Hydrofluoric acid has a number of chemical, physical and toxicological properties, which make handling this material especially hazardous. All forms, including the solution or the vapor, can cause severe burns to tissue and cause serious toxic systemic effects. Fluoride ions are both acutely and chronically toxic. Fluorides are easily absorbed through the skin, cause death of soft tissue and erode bone as well as cause cardiac arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Acute effects of hydrofluoric acid exposure include extreme respiratory irritation, immediate and severe eye damage and pulmonary edema. Skin, eye, or lung exposure to concentrated (>50%) hydrofluoric acid solutions will cause immediate, severe, penetrating burns. Exposure to less concentrated solutions may have equally serious effects, but the appearance of symptoms can be delayed for up to 24 hours.
Principal Investigators requesting authorization to purchase and use hydrofluoric acid in their research must complete a Standard Operating Procedure/Authorization Form and submit to the Chemical Hygiene Committee for approval.
Standard Operating Procedure/Authorization Form for Use of Hydrofluoric Acid
Hydrofluoric Acid User Authorization Form
Environmental Health & Safety Hydrofluoric Acid Spill and Splash Pamphlet
On-Line Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Refresher Training
Honeywell Specialty Materials - Hydrofluoric Acid Resources
Any questions or concerns related to safe use of hydrofluoric acid should be addressed to the Chemical Hygiene Officer at dehsafety@udel.edu or call 302-831-8475.
The Safety Beacon is distributed across the University to raise awareness about Environmental Health and Safety issues.
Questions regarding chemical hygiene may be addressed to Chemical Hygiene Officer or call 831-8475.