In high concentrations (more than 50%), HF usually causes immediate burns that are extremely painful and slow to heal. In lower concentrations, exposure may not be apparent for several hours, but can still cause burns and further damage if not washed off. HF causes such severe burns because it penetrates beneath the skin and dissociates into hydrogen and fluoride ions. When fluoride ions bind with calcium in the body, it can result in tissue destruction, decalcification of bone, cardiac arrhythmia, and liver and kidney damage. MIOSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for Hydrogen Fluoride is 3 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends a ceiling (instantaneous) limit of 2 ppm and an 8-hour limit of 0.5 ppm. will bind to the fluoride ions and prevent further tissue destruction, but it must be applied quickly (even if burns have not been felt) to be effective. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your specific product Any work with HF must be done in a chemical fume hood. An eyewash/drench hose combination unit must be available in the immediate work area for any work with corrosive materials. For many uses of HF, an eyewash station and a safety shower will also be necessary. Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep the airborne concentrations of vapors below their respective threshold limit value. Consider alternate methods and use a less dangerous acid if possible. Designate areas where HF is stored and manipulated. Purchase HF in the smallest amounts possible. Stock to be used as first aid in case of an HF burn. (Medical attention must still be sought immediately for HF burns.) Prior to using HF, make sure the calcium gluconate tube is unopened and that the gel has not reached the expiration date stamped on the tube. Do not heat hydrofluoric acid. Do not use glass, ceramic, or other incompatible containers for HF. Perform a dry run to identify and correct potential hazards. Add acid to water, not water to acid.
In high concentrations (more than 50%), HF usually causes immediate burns that are extremely painful and slow to heal. In lower concentrations, exposure may not be apparent for several hours, but can still cause burns and further damage if not washed off. HF causes such severe burns because it penetrates beneath the skin and dissociates into hydrogen and fluoride ions. When fluoride ions bind with calcium in the body, it can result in tissue destruction, decalcification of bone, cardiac arrhythmia, and liver and kidney damage. MIOSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for Hydrogen Fluoride is 3 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted average. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends a ceiling (instantaneous) limit of 2 ppm and an 8-hour limit of 0.5 ppm. will bind to the fluoride ions and prevent further tissue destruction, but it must be applied quickly (even if burns have not been felt) to be effective. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for your specific product Any work with HF must be done in a chemical fume hood. An eyewash/drench hose combination unit must be available in the immediate work area for any work with corrosive materials. For many uses of HF, an eyewash station and a safety shower will also be necessary. Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep the airborne concentrations of vapors below their respective threshold limit value. Consider alternate methods and use a less dangerous acid if possible. Designate areas where HF is stored and manipulated. Purchase HF in the smallest amounts possible. Stock to be used as first aid in case of an HF burn. (Medical attention must still be sought immediately for HF burns.) Prior to using HF, make sure the calcium gluconate tube is unopened and that the gel has not reached the expiration date stamped on the tube. Do not heat hydrofluoric acid. Do not use glass, ceramic, or other incompatible containers for HF. Perform a dry run to identify and correct potential hazards. Add acid to water, not water to acid.