Supply of hydrofluoric acid in
Western Australia
Introduction
This information is intended for those who supply hydrofluoric acid to purchasers in Western
Australia (WA). It is applicable to suppliers within WA and also to interstate suppliers who
have clients in WA.
The controls over supply of scheduled poisons in WA are through the Poisons Act 1964 (the
Act). The Poisons Act 1964 adopts, by reference, the schedules in the Standard for the
Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons (SUSMP). There are a number of additional
items included in the WA schedules which may be found in Appendix A of the Act.
What is required if the hydrofluoric acid is in Schedule 5 or Schedule 6?
The concentration of hydrofluoric acid determines the schedule of the product.
Products which contain 0.1% or less of hydrofluoric acid are in Schedule 5. These products
will be labelled with the word CAUTION.
The main controls over poisons in Schedule 5 are through packaging and labelling.
Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell products
with packaging and labelling that is compliant with the SUSMP.
Products which contain 1% or less of hydrofluoric acid (but more than 0.1%) are in
Schedule 6. These products will be labelled with the word POISON.
The main controls over poisons in Schedule 6 are through packaging and labelling.
Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell products
with packaging and labelling that is compliant with the SUSMP.
Manufacturers and wholesalers of Schedule 6 poisons located within WA require a licence
under the Poisons Act 1964. Retailers do not require a licence to sell Schedule 6 poisons.
Poisons in Schedules 5 and 6 can only be sold to persons who are 16 years of age or older.
Poisons in Schedules 5 and 6 must be stored out of reach of children. These poisons must
also be stored in a way that prevents contamination of food or drink.
What is required if the hydrofluoric acid is in Schedule 7?
Products which contain hydrofluoric acid at a concentration greater than 1% are in
Schedule 7. These products will be labelled with the words DANGEROUS POISON.
In WA, hydrofluoric acid can only be sold to:

a business with a licence to sell the product
Or

a person with a permit to purchase and use the product.
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Users located in an industrial area or on a mine site require a poisons permit to legally
purchase and use hydrofluoric acid in Schedule 7. For example, a stainless steel
manufacturer wishing to purchase pickling paste in Schedule 7 must have a poisons permit,
even if their factory is in an industrial area. Businesses involved in brick cleaning will also
need a poisons permit to allow purchase of hydrofluoric acid solutions in Schedule 7.
Suppliers located outside Western Australia must ensure any of their clients located within
WA hold an appropriate licence or permit. Supplies of hydrofluoric acid in Schedule 7 must
only be delivered to the premises address shown on the relevant licence or permit.
How to obtain a licence or permit for hydrofluoric acid
Application forms are available on the Department of Health website.
Licences to wholesale or retail Schedule 7 poisons will only be issued to a person with a
relevant qualification or with at least five years experience in the handling of poisons. A
premises inspection will generally be required prior to the issuing of a licence.
Permit applicants need to complete the hydrofluoric acid permit checklist. The completed
form should be sent to the Department with the application.
For further information
Pharmaceutical Services Branch website
Email correspondence should be directed to poisons@health.wa.gov.au
If you need to telephone the Pharmaceutical Services Branch please call (08) 9222 6883 and
follow the prompts. The Branch is open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm WST Monday to
Friday.
Version current October 2014.
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