HYDROFLUORIC ACID � SAFETY GUIDELINE









APPROVALS:



Approval signature on file                       6/27/05

Institution Safety Committee Chair               Date





Approval signature on file                       6/27/05

Environmental Health & Safety Manager            Date









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1.0 PURPOSE & SCOPE



This guideline describes methods for safely using, storing, and disposing of Hydrofluoric acid, Antisal

2B, Hydrofluoride, Fluorhydric acid, or Fluoric acid (HF). This guideline applies to all Woods Hole

Oceanographic (WHOI) personnel whose work involves HF.



2.0 INTRODUCTION



Hydrofluoric acid, known as HF, is an extremely corrosive acid used for many purposes including

mineral digestion, surface cleaning, etching and biological staining. HF’s unique properties make it

significantly more hazardous than many of the other acids used in laboratories. This guideline discusses

how to protect against the dangers of HF.



HF is very aggressive physiologically because of the fluoride ion. Both anhydrous hydrofluoric acid and

its solutions are clear, colorless liquids. When exposed to air, concentrated solutions and anhydrous

hydrofluoric acid produce pungent fumes which are especially dangerous.



WARNING: Burns with concentrated HF are usually very serious, with the potential for significant

complications due to fluoride toxicity. Concentrated HF, liquid or vapor, may cause severe burns,

metabolic imbalances, pulmonary edema and life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Even moderate

exposures to concentrated HF may rapidly progress to fatality if left untreated.



Every effort must be made to prevent exposure to HF. Following this guideline will provide the

information and tools to protect you and assist in getting necessary medical treatment in the event of an

exposure.



3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES



3.1 Principal Investigators (PI)

Shall ensure that this guideline is read and implemented in their work areas and labs. All work areas using

HF will be marked to alert all persons of the presence of HF. They shall ensure that all workers using HF

receive the appropriate training before using HF. PIs will provide all workers with the MSDS, protective

equipment and warning signs for HF. PIs will notify Safety and Health Officer of HF use in the

laboratory.



3.2 Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) Users

Shall ensure this guideline is read and implemented in all work areas and labs that are using, storing, and

disposing of HF. All users will attend a documented training session on the proper handling, storage and

first aid procedures for HF. All users will read the MSDS for HF, know the first aid/medical treatment

procedures and spill response for HF.



3.3 The Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Office

Shall ensure that PIs and users notify the Safety and Health Officer (SHO) of HF use in the laboratory.

SHO will provide training to all workers and PIs prior to use. The Safety & Health Officer, x2244, works

within the Environmental, Health & Safety Office.









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4.0 HEALTH HAZARD DATA



Inhalation: Severely corrosive to the respiratory tract and may cause sore throat, coughing,

labored breathing and lung congestion/inflammation.



Ingestion: Corrosive and may cause sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, severe

burns of the digestive tract, and kidney dysfunction.



Skin Contact: Corrosive to the skin. Skin contact causes serious skin burns which may not be

immediately apparent or painful. Symptoms may be delayed 8 hours or longer. The fluoride ion

readily penetrates the skin causing destruction of deep tissue layers and even bone.



Eye Contact: Corrosive to the eyes. Symptoms of redness, pain, blurred vision, and permanent

eye damage may occur.



Chronic Exposure: Intake of more than 6 mg of fluorine per day may result in fluorosis, bone

and joint damage. Hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesaemia can occur from absorption of fluoride

ion into blood stream.



Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions: Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye

problems, or impaired kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of

this substance.



5.0 FIRST AID



NOTE: Individuals assisting victim should wear appropriate gloves to prevent secondary HF burn.



5.1 Skin Exposure

5.1.1 Move victim immediately under safety shower or other water source and flush affected area. Speed

and thoroughness in washing off the acid is of primary importance.

5.1.2 Remove clothing while continuing to flush with water.

5.1.3 Rinse with large amounts of running water for 2-5 minutes. Apply a 2.5% calcium gluconate gel to

the affected area. Massage gel into the burn site; apply frequently and continuously until pain and/or

redness disappear or until medical help arrives.

5.1.4 While victim is being treated, someone should call x2911 and request immediate medical

assistance/transport to Emergency Room (ER).

NOTE: Hospital ER must be notified that an HF victim will be arriving for immediate treatment.

5.1.5 Victim must be transported to hospital for additional examination and/or treatment.

5.1.6 Provide EMT/transport personnel with HF MSDS or other chemical information for hospital.



5.2 Eye Contact

5.2.1 Immediately flush the eyes for at least 15 minutes with large amounts of gently flowing water. Hold

the eyelids open and away from the eye during irrigation to allow for thorough flushing of the eyes.

5.2.2 If the person is wearing contact lenses, the lenses should be removed, if possible. However, flushing

with water should not be interrupted.





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NOTE: Do not use skin treatment gel for eye contact burns.

5.2.3 While victim is being treated, someone should call x2911 and request immediate medical

assistance/transport to Emergency Room (ER).

NOTE: Hospital ER must be notified that an HF victim will be arriving for immediate treatment.

5.2.4 Victim must be transported to hospital for additional examination and/or treatment.

5.2.5 Provide EMT/transport personnel with HF MSDS or other chemical information for hospital.



5.3 Inhalation of Vapors

5.3.1 Immediately move victim to fresh air and get medical attention.

5.3.2 Keep victim warm, quiet and comfortable. If breathing has stopped, start CPR at once.

5.3.3 Check victim for vapor burns to the skin and treat as in 4.1.

5.3.4 While victim is being treated, someone should call x2911 and request immediate medical

assistance/transport to Emergency Room (ER).

NOTE: Hospital ER must be notified that an HF victim will be arriving for immediate treatment.

5.3.5 Victim must be transported to hospital for additional examination and/or treatment.

5.3.6 Provide EMT/transport personnel with HF MSDS or other chemical information for hospital.



5.4 Ingestion of Acid

5.4.1 Have the victim drinks large amounts of water as quickly as possible to dilute acid. DO NOT induce

vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

5.4.2 Give several glasses of milk or several ounces of milk of magnesia or grind up and administer 30

antacid tablets with water. The calcium or magnesium in these compounds may act an antidote.

5.4.3 While victim is being treated, someone should call x2911 and request immediate medical

assistance/transport to Emergency Room (ER).

NOTE: Hospital ER must be notified that an HF victim will be arriving for immediate treatment.

5.4.4 Victim must be transported to hospital for additional examination and/or treatment. Ingestion of HF

can be life threatening.

5.4.5 Provide EMT/transport personnel with HF MSDS or other chemical information for hospital.



6.0 SAFETY CONTROLS:



All personnel who work with HF should undergo safety training prior to working with this chemical, have

access to and have read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), review and understand this guideline and

understand emergency first aid treatment for HF exposure.

6.1 Substitution: Determine if a less hazardous substance can be substituted for HF or use a less

concentrated solution in the applied research or application.

6.2 Work in Fume Hood: All HF work must be conducted in a designated and properly functioning fume hood.

6.3 Safety Equipment: The area must be equipped with a safety shower (may be in hall) or drench hose

(within lab space) and HF spill kit, which includes a 2.5% calcium gluconate gel. (The PI must ensure

that the calcium gluconate gel is not expired.)

6.4 Warnings: Post warning signs on Space Hazard Placard for presence of HF and on designated fume

hood.

6.5 General Safety:





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�   Do not work alone, if possible.

�   Do not eat, drink or smoke where HF is handled.

�   Wash hands thoroughly after handling (after glove removal).

�   Store according to proper procedures (see section 8.0).

�   Transport in an appropriate secondary container.

�   Ensure a working phone is in the lab space.



7.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)



Be sure that you are using personal protective equipment that has been shown to effectively protect

against HF exposure. Always double check your equipment before each use of HF.



7.1 Respiratory Protection

HF should be used within a properly functioning fume hood to minimize inhalation of vapor. (The hood

sash should be kept as low as possible.) If a fume hood is not available or practical for the operation,

ensure sufficient ventilation in the work area and inform others of the work to be performed. If respiratory

protection is necessary, contact the Safety & Health Officer at x2244.



7.2 Eye Protection

All users must wear a full-face shield when working in a hood with the sash pulled down below the face.

This will prevent splash hazards in a spill situation. Splash goggles must be worn with a full-face shield

when work is performed outside of a hood.

NOTE: Safety glasses with side protectors do not protect from splashes.



7.3 Body Protection

Wear a laboratory coat with a chemical splash apron made out of neoprene or Viton®. Never wear shorts,

skirts, or open toed shoes in the lab or when handling HF.



7.4 Hand Protection

7.4.1 The stockroom provides nitrile gloves for laboratory use. These gloves are sufficient for use with

HF, and should be double gloved. Other gloves recommended for use with HF that do not require double

gloves, but must be ordered by the user include:

    � 22 mil nitrile

    � 25 mil Butyl rubber (recommended for incidental spill clean-up)

    � Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

    � Neoprene

    � Viton®

7.4.2 If possible, double glove at all times to protect against pin holes or tears.

7.4.3 DO NOT use latex gloves; they are not effective against HF.

7.4.4 Discard used gloves, after rinsing with water, into a trash receptacle. If gloves are significantly

contaminated with HF, discard into a hazardous waste disposal container to prevent secondary

contamination to persons using regular trash receptacles.

7.4.5 Thoroughly wash hands after glove removal and check hands for any sign of contamination.









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8.0 STORAGE REQUIREMENTS



HF should be stored in its original container with all markings intact.



Hydrofluoric acid should be kept in tightly closed polyethylene containers. These containers should be

stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from other chemicals. Empty containers can be

hazardous, since residual vapors or liquid may be present.



HF transfer from larger container to a smaller container should take place in a designated fume hood. The

smaller container must be identified with the NFPA label (see below) according to labeling procedures in

WHOI’s Chemical Hygiene Plan. The smaller container must be of a compatible material to hold and

store the HF.



NOTE: Do not use squirt or squeeze bottles because overpressure may force HF out of the nozzle. It is

recommended to use a dropper bottle in these situations.





                                                  Hydrofluoric Acid

                                        0

                                    4       1

                                                  P. I. Owner      1/1/05





9.0 SPILL CLEANUP



9.1 Definitions

In general, two types of chemical spills (a.k.a. releases) can occur at WHOI facilities:

� Incidental Spill - a small chemical spill that the user can clean up safely, easily and without assistance

    from emergency response personnel.

� Hazardous Spill - a chemical spill requiring the assistance of the emergency response team or outside

    responders.



9.2 Incidental Spill

An incidental spill of HF, in the work area, may be cleaned by the user if they are knowledgeable of the

material and have the ability and equipment to safely accomplish this. In the event of a spill, consult the

MSDS again to ensure that you and others follow the recommended cleanup procedures. HF spill kits are

required in areas where the chemical is used. EHS will provide neutralizer for HF users.

9.2.1 Incidental Spill Cleanup

� Attend to any person that has been exposed to HF, utilizing emergency drench hoses, eyewashes, or

    showers, and phoning for assistance. Follow first aid procedures in Section 5.

� Alert all other personnel that may be affected by the spill.

� Keep fume hoods operating to remove vapors.

� Limit the area of the spill as much as possible by using absorbent materials that are available in the

    HF spill kit (see section 9.4 for minimum contents).

� After cleanup, manage the contaminated materials as hazardous waste and request a waste pickup

    (wastepickup@whoi.edu or x2242). See section 10 for procedures.









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9.3 Hazardous Spill

A hazardous spill is any spill of HF that is not considered by the user to be an incidental spill. Follow

these steps:

�   Report the emergency by calling x2911 (cellular phones call 508-289-2911)

�   Warn others in the spill area to evacuate. Generally, the spill area is defined by the extent and

    location of the spill. For example: 1) if the spill is within the lab - evacuate the lab; and 2) if the spill

    is within the hall � evacuate immediate area of hall.

�   Evacuate to a safe area and prevent entry to spill area.

�   Attend to any person that has been exposed to HF if safe to do so (See section 5).



9.4 HF Spill Kit Contents

�   2.5% calcium gluconate gel

�   Antacid tablets

�   Hydrofluoric acid MSDS

�   Color-change neutralizer with instructions

�   Nitrile gloves

�   Apron

�   Shoe covers

�   Hazardous waste container and tag

�   Spill scoop and brush



10.0 WASTE DISPOSAL



HF is a corrosive substance and must be collected for disposal. Use a polyethylene container for collected

HF waste and store in the satellite accumulation area and ensure cap is closed tightly. Complete the red

hazardous waste tag, affix to container, and request a waste pickup on the EHS website at

http://ehs.whoi.edu.









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