Hydrofluoric acid

SOURCE

Western Australia. Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare

REFERENCE

West Perth : Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare. - 4 p., illus

PUBDATE

1989

KEYWORDS

Hydrogen Fluoride / Hazardous Substances / Exposure / First Aid / Responsibilities

DOCUMENT

Hydrofluoric acid is very corrosive, highly irritating and poisonous.

Hydrofluoric acid burns can be severe and extremely painful causing extensive
damage to the skin and eyes, and to the mucous membranes as it is breathed in
or swallowed.

Workers can die from injuries received in accidents with hydrofluoric acid.

Uses

Hydrofluoric acid is used in the production of fluorine compounds, for
cleaning iron and steel castings, in the refining of certain metals, for
etching glass and for cleaning mineral sands. It is widely used as an
aluminium cleaner and brightener in the shipbuilding and transport industries.
It can also be used to remove rust stains from fabric in commercial
laundries.

Hydrofluoric acid is available commercially as a solution. It is a colourless
liquid with a sharp irritating odour. It is dangerous when heated as it gives
off highly corrosive and poisonous fumes.

Find out if any of the products that you use contain hydrofluoric acid. (It
can also be called hydrogen fluoride or fluorohydric acid.) It may have a
commercial name like "Rustoff" or "Rustoban", so READ THE LABELS.

Prevent accidents by following the proper procedures for safe handling,
storage and disposal.

Be prepared for an emergency by learning the correct first aid treatment.

FACTS

Always keep fresh stocks of CALCIUM GLUCONATE GEL in the first aid kit
wherever hydrofluoric acid is used.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED BY HYDROFLUORIC ACID
SHOULD HAVE IMMEDIATE FIRST AID, THEN SEE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE.

EVEN WITH MINOR ACCIDENTS, THE FULL EXTENT OF THE INJURIES MAY NOT BE OBVIOUS
FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

SKIN CONTACT: produces deep and extremely painful skin burns which take a long
time to heal. Burns from strong solutions are felt immediately but weaker
solutions spilled on the skin may not cause pain for several hours.

Workers may have finished work and returned home before the pain hits them and
they realise that something is wrong.

Fingernails not properly scrubbed can be a problem.

FIRST AID

Drench with cool water in the nearest shower for about 15 minutes. Remove
contaminated clothing, shoes, watch, rings, etc as quickly as possible while
still under the running water. Make sure that the acid does not spread to
other parts of the body or onto the rescuers.

Apply calcium gluconate gel to the burns as soon as possible after drenching.
Gently rub the gel into the contaminated areas and continue to apply fresh gel
for at least 15 minutes after the pain has stopped.

Note:

Even weak solutions of hydrofluoric acid will rapidly penetrate the skin,
destroying the soft tissue and bone underneath. For this reason a neutralising
agent (the calcium gluconate gel), which will also penetrate the skin, needs
to be applied after the skin is washed.

SEE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER URGENTLY.

EYE CONTACT: hydrofluoric acid fumes can dry out the eyes and cause a burning
sensation, redness and secretions. Splashing into the eyes may cause severe
and irreversible damage that permanently affects the person's sight.

FIRST AID

Immediately flush with water. If only one eye is affected, make sure that
contaminated water does not run into the other eye. Continue flushing with
water or irrigate with isotonic saline for about 15 minutes or until the pain
has gone.

SEE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER   EYE SPECIALIST URGENTLY

Travel to hospital as soon as an ambulance or other vehicle is available and,
if possible, continue flushing the eye with water while travelling.

BREATHING IN FUMES OR VAPOURS : weak vapour concentrations may irritate the
nose and throat. High vapour concentrations can cause severe burns to the
lips, mouth, throat and lungs. Fluid may accumulate in the lungs and this can
lead to death.

FIRST AID

Take proper precautions to ensure your own safety before the rescue, then
remove the person affected to fresh air.

If breathing has stopped, begin artificial respiration and external cardiac
massage immediately.

SEE A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER URGENTLY.

SWALLOWING LlQUIDS: burning and or perforation of the digestive system may
lead to death.

FIRST AID

Rinse the person's mouth out with cold water. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the
person is alert, give them a large glass of water to drink followed by a drink
of milk or milk of magnesia. If vomiting occurs naturally, help the person to
lean forward to reduce the risk of breathing in the vomit.

SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION.


SAFE WORK PRACTICES PREVENT ACCIDENTS

Employers and employees should work together to reduce the hazards and prevent
accidents.

As an EMPLOYER, you can follow these guidelines to provide a safer workplace:

1.   Whenever possible replace hydrofluoric acid with a less
     hazardous substance.

2.   Contain or totally enclose the process.

3.   Develop, maintain and supervise the safest possible
     procedures and work practices.

4.   Install exhaust ventilation using efficient localised
     extraction systems that pull the fumes away from
     employees.

5.   Provide personal protective equipment and clothing:

     Provide suitable, approved respiratory protection where
     there is the slightest risk of breathing in the
     hydrofluoric acid fumes or spray mist.

     To protect the eyes and skin, safety equipment and
     clothing should be provided and used, e.g. chemical safety
     goggles, face shields, hats and hoods, sleeve protectors,
     gloves, long aprons and or safety boots as necessary.

6.   Make sure that all protective clothing and equipment is
     made of materials that are resistant to hydrofluoric acid.

7.   Provide safety showers and eye wash facilities that are
     quick and easy to get to in an emergency.

8.   Have appropriate respirators ready for use in emergencies.

9.   Always keep calcium gluconate gel in the first aid box in
     areas where hydrofluoric acid is used or stored.

10.  Make sure that all workers are aware of the hazards
     associated with hydrofluoric acid and they are fully
     trained in the safe use of the material and in emergency
     procedures.

11.  Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the
     supplier. Follow all of the MSDS recommendations for safe
     storage, handling and disposal of the material.

12.  Advise your local medical service that you are using
     hydrofluoric acid.

As an EMPLOYEE, you must take reasonable care to protect your own safety and
the safety of others in your workplace. When you are using hydrofluoric acid:

1.   Follow your employer's instructions and training in the
     safe use of the material.

2.   Use all of the protective equipment and clothing provided.

3.   Tell your employer about any situation that may be
     dangerous so that something can be done before an accident
     happens.

4.   Report any accidents, spills or leaks immediately.

[Practical Guidance Material 1987-1995 ] [Database Index]