Standard Operating Procedure
Laboratory Specific
Chemical: Hydrofluoric Acid – HF
Please fill out the form completely. Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Refer to instructions for assistance.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Department:________________________
Date when SOP was written:_______
Date when SOP was approved by the lab supervisor: ___________________
Principal Investigator:___________________________________________________
Internal Laboratory Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:___________________________________
Laboratory Phone:____________________ Office Phone:_____________________
Emergency Contact:____________________________________________________
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:__________________________________________
(Building/Room Number)
_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of SOP:
Process
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a highly corrosive liquid and is a contact poison. It should be handled
with extreme care (i.e., beyond what is generally required to handle other mineral acids). Owing
to its low dissociation constant, HF as a neutral lipid-soluble molecule penetrates tissue more
rapidly than typical mineral acids. Because of the ability of hydrofluoric acid to penetrate tissue,
poisoning can occur readily through exposure of skin or eyes, or when inhaled or swallowed.
Symptoms of exposure to hydrofluoric acid may not be immediately evident. HF interferes with
nerve function, meaning that burns may not initially be painful. Accidental exposures can go
unnoticed, delaying treatment and increasing the extent and seriousness of the injury.
Once absorbed into blood through the skin, it reacts with blood calcium and may cause cardiac
arrest. Burns with areas larger than 25 square inches (160 cm2) have the potential to cause
serious systemic toxicity from interference with blood and tissue calcium levels. In the body,
hydrofluoric acid reacts with the ubiquitous biologically important ions Ca2+ and Mg 2+.
Formation of insoluble calcium fluoride is proposed as the etiology for both precipitous fall in
serum calcium and the severe pain associated with tissue toxicity. In some cases, exposures can
lead to hypocalcemia. Thus, hydrofluoric acid exposure is often treated with calcium gluconate, a
source of Ca2+ that sequesters the fluoride ions. HF chemical burns can be treated with a water
wash and 2.5% calcium gluconate gel, or special rinsing solutions. However, because it is
absorbed, medical treatment is necessary; rinsing off is not enough. Intra-arterial infusions of
calcium chloride have also shown great effectiveness in treating burns. In some cases,
amputation may be required.
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Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is classified as weak acid. It is capable of dissolving many materials,
especially oxides.
Appearance - Colorless Liquid
Solubility in water – Miscible
Very toxic and corrosive
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
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Removes calcium from body in the affected area (Targets the bone)
OSHA Hazards
Target Organ Effect, Toxic by inhalation, highly toxic by ingestion, highly toxic by skin absorption,
Corrosive
Target Organs
Liver, Kidney
GHS Classification
Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 2)
Acute toxicity, Inhalation (Category 2)
Acute toxicity, Dermal (Category 1)
Skin corrosion (Category 1A)
Serious eye damage (Category 1)
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word Danger
Hazard statement(s)
H300 + H310 Fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H330 Fatal if inhaled.
Precautionary statement(s)
P260 Do not breathe dust/ fume/ gas/ mist/ vapours/ spray.
P264 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
P280 Wear protective gloves/ protective clothing/ eye protection/ face protection.
P284 Wear respiratory protection.
P302 + P350 IF ON SKIN: Gently wash with plenty of soap and water.
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove
contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/ physician.
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation Toxic if inhaled. Material is extremely destructive to the tissue of the mucous
membranes and upper respiratory tract.
Skin May be fatal if absorbed through skin. Causes skin burns.
Eyes Causes eye burns. Causes severe eye burns.
Ingestion May be fatal if swallowed.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Chemical safety goggles and face shield
Lab coat & natural rubber apron
Chemical resistant gloves (Natural Rubber – arm length)
Full length pants
Close toed rubber or leather shoes
If HF is used in a cleanroom, the cleanroom gown will substitute for lab coat and full
length pants. In addition, all the other PPE listed above is applicable.
Respiratory protection
General guidelines: Respirators should be used only under any the following circumstances:
 As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been
exhausted).
 When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility
that PEL will be exceeded.
 Regulations require the use of a respirator.
 An employer requires the use of a respirator.
 There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the
absence of PEL)
 As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Use a full-face respirator mask with cartridges meant for HF vapors. Lab personnel intending to
use/wear a respirator mask must be training and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory
requirement. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1003938#Respirator_Training_and_Fit_Testing_)
Hand protection
Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to each use. Use proper glove removal
technique (without touching outer surface of the gloves) to avoid skin contact with HF on the
contaminated gloves. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable
laws and good laboratory practices. Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
Eye protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles. Face shield (8-inch minimum). Use equipment for eye protection
tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN
166(EU).
Skin and body protection
Complete suit protecting against chemicals; the type of protective equipment must be selected
according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at specific workplace.
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after
handling the product.
Engineering Controls
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To be used on a wet bench or equivalent
First Aid Procedures
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If exposure occurs to eyes, immediately go to emergency eyewash and rinse eyes for
15 minutes, and then seek medical attention.
If exposure occurs to skin, immediately go to emergency shower or sink depending
on amount of skin exposed, remove clothing, and rinse for a minimum of 15 minutes.
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After shower apply/massage calcium gluconate gel to affected area every 15 minutes
and seek medical attention immediately.
General advice
Consult a physician. Show the Material Safety Data Sheet - MSDS to the doctor in attendance.
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a
physician immediately.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. Continue
rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed
Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth
with water. Consult a physician immediately.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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Pour out from stock bottle to a smaller re-sealable container on a wet bench before
use
HF must always be stored in plastic (nalgene / polypropylene) containers. DO NOT
store HF in glass bottles/containers.
Store in corrosive/acid storage cabinet within a secondary containment (nalgene/
polypropylene tray or tub)
Do not store in the top most shelf of the storage cabinet (In general do not store
chemicals at or above eye level)
Ensure the container is tightly closed at all times
Do not store with oxides, organic chemicals, bases or metals
Spill and Accident Procedure
General Guidelines:
Personal precautions
Wear respiratory protection. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. Keep in suitable,
closed containers for disposal.
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Personal Protective equipment must be worn – natural rubber gloves (arm length),
goggles, face shield, natural rubber apron/suit, long pants, close toed rubber/leather
shoes, respirator approved for HF handling.
Immediately assess amount spilled. Contact Environment Health & Safety (EH&S) at
x59797 and dial 911 from a campus phone (310-825-1491 from a cell phone).
Use neutralizing agent (sodium carbonate) and liquid binding material (vermiculite,
sand, kitty litter)
Pick up contaminated material with a disposable scoop and place in a double
transparent plastic bag
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Label and tag as hazardous waste and bring to hazardous waste pick up
Chemical Spill Dial 911 and x59797
Spill – Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors.
Eliminate sources of ignition if the chemical is flammable. If possible, confine the spill to a small
area using a spill kit or absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g.,
use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate
personal protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste
in clear plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 911 (or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) and EH&S at x59797 for
assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in
emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S
at x59797 immediately.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with
water for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor
and EH&S at x59797 immediately.
Medical Emergency Dial 911 or x52111
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911
(or 310-825-1491 from cell phone) or contact the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) directly at x52111 (located at 757 Westwood Plaza, enter from Gayley
Avenue). Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to the Occupational Health Facility (OHF),
x56771, CHS room 67-120 (This is on the 6th floor, 7th corridor, room 120. Enter through the
School of Dentistry on Tiverton Drive and proceed to the “O” elevator to the 6th floor.)Hours: M F, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At all other times report to Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center
(emergency room) at x52111. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at x59797
within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling / experimental
procedure) – Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For
mucous membrane exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station.
Page the needle stick nurse by dialing 231 from a campus phone, enter 93333 when prompted
and then enter your extension. Hours: M – F, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. At all other times report to
Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center (emergency room) at x52111. Note: All needle
stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S at x59797 within 8 hours.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
HF is listed as Extremely Hazardous (EH) Substance by the State. Even the containers
(irrespective of the size) which once held HF must be disposed of as hazardous waste with
an on-line hazardous waste tag affixed on the container. (http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774)
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Even the safety gloves that come in contact with HF (i.e., HF contaminated gloves) must be
disposed of as dry hazardous waste. All dry hazardous waste must be double bagged (use only
transparent bags) and affixed with an on-line waste tag. Note: Black, Red, Orange or Yellow
bags are prohibited by EH&S Hazardous Materials Division, for hazardous waste disposal.
On the on-line waste tag for the dry waste generated (i.e., for HF contaminated gloves/empty
containers):
In the contents section, mention as Dry Waste
99%
Hydrofluoric Acid 1% (Note: Mention full chemical name)
Type: Solid
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
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Label Waste
o Affix an on-line hazardous waste tag on all waste containers using the Online
Tag Program http://otp.ucop.edu/ as soon as the first drop of waste is added to
the container
Store Waste
o Store hazardous waste in closed containers, in secondary containment and in a
designated location
o Double-bag dry waste using transparent bags
http://map.ais.ucla.edu/go/1002774
o Waste must be under the control of the person generating & disposing of it
Dispose of Waste
o Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 90 days
o Call EH&S at x61887 for questions
o Empty Containers
 Dispose as hazardous waste if it once held extremely hazardous waste
(irrespective of the container size)
http://ehs.ucla.edu/Pub/ExtremelyHazardousWaste.pdf
o Consult waste pick-up schedule
http://ehs.ucla.edu/pub/HazWaste%20Pickup%20Schedule.pdf
o Prepare for transport to pick-up location
 Check on-line waste tag
 Write date of pick-up on the waste tag
 Use secondary containment
 Wear eye protection & closed toe shoes; bring gloves
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Location
(State the location of MSDS)
Hardcopy AND electronic copy MSDS from the same manufacturer must be available for HF.
Online MSDS can be accessed at http://msds.ehs.ucla.edu.
Protocol/Procedure
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Carefully carry the stock bottle in a rubber maid bottle carrier/nalgene secondary
container to the wet bench and pour out desired amount into a smaller container
Place stock bottle back in corrosive chemical storage cabinet with cap tightly closed
Refer to experimental protocols in the lab specific experimental procedures manual
for instructions on use for experiments
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NOTE: Any deviation from this SOP requires written approval from PI.
Points to Remember:
The following are the prerequisites to work with Hydrofluoric acid (HF) in the lab:
1. Written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling HF must be in place. The SOP must
be approved by the PI/Supervisor. The SOP and MSDS must be read and signed by the lab
personnel working with HF.
2. HF users must be trained on proper handling of HF. The training must be well documented.
3. The lab personnel/HF users must undergo the in class 'Lab Safety Fundamental Concepts'
training offered by EH&S.
4. Calcium Gluconate gel must be readily available. Refer to http://hfacidsafety.com/ Note: This
must be applied / massaged immediately to the exposed area in the event of an accidental
exposure (dermal contact).
5. Natural rubber gloves (arm length) must be used to handle HF.
6. Natural rubber apron must be worn while handling HF.
7. Any work related to HF must be done on a wet bench (i.e., must have appropriate engineering
controls in place).
8. Along with the gloves and apron, face shield, full length pants, close toed shoes is a must.
9. Emergency eyewash and safety shower must be easily accessible within 10 seconds from the
location where HF is used.
10. Hardcopy MSDS for HF from the same manufacturer must be readily available.
11. Lab buddy system is highly recommended when handling HF.
12. Lab emergency contact information must be readily available. The lab personnel must have
easy access to a telephone (landline or cell phone).
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
Name
Signature
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Date