SAFETY OPERATING PROCEDURE TEMPLATE
By signing and dating here the Principal Investigator/ or a designee certifies that the Safety
Operating Procedure (SOP) for Hydrofluoric Acid is accurate and effectively provides safe
operating procedures for employees and students in this lab who will handle this hazardous
chemical.
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Signature
Printed Name
Date
I affirm that I have read and understand the Safety Operating Procedure for Hydrofluoric Acid
and have undergone the EH&S Laboratory & Research training and any lab specific training
regarding this SOP.
Printed Name
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Signature
Date
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Chemical Name:
Hydrofluoric Acid
Building/Room
Number:
Date of
Creation/Revision
Principal Investigator:
(The PI, Lab Supervisor, or Autonomous Researcher)
Emergency Phone
number:
HAZARD SUMMARY
Potential physical and health hazards associated with the use of this chemical include:
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Liquid HF is one of the strongest and most corrosive acids. It can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and
respiratory tract. Contact with exposed body parts can cause painful burns and even death.
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.
The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit for hydrogen fluoride is 3 ppm. The American Conference of
Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommends a ceiling (instantaneous) limit of 2 ppm and an 8-hour limit of
0.5 ppm.
Calcium gluconate gel 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 and the Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary
for HF in Prudent Practices in the Laboratory (National Academies Press)
SPECIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Describe special handling and storage requirements for this hazardous chemical in your laboratory, i.e. restricted
access to chemical, inclusion of designated areas to limit and minimize possible sources of exposure to these
materials. The entire laboratory, a portion of the laboratory, or a laboratory fume hood or bench may be
considered a designated area.
Special handling and storage requirements for this chemical include:
 Consider alternate methods and use a less dangerous acid if possible.
 If other specific written procedures are required for work with HF (e.g. heated process, large quantities),
you must list them here or attach a step-by-step procedure. (If no further procedures are needed beyond
those listed in this template, you can delete this bullet.)
 This SOP must be approved in advance by the Principal Investigator (signature required at top of
customized SOP)
 Purchase HF in the smallest amounts possible.
 Stock calcium gluconate gel and calcium carbonate antacid tablets (Tums) to be used as first aid in case
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of an HF burn. (Medical attention should still be sought immediately for HF burns.) Prior to using HF,
make sure the calcium gluconate tube is unopened and that neither the gel nor the tablets have reached
their expiration date. Calcium gluconate gel and calcium carbonate are stored (list location) in this lab.
 Do not heat hydrofluoric acid.
 Do not use glass, ceramic, or other incompatible containers for HF.
 Reactions with metals may produce Hydrogen gas.
 Store in a secondary container made of polyethylene.
 Perform a dry run to identify and correct potential hazards.
 Add acid to water, not water to acid.
 Work within sight and/or hearing of at least one other person who is familiar with the hazards and written
procedures.
 Set up a designated area for HF use and post a warning sign during use. Post a sign at the door to the
room when HF is in use.
 Line work surfaces with plastic-backed absorbent paper and/or a containment tray of compatible
material.
 Once work with HF is complete, decontaminate the area by wiping it down with a 10% sodium carbonate
(Na2CO3, also known as soda ash) solution.
Gas hydrogen fluoride:
 Follow SOP for compressed gas guidelines.
 If you have any HF in lecture bottles, be aware that it can be extremely dangerous. Contact EH&S
immediately to arrange disposal.
ENGINEERING AND VENTILATION CONTROLS
Include requirements for specific engineering/ventilation controls for this specific chemical, i.e. fume hood. If the
process does not permit the handling of such materials in a fume hood, the lab personnel should contact
Environmental Health and Safety at x4-4036 for review the adequacy of ventilation measures.
Handling processes should be designed to minimize the potential for splash, splatter, or other likely scenarios for
accidental contact.
Additional engineering/ventilation controls for the handling of this chemical include:
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, a safety shower will also be necessary.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Include specific personal protective equipment required for the handling of this chemical. See the following
references:
1. The USF Hazardous Inventory Tracking System (HITS) provides access to MSDS.
2. A glove compatibility chart provides specific information on the type of safety gloves that should be used
based on the hazards of specific chemicals.
3. The following EH&S webpage provides links to glove manufacturers as well as other PPE selection
resources, http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/links.html.
PPE Requirements for the handling of this chemical include:
 appropriate clothing (long pants, close-toed shoes)
 gloves; indicate type: neoprene outer gloves and nitrile inner gloves. For small amounts of HF (<50 ml),
double nitrile gloves can be used but must be changed immediately if splashed or thought to be
contaminated.
 safety goggles
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face shield
flame-resistant lab coats
other:__________________________
If the use of an N95, half mask, or full face respirator is requested, the individual and/or their
supervisor must first contact Environmental Health & Safety for a consultation to determine if respirator
use is necessary. If EH&S determines the use of a respirator is
necessary, the individual must participate in the University’s respirator program. This includes a
medical evaluation; respirator fit test, and training.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
For chemical exposure/injury
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Seek immediate medical attention at the emergency department for any HF exposure.
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Persons helping an exposed colleague must wear PPE as indicated above.
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Call 911 to request assistance and/or emergency transport if needed. EH&S or EMS personnel may
recommend administration of calcium carbonate tablets for skin exposure.
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For skin exposure, flush exposed skin with water for at least 15 minutes, then apply calcium gluconate
gel (gel application can occur on the way to the emergency department, and should be reapplied every 15
minutes (note time)).
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For eye exposure, flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
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For ingestion, administer a calcium-containing medication (such as Tums) if available. Magnesiumcontaining stomach medication or milk may also be given.
Consult MSDS for guidance on appropriate first aid. Where medical attention is required, bring MSDS(s) of
chemical(s) to aid medical staff in proper diagnosis and treatment.
The work-related injury or illness report found at: http://usfweb2.usf.edu/hr/workerscomp/ should be completed
within 24 hours.
If a there is a spill involving an extremely hazardous chemical, emergency responders should be contacted
immediately. Dial 911 during and after normal business hours to contact the local emergency responders for
your area and provide detail information to the emergency responders including chemical name, volume,
hazards, spill location, and any injuries incurred. Building occupants can be notified of a building evacuation
through the activation of a fire alarm pull station.
Spills of HF in the fume hood (<5 ml) can be absorbed using magnesium sulfate, soda lime, sodium carbonate
(Na2CO3), or other spill absorbent specified for HF. Do NOT use organic spill kits that contain Floor-Dri, kitty
litter, or sand because HF reacts with silica to produce silicon tetrafluoride (a toxic gas). After spill has been
completely absorbed, wipe down spill site with 10% sodium carbonate solution
Personnel: If lab personnel are exposed to an extremely hazardous chemical, call 911 immediately. Remove
any contaminated clothing, and IMMEDIATELY flush contaminated skin with water for at least 15 minutes
following any skin contact. For eye exposures, IMMEDIATELY flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Fire and Emergency Evacuation Procedures:
In case of fire or emergency situation, call 911 and or use emergency blue phone immediately to notify
the fire emergency services and campus police.
 Immediately evacuate the building via the nearest exit when the fire alarm is activated.
 If unable to evacuate due to a disability, shelter in the area of rescue / refuge, typically a stairwell
landing, and wait for assistance from drill volunteers or emergency responders.
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Instruct visitors and students to evacuate and assist them in locating the nearest exit.
Do not use elevators to exit the building during an evacuation as they may become inoperable.
Carry only those personal belongings that are within the immediate vicinity.
Close doors to limit the potential spread of smoke and fire.
Terminate all hazardous operations and power off equipment.
Close all hazardous materials containers.
Remain outside of the building until the building is released for reentry.
Do not restrict or impede the evacuation.
Convene in the designated grassy gathering area and await instruction from emergency responders or
drill volunteers. Avoid parking lots.
Report fire alarm deficiencies, (e.g., trouble hearing the alarm) to facilities personnel for repair.
Notify evacuation drill volunteers or emergency responders of persons sheltering in the areas of
rescue/ refuge.
Never assume that an alarm is a “false alarm”. Treat all fire alarm activations as emergencies.
Get out of the building!
The Laboratory/Studio and Field Incident Report form is to be completed by the Lab
Manager/Teaching Assistant/Instructor for any incident that occurs in any University of South
Florida affiliated teaching or research laboratory/studio or field research project. An incident means
any unplanned event within the scope of a procedure that causes, or has the potential to cause, an
injury or illness and/or damage to equipment, buildings, or the natural environment. Please fill out
the online Laboratory/Studio and Field Incident Report form below and submit to Environmental
Health & Safety within 24 hours of the incident. Due to medical privacy concerns, no personal
identifying information of the person involved in the incident shall be entered or submitted with the
form.
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/LabIncident.html
WASTE DISPOSAL
All chemical waste generated within USF System laboratories are considered hazardous waste and must be
disposed of as hazardous waste in accordance with USF Hazardous Waste Management Procedure, the EPA,
and the DEP. The USF Hazardous Waste Management Procedure can be found using the following link,
http://compass.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1118/kw/hazardous%20waste.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
All individuals working with chemicals in USF laboratories must take EH&S’s Laboratory & Research Safety
Training. To register for Laboratory & Research Training, please use the following link,
http://usfweb2.usf.edu/eh&s/labsafety/tmaterials.html. However, the use of this chemical may warrant
additional safety training per the PI, EH&S, or an authorizing unit such as the Biosafety or Radiation Safety
programs. Additional training requirements are listed below.
Training Requirements:
 Laboratory & Research Safety Training (EH&S)
 Research-specific Training (PI) Training on the lab-specific procedures must be performed by the PI or
knowledgeable designee for all personnel working with HF, and must be documented (topics covered
(must include location of calcium gluconate gel in the lab), date, employee names and signatures).
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Other: Read, sign, and date this SOP
PRIOR APPROVALS
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The handling of this chemical requires prior approval from the PI/designee.
Approval Signature (if required by PI) _________________________________________________________
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