rinsing using copious amounts of water.  Remove contaminated clothing and foot wear while rinsing.

q       Spill-X-A which is available through Lab Safety Supply, catalogue # 2BD-14626 must be available for use in case of a liquid spill less than 300 cc.

 7. Waste Disposal

Excess hydrofluoric acid and all waste material containing hydrofluoric acid must be placed in an unbreakable secondary container labeled with the following “HAZARDOUS WASTE HYDROFLUORIC ACID ". Full containers of hydrofluoric acid waste must be disposed of according to WFUHS EH&S Hazardous Waste Program.

 8.      Decontamination of Equipment and Area

Contact WFUHS EH&S at 716-1221 for decontamination information.

 9.  Spill and Accident Procedures

In the event of a liquid spill greater than 300 cc, immediately vacate and secure the area.  Contact WFUBMC Security at 716-9111.