Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Program

What are the HF hazards?

• HF is a highly hazardous (corrosive) and acutely toxic.
• HF is unique from other chemicals because of its poisonous effects and the ability to readily absorb through the skin and attack bone.
• Once absorbed by the skin, HF dissociates rapidly into H⁺ and F⁻ ions. Toxic effects occur when fluoride penetrates through the tissue to bind calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium ions in the body.

Why do we need a separate safety program for Hydrofluoric Acid?

• Comply with UF’s Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Raise awareness for HF hazards and provide users with the tools, training, and guidance.
• Provide a first aid kit and establish an emergency response procedure.
• Provide support for the maintenance of this safety program.

Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Program Requirement

• Labs working with Hydrofluoric Acid must be provided HF in person training by EH&S
• The Principal Investigator should have a complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on file in the laboratory.
• Every individual working with Hydrofluoric Acid must be provided proper safety training by EH&S prior to starting the work with HF.
• The Principal Investigator must authorize workers to use and provide lab-specific training Hydrofluoric Acid and provide additional training.
• Every lab must have an HF Emergency Response kit purchased from EH&S.

SOP Template: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

Training Information

This program requires attending Hydrofluoric Acid in-person training.  We are offering multiple training courses at the Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF 115) and Chemical Engineering (CHE 231).

Please register for a training by selecting the link below the desired date and time.

EHS901: Hydrofluoric Acid Training

Date: 9/27/2023

Time: 9 am – 10:30 am

Location: Environmental Health & Safety Office – Downstairs Conference Room

Register for this class.

For Additional Information

Contact EH&S Chemical/Lab Safety

• Cindy Mercado, 352-273-2132, cindy.mercado@ehs.ufl.edu
• Chris Young, 352-294-7123, cyoung@ehs.ufl.edu