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Hydrogen Flouride Standard

Introduction

Hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive and toxic even in a dilute form, therefore any contact with skin or eyes must be treated as a medical emergency. The following procedures will assist the user in the safe handling of Hydrofluoric acid. Further information is available from the Safety Office.

Personal Protective Equipment

The following equipment is to be used when handling hydrofluoric acid:

  1. Eye and face protection as appropriate (approved splash goggle and full face shield).
  2. A splash apron.
  3. Gloves (neoprene or nitrite rubber).
  4. Fume hood (plastic Sash Window).

First Aid

Any laboratory possessing hydrofluoric acid must have:

  1. Hydrofluoric acid burn cream (2.5 % Calcium Gluconate in Muko gel) available from Chemistry Stores (ESC 109).
  2. An approved eye wash and emergency shower.

Skin (Large Burns)

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse affected area until ambulance arrives (protect eyes from contamination and remove contaminated clothing ).

Skin (Small Burns)

  1. Rinse affected area for 15 min. with water and then apply burn cream liberally to affected area.
  2. Get medical aid (Health Services, Family Physician or Hospital).

Eyes (any amount)

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse eyes with water until ambulance arrives.

Ingestion

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Rinse mouth liberally with water.
  3. Do not induce vomiting.

Inhalation

  1. Treat as medical emergency-call ambulance immediately-dial 911.
  2. Remove victim to fresh air.
  3. If breathing stops rinse acid from mouth and administer artificial respiration.