1. Working Safely With Hydrofluoric Acid
Properties of HF
Hazards Associated with HF
Handling and Storage
Proper PPE
Spills and Accidents
Incident Response Procedure
Using HF at Macquarie University

2. What is Hydrofluoric Acid?
Hydrofluoric acid solutions are clear and colorless with a density similar to that of water.
The most widely known property of HF is its ability to dissolve glass. It will also attack glazes, enamels, pottery, concrete, rubber, leather, many metals (especially cast iron) and organic compounds.
Nonflammable, very soluble in water
Boiling point of 19.5oC with strong pungent and irritating odor
Pungent odor at < 1ppm
Vapour density = 21oC (air = 1)
Vapour Pressure (mmHg) 21oC

3. Irritation to nose and throat at 3ppm
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) set by US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
= 3ppm averaged over an 8 hour shift
OSHA Short term exposure limit (STEL)
= 6ppm averaged over 15 minutes
US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established the level that is immediately Dangerous to Health (IDH)
= 30ppm

4. Irritation to nose and throat at 3ppm
The American Industrial Hygiene Association has published an Emergency Response Planning Guideline setting:
50ppm as the maximum exposure level for 1 hour without experiencing or developing life threatening health effects.
20ppm as the maximum exposure level for 1 hour without developing irreversible health effects or symptoms
2ppm as the maximum exposure level for 1 hour without experiencing other than mild transient adverse health effects
HF MUST ONLY BE USED IN AN APPROPRIATE FUME CABINET

5. Uses of HF at Macquarie Microchip and substrate etching
Glass etching and cleaning
Digestion of geological materials
Chromatographic separations and cleaning (diluted solutions)
In general, use of HF is discouraged because of its toxicity

6. Hazards Associated with HF
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is one of the strongest and most corrosive of the inorganic acids. Therefore special safety precautions are necessary when using this chemical.

7. HF burns pose a unique medical problem
Dilute solutions deeply penetrate before dissociating, thus causing delayed injury and symptoms. Burns to the fingers and nail beds may leave the overlying nails intact.
Because medical treatment of HF is so specialised and different from the treatment of other inorganic acid exposures physicians may be unaware of appropriate treatment measures.

8. Hazards
On contact with live tissue, HF produces immediate necrosis and pain at high concentrations
HF is a Serious Systemic Poison
Delayed health effects at low concentrations

9. Morbidity/Mortality
Local effects include tissue destruction and necrosis.
Burns may also involve underlying bone.
Systemic fluoride ion poisoning from severe burns is associated with:
Hypocalcemia (low Calcium levels)
Hyperkalemia (low Potassium levels)
Hypomagnesemia (low Magnesium levels)
Sudden death (heart arrhythmias)
Deaths have been reported from concentrated HF acid burns to as little as 2.5% Body Surface Area (BSA)

10. Morbidity/Mortality
People who take medication or who have a history of intercurrent illness that predisposes them to hypocalcaemia or hypercalcemia must not handle or use HF.

11. Exposure Types Direct exposure Indirect or secondary exposure
Liquid exposure (skin, eye, ingestion)
Gas/vapour exposure (inhalation, skin and eyes)
Indirect or secondary exposure
Victims exposed to HF vapours only do not pose a significant risk of secondary contamination
Victims whose clothing or skin is contaminated with HF liquid or solution can potentially contaminate response personnel by direct contact or off-gassing vapours

12. Routes of Exposure Most HF exposures occur by: Skin Respiratory Tract
Eyes
Ingestion (rare)
Most HF exposures occur by:
Inhalation of the gas/vapour
Dermal contact (in particular through gloves)

13. Skin
HF is readily absorbed through the skin and deep tissue penetration by the fluoride ion ensues.
The fluoride ion binds to the calcium and magnesium in the body.
The surface area of the burn is not a predictor nor indicator of effects
Unlike other acids which are rapidly neutralised, the effects of HF may continue for days if left unattended.

14. Skin Pathophysiology The 2 mechanisms that cause tissue damage are:
Corrosive burns from the free hydrogen ions
Chemical burn from tissue penetration of the fluoride ions
Fluoride ions penetrate and form insoluble salts with calcium and magnesium. Soluble salts also are formed with other cations but dissociate rapidly. Consequently, fluoride ions release, and further tissue destruction occurs.

15. Time to onset of symptoms
Skin Pathophysiology
The initial extent of the burn depends on the concentration, temperature , duration of contact and quantity.
Concentration
Time to onset of symptoms
> 50%
Immediately %
1 - 8 hours
20% or less
Up to 24 hours*
* may take several hours before the onset of symptoms, resulting in delayed presentation, deeper penetration of the un-associated HF, and a more severe burn.

16. Burns
Concentrated solutions cause immediate pain and produce a surface burn similar to other common acids with erythema, blistering and necrosis.
The pain is typically described as deep, burning or throbbing and is often out of proportion to apparent skin involvement.
HF penetrates fingernails burning the pulp beneath without destroying the nails. Adequate treatment of these cases requires removal of the nails and/or intravenous and/or intr-arterial infusion of calcium gluconate.
Relief of pain is an important guide to success of treatment.

17. Burns Weaker solutions penetrate before dissociating.
Surface involvement in these cases is minimal and may even be absent.
Three categories of appearance:
A white mark and/or erythema and pain
A white burn mark and/or erythema and pain, plus edema and blistering
Ocular burns present with severe pain
Inhalation burns may develop acute pulmonary edema.

18. Eyes
The eyes can be severely damaged from either vapour or liquid contamination.
Complications of eye exposures include corneal opacification, corneal sloughing, keratoconjunctivitis and necrosis of the anterior chamber.
May present with severe pain.

19. Inhalation
HF is a volatile liquid with a boiling point of only 19.5oC.
Its volatility makes it a high risk compound for inhalation injury. Severity can range from mild airway irritation to severe burning and dyspnea.
With inhalation of HF concentrations > 50% there is a significant risk that they will develop pulmonary edema/ARDS and pulmonary hemorrhage.

20. Inhalation Acute inhalation exposure symptoms include: Chills Fever
Tight chest
Coughing
Choking
Bluish coloured lips and fingernails

21. Ingestion
Poor laboratory practices coupled with inadequate personal hygiene after chemical use is the most common route for ingestion exposure.

22. Ingestion - prognosis
Ingestion of HF may result in severe burns to the mouth, aesophagus and stomach.
Severe systemic effects are common.
Effects varies depending on the severity of the burn and site of burn.
The prognosis following HF inhalation is poor.
Ingestion of even small amounts of dilute HF have resulted in death.

23. Safe Handling
Substitute for less hazardous substance whenever possible
Use the most dilute HF solution practicable
ALWAYS work in an appropriate acids chemical fume hood (with scrubber)
Ensure the chemical fume hood is operating properly
Ensure all work is at least 15 cm from the edge of the bench
Good housekeeping (clean up)
LABEL LABEL LABEL
Always use proper PPE

24. Safe Handling Implement a buddy system and never work with HF alone
Order and keep on hand the minimum quantity possible
Cap when not in use (even during your work procedure)
Undertake a risk assessment of all procedures
Use a bottle carrier when transporting HF (no open containers)
Check your spill/exposure kit contents and location before you start working
Check the expiration data of the calcium gluconate BEFORE you start your procedure

25. Personal Protection Eyes Protective Clothing
Contact lenses may not be worn when handling HF.
Splash-proof chemical goggles or safety glasses with side shields are required. Face shields must be worn during HF use.
Protective Clothing
A lab coat, in addition to long gauntlet-type gloves, is the minimum suggested protection for small quantities of HF (i.e., a few ml). Neoprene aprons with attached sleeves should be worn while transferring quantities in excess of 10 ml of HF

26. Personal Protection Gloves
Even pin-hole leaks through gloves may result in significant damage to the skin, especially if contact under the finger nails occurs. If hands are sweaty, leakage may not even be noticed. Gloves should be dedicated for HF use only, and should be discarded if any contact with the acid occurs. They should be inspected prior to use and changed frequently.
Glove breakthrough times vary with material, thickness and manufacturer. Contact the glove manufacturer or EMS for information on specific gloves. In general, long gauntlet-type nitrile, neoprene, and natural rubber gloves should provide adequate protection against splashing and during the clean-up of small hydrofluoric acid spills.

27. Storage ALWAYS use secondary confinement.
Store away from incompatibilities
Ammonia, bases, flammables and combustibles
Store in an acid resistant cabinet and liner (with secondary confinement)
ALWAYS store below eye level
ALWAYS cap when not in use
NEVER use a squirt bottle

28. Emergency Response General Procedure for ALL EXPOSURES Do not panic!
Activate a buddy system response immediately:
The buddy should call SECURITY on 9999 or 7112 immediately and tell them:
You have a Hydrofluoric acid exposure
Your exact location and contact details
Need to send an ambulance immediately

29. Emergency Response Procedure for Skin Exposure:
Ensure you get appropriate PPE to protect yourself.
Help the individual to eyewash/safety shower:
Wash victim for 1 – 5 minutes under the safety shower
Victim should remove all contaminated items (ie clothing, shoes and jewelry) while under the shower
Remove goggles last.
Buddy should bag all contaminated clothing and supplies (use PPE)

30. Emergency Response Procedure for Skin Exposure:
4. Victim should self administer calcium gluconate:
If the victim is unable to administer, the buddy should assist using appropriate PPE.
NOTE THE TIME OF THE INITIAL APPLICATION
May need to apply every 20 minutes until the pain subsides or reaches the hospital
5. Take 6 calcium carbonate tablets (TUMS) if conscious
6. Inform Emergency Medical Personnel that calcium carbonate and calcium gluconate have been administered.

31. Emergency Response Procedure for Eye Exposure:
Use eyewash for 15 minutes – holding lid open (upper and lower) for irrigation and wait for emergency response personnel.
Conduct this process for both liquid or vapour contamination.
Take 6 calcium carbonate tablets (TUMS) if conscious.
Inform Emergency Medical Personnel that calcium carbonate was administered.

32. Emergency Response Procedure for Inhalation Exposure:
Immediately remove the victim to clean air if it is safe to do so.
The victim should ingest 6 calcium carbonate tablets if conscious and wait for emergency medical response.
Inform Emergency Medical Personnel that calcium carbonate has been administered.

33. Emergency Response General Notes:
The responding person or assisting lab personnel must escort the victim to the hospital.
A copy of the MSDS, the calcium carbonate tablets, the calcium gluconate gel, a copy of the Honeywell HF Medical Treatment Brochure and these emergency procedures must also be taken to the hospital.

34. Spills General Procedure for ALL HF SPILLS:
Refer to the product Material Safety Data Sheet for proper spill clean-up procedures. Do not attempt to clean up any large spills, especially if the vapors from the spill result in noticeable eye or respiratory irritation. For large spills (>10 ml) restrict access to the spill area and dial 9999.
Small spills of a few ml may be cleaned up by the person who caused the spill.
Do not attempt to clean up any spills without appropriate PPE (gloves, an apron, eye, and face protection). Use of an appropriate respirator if the HF concentration of the spilled material is >50% is mandatory.

35. Spills
If there is any possibility of contamination of footwear while cleaning up the spill, do not proceed unless adequate shoe coverings or rubber boots can be obtained.
Absorb the spill with lime or another absorbent material designated for HF spills. Scoop the material into a suitable container. Note that HF may react with metal to form hydrogen.
Carefully rinse contaminated areas with water. Any paper towels or sponges used to absorb the rinse water should be added to the spill clean-up wastes.
Label the waste container and contact the Safety Office (8169) for pick up of the spill clean-up materials.

36. Safe Use of HF at Macquarie
Never use HF when working alone or after hours
The buddy system must be implemented whenever HF is used.
Everyone working with or around HF must have HF training before commencing work.
A sign should be posted to alert people that work with HF is in progress.
Everyone working with HF must be properly trained on the appropriate waste management procedure.
An emergency response kit must be available in all laboratories where HF is stored or used.

37. Safe Use of HF at Macquarie
The Emergency Response Kit must also include a copy of the Honeywell HF Medical Treatment Brochure.
A copy of the MSDS and all Risk Assessments must be located in the laboratory at the time of use.
Before beginning any procedure involving HF check the access to the emergency shower and eyewash is unobstructed.
Only experienced staff familiar with HF should handle the concentrated acid.
Undergraduate students MUST NOT mix HF acid solutions.
ANY exposure to HF must be medically evaluated and reported.

38. Safe Use of HF at Macquarie
NO HF work is to be conducted outside of a properly operating chemical fume hood.
ALL HF work must be conducted in a secondary container insider the chemical fume hood.
Work in the chemical fume hood with the sash as low as possible.
WEAR PPE at all times.

39. Waste Disposal Procedures
Regardless of the concentration of HF, it may not be put down the drain.