HYDROFLUORIC ACID
MSDS Number: H3994 --- Effective Date: 07/15/98
1. Product Identification
Synonyms: Fluorohydric acid; fluoric acid; Hydrogen fluoride
solution
CAS No.: 7664-39-3
Molecular Weight: 20.01
Chemical Formula: HF in Aqueous
Solution.
Product Codes:
J.T. Baker:
5368, 5659, 5818, 5823, 5824, 5840, 6904, 9559,
9560, 9563, 9564, 9567, 9572, 9573, 9574, 9575
Mallinckrodt:
2640, 2648, V141, V580
2. Composition/Information on Ingredients
Ingredient CAS No Percent Hazardous
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------- ---------
Hydrogen Fluoride 7664-39-3 48 - 52% Yes
Water 7732-18-5 48 - 52% No
3. Hazards Identification
Emergency Overview
--------------------------
POISON! DANGER! CORROSIVE. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES
SEVERE BURNS WHICH MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY PAINFUL OR VISIBLE. MAY BE FATAL
IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. LIQUID AND VAPOR CAN BURN SKIN, EYES AND
RESPIRATORY TRACT. CAUSES BONE DAMAGE. REACTION WITH CERTAIN METALS
GENERATES FLAMMABLE AND POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS.
J.T. Baker SAF-T-DATA(tm) Ratings (Provided here for your convenience)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Rating: 4 - Extreme (Poison)
Flammability Rating: 0 - None
Reactivity Rating: 2 - Moderate
Contact Rating: 4 - Extreme (Corrosive)
Lab Protective Equip: GOGGLES & SHIELD; LAB COAT & APRON; VENT HOOD; PROPER
GLOVES
Storage Color Code: White (Corrosive)
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Potential Health Effects
----------------------------------
Exposure to hydrofluoric acid can produce harmful health effects that may
not be immediately apparent.
Inhalation:
Severely corrosive to the respiratory tract. May cause sore throat,
coughing, labored breathing and lung congestion/inflammation.
Ingestion:
Corrosive. May cause sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting,
severe burns of the digestive tract, and kidney dysfunction.
Skin Contact:
Corrosive to the skin. Skin contact causes serious skin burns which may not
be immediately apparent or painful. Symptoms may be delayed 8 hours or
longer. The fluoride ion readily penetrates the skin causing destruction of
deep tissue layers and even bone.
Eye Contact:
Corrosive to the eyes. Symptoms of redness, pain, blurred vision, and
permanent eye damage may occur.
Chronic Exposure:
Intake of more than 6 mg of fluorine per day may result in fluorosis, bone
and joint damage. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia can occur from
absorption of fluoride ion into blood stream.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders, eye problems, or impaired kidney
or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of this
substance.
4. First Aid Measures
For any route of contact: Detailed First Aid procedure should be planned
before beginning work with HF.
Inhalation:
Get medical help immediately. If patient is unconscious, give artificial
respiration or use inhalator. Keep patient warm and resting, and send to
hospital after first aid is complete.
Ingestion:
If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of water. Never
give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention
immediately.
Skin Contact:
FOR ACID BURNS TO THE BODY: 1) Remove the victim from the contaminated
area and immediately place him under a safety shower or wash him with a
water hose, whichever is available. 2) Remove all contaminated clothing.
3) Keep washing with large amounts of water for a minimum of 15 to 20
minutes. 4) Have someone make arrangements for medical attention while you
continue flushing the affected area with water. 5) a) If available, after
thorough washing, the burned area should be immersed in a solution of 0.2%
iced aqueous Hyamine 1622 or 0.13% iced aqueous Zephiran Chloride. If
immersion is not practical, towels should be soaked with one of the above
solutions and used as compresses for the burn area. Ideally compresses
should be changed every 2 minutes. 5) b) An alternative treatment to 5a is
for the physician to inject sterile 10% aqueous calcium gluconate solution
subcutaneously beneath, around, and in the burned area. Initially use no
more than 0.5 cc per square centimeter and do not distort appearance of
skin. If pain is not completely relieved, additional treatment is
indicated. 6) Seek medical attention as soon as possible for all burns
regardless of how minor they may appear initially. Hyamine 1622 is a trade
name for Tetracaine Benzethonium Chloride, Merck Index Monograph 1078, a
quaternary ammonium compound sold by Rohm & Haas, Philadelphia. Zephiran
Chloride is a trade name for Benzalkonium Chloride, Merck Index Monograph
1059, also a quaternary ammonium compound, sold by SANOFI Winthrop
Pharmaceutical, New York, NY.
Eye Contact:
FOR ACID IN THE EYES: 1) Irrigate eyes for at least 30 minutes with
copious quantities of water, keeping the eyelids apart and away from
eyeballs during irrigation. 2) Get competent medical attention
immediately, preferably an eye specialist. 3) If a physician is not
immediately available, apply one or two drops of 0.5% Pontocaine
Hydrochloride solution. 4) Do not use oily drops or ointment. Place ice
pack on eyes until reaching emergency room.
Note to Physician:
For burns of large skin areas, (greater than 25 square inches), for
ingestion and for significant inhalation exposure, severe systemic effects
may occur. Monitor and correct for hypocalcemia, cardiac arrhythmias,
hypomagnesemia and hyperkalemia. In some cases renal dialysis may be
indicated. For certain burns, especially of the digits, use of
intra-arterial calcium gluconate may be indicated. Treat as chemical
pneumonia. Monitor for hypocalcemia, 2.5% calcium gluconate in normal
saline by nebulizer or by IPPB with 100% oxygen may decrease pulmonary
damage. Bronchodilators may also be administered.
Medical Surveillance:
Provide phycical examinations of exposed personnel every six months
including fluoride determinations in urine, studies of liver and kidney
function: chest X-ray, annually. Protect from exposure those individuals
with diseases of kidneys, liver, and lung. (ITII. Toxic and Hazardous
Industrial Chemicals Safety Manual).
AN ALTERNATIVE FIRST AID PROCEDURE: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) is a highly
corrosive and toxic acid, even in a dilute form. It can severely damage
the skin and eyes causing severe burns which are extremely painful.
Additionally, the vapor from anhydrous HF or its concentrated solutions can
cause damage to skin, eyes and the respiratory system. HF differs from
other strong acids in that it not only causes surface burns but rapidly
penetrates the skin, even in dilute solution, and causes destruction of
underlying tissue and even bone by the extraction of Calcium. For this
reason, washing the burn with water is not sufficient. A neutralizing agent
which will also penetrate the skin is required. The effect of HF, i.e.
onset of pain, particularly in dilute solutions, may not be felt for up to
24 hours. It is important, therefore, that persons using HF have immediate
access to an effective antidote even when they are away from their work
place in order that first aid treatment can be commenced immediately while
the patient seeks medical advice.
HOW TO TREAT HYDROFLUORIC ACID BURNS: It has been conclusively shown
(references 1,2,3 and 4 below) that flushing the affected area with water
for one minute and then massaging HF Antidote Gel into the wound until
there is a cessation of pain is the most effective first aid treatment
available. HF Antidote Gel contains Calcium Gluconate which combines with
HF to form insoluble Calcium Fluoride, thus preventing the extraction of
Calcium from the body tissue and bones. HF Antidote Gel is available in
25g tubes, and since the effects of the dilute acid may not be apparent for
some hours, we recommend that any person in contact with HF should carry,
or have access to a tube of HF Antidote Gel at all times; ideally with one
tube at the work place, one on the person and one at home. For safety's
sake, we believe that HF Antidote Gel should be issued to all employees who
may come into contact with HF.
EYE INJURIES: Irrigate the affected part immediately with copious amounts
of cold water. Urgent medical advice must be sought. HF Antidote Gel is
NOT for use in the eye. It is imperative that any person who has been
contaminated by HF should seek medical advice even when the treatment by HF
Antidote Gel has been applied.
REFERENCES: 1. Browno, T.D. Treatment of Hydrofluoric Acid Burns 2.
Sprout, W.L. et al Treatment of Severe Hydrofluoric Acid Exposures (Journal
of American Occupational Medicine 25:12, 1993) 3. Bracken, W.M. et al
Comparative Effectiveness of Topical Treatments for Hydrofluoric Acid
Burns, University of Kansas (Journal of Occupational Medicine 27:10:1985)
4. Burke, W.J. , et al Systemic Fluoride Poisoning Resulting from A
Fluoride Skin Burn (Journal of Occupational Medicine (5,39:1973)
HF ANTIDOTE GEL:
Distributed by PHARMASCIENCE INC.
Montreal, Canada.
Phone: ( 514 ) 340 - 1114
Fax: ( 514 ) 342 - 7764
5. Fire Fighting Measures
Fire:
Not considered to be a fire hazard. Fire may produce poisonous or irritating gases.
Explosion:
Violent exothermic reaction occurs with water. Sufficient heat may be
produced to ignite combustible materials. Reacts with metals forming
flammable Hydrogen gas.
Fire Extinguishing Media:
Keep upwind of fire. Use water or carbon dioxide on fires in which
Hydrofluoric Acid is involved. Halon or foam may also be used. In case of
fire, the sealed containers can be kept cool by spraying with water.
Special Information:
In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved
self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece operated in the
pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Avoid getting water in
tanks or drums; water can cause generation of heat and spattering. In
contact with air, the acid gives off corrosive fumes which are heavier than
air.
6. Accidental Release Measures
Notify safety personnel, provide adequate ventilation, and remove ignition
sources since hydrogen may be generated by reactions with metals. Wear
appropriate personal protective equipment as specified in Section 8. Do not
flush to sewers or waterways. Spills: Evacuate the danger area. Apply
magnesium sulfate (dry) to the spill area. Follow up with inert absorbent
and add soda ash or magnesium oxide and slaked lime. Collect in appropriate
plastic containers and save for disposal. Wash spill site with soda ash
solution. NOTE: Porous materials (concrete, wood, plastic, etc.) will
absorb HF and become a hazard for an indefinite time. Such spills should be
cleaned and neutralized immediately. US Regulations (CERCLA) require
reporting spills and releases to soil, water and air in excess of
reportable quantities. The toll free number for the US Coast Guard National
Response Center is (800) 424-8802.
J. T. Baker TEAM(R) 'Low Na+' acid neutralizer is recommended for
spills of this product.
7. Handling and Storage
Keep in tightly closed polyethylene containers. Store in a cool, dry place
with adequate ventilation separated from other chemicals. Protect from
physical damage. Storage facilities should be constructed for containment
and neutralization of spills. Handling and storage of HF requires special
materials and technology for containers, pipes, valves, etc., which is
available from suppliers. Containers of this material may be hazardous when
empty since they retain product residues (vapors, liquid); observe all
warnings and precautions listed for the product.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Airborne Exposure Limits:
Hydrogen fluoride:
-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
3 ppm (TWA)
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV):
3 ppm Ceiling as F
Ventilation System:
A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee
exposures as low as possible. Local exhaust ventilation is generally
preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its
source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please
refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of
Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved):
If the exposure limit is exceeded, a full facepiece respirator with an acid
gas cartridge may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit or the maximum
use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or
respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances
where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-facepiece
positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air purifying
respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres. Since
the IDLH is low (30 ppm), the above cartridge system is not specifically
approved for HF. (3M Respirator Selection Guide)
Skin Protection:
Wear protective clothing, including boots or safety shoes with polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) or neoprene. Use chemical goggles and/or a full face shield.
Wear coveralls with long sleeves, gauntlets and gloves of PVC or neoprene.
A high degree of protection is obtained with an air-inflated suit with mask
and safety belt. Use protection suitable for conditions.
Eye Protection:
Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where splashing is
possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick drench facilities in work
area.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance:
Colorless, fuming liquid.
Odor:
Acrid odor. Do not breathe fumes.
Solubility:
Infinitely soluble.
Specific Gravity:
1.15 -1.18
pH:
1.0 (0.1M solution)
% Volatiles by volume @ 21C (70F):
100 (as water and acid)
Boiling Point:
108C (226F)
Melting Point:
< -36C (< -33F)
Vapor Density (Air=1):
1.97
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg):
25 @ 20C (68F)
Evaporation Rate (BuAc=1):
No information found.
10. Stability and Reactivity
Stability:
Stable at room temperature (68F) when stored and used under proper
conditions.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
On contact with metals, liberates hydrogen gas. On heating to
decomposition, could yield toxic fumes of fluorides. Attacks glass and
other silicon containing compounds. Reacts with silica to produce silicon
tetrafluoride, a hazardous colorless gas.
Hazardous Polymerization:
Will not occur.
Incompatibilities:
Hydrofluoric acid is incompatible with arsenic trioxide, phosphorus
pentoxide, ammonia, calcium oxide, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, vinyl
acetate, ethylenediamine, acetic anhydride, alkalis, organic materials,
most common metals, rubber, leather, water, strong bases, carbonates,
sulfides, cyanides, oxides of silicon, especially glass, concrete, silica,
fluorine. Will also react with steam or water to produce toxic fumes.
Conditions to Avoid:
Moisture and incompatibles.
11. Toxicological Information
Hydrofluoric acid: Inhalation rat LC50: 1276 ppm/1H; Investigated as a
mutagen, reproductive effector.
--------\Cancer Lists\------------------------------------------------------
---NTP Carcinogen---
Ingredient Known Anticipated IARC Category
------------------------------------ ----- ----------- -------------
Hydrogen Fluoride (7664-39-3) No No None
Water (7732-18-5) No No None
12. Ecological Information
Environmental Fate:
If the pH is > 6.5, soil can bind fluorides tightly. High calcium content
will immobilize fluorides, which can be damaging to plants when present in
acid soils.
Environmental Toxicity:
This material is expected to be slightly toxic to aquatic life. 60
ppm/*/Fish/Lethal/Fresh Water *=time period not specified. >
300ppm/48hr./Shrimp/LC50/Aerated Saltwater
13. Disposal Considerations
Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as
hazardous waste and sent to a RCRA approved incinerator or disposed in a
RCRA approved waste facility. Processing, use or contamination of this
product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal
regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations.
Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state
and local requirements.
14. Transport Information
Domestic (Land, D.O.T.)
-----------------------
Proper Shipping Name: RQ, HYDROFLUORIC ACID (WITH NOT MORE THAN 60%
STRENGTH)
Hazard Class: 8, 6.1
UN/NA: UN1790
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 250LB
International (Water, I.M.O.)
-----------------------------
Proper Shipping Name: HYDROFLUORIC ACID (WITH NOT MORE THAN 60%
STRENGTH)
Hazard Class: 8, 6.1
UN/NA: UN1790
Packing Group: II
Information reported for product/size: 250LB
15. Regulatory Information
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 1\---------------------------------
Ingredient TSCA EC Japan Australia
----------------------------------------------- ---- --- ----- ---------
Hydrogen Fluoride (7664-39-3) Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water (7732-18-5) Yes Yes Yes Yes
--------\Chemical Inventory Status - Part 2\---------------------------------
--Canada--
Ingredient Korea DSL NDSL Phil.
----------------------------------------------- ----- --- ---- -----
Hydrogen Fluoride (7664-39-3) Yes Yes No Yes
Water (7732-18-5) Yes Yes No Yes
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 1\----------------
-SARA 302- ------SARA 313------
Ingredient RQ TPQ List Chemical Catg.
----------------------------------------- --- ----- ---- --------------
Hydrogen Fluoride (7664-39-3) 100 100 Yes No
Water (7732-18-5) No No No No
--------\Federal, State & International Regulations - Part 2\----------------
-RCRA- -TSCA-
Ingredient CERCLA 261.33 8(d)
----------------------------------------- ------ ------ ------
Hydrogen Fluoride (7664-39-3) 100 U134 No
Water (7732-18-5) No No No
Chemical Weapons Convention: Yes TSCA 12(b): No CDTA: No
SARA 311/312: Acute: Yes Chronic: Yes Fire: No Pressure: No
Reactivity: Yes (Mixture / Liquid)
Australian Hazchem Code: 2R
Poison Schedule: S7
WHMIS:
This MSDS has been prepared according to the hazard criteria of
the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and the MSDS contains
all of the information required by the CPR.
16. Other Information
NFPA Ratings:
Health: 4 Flammability: 0 Reactivity: 1
Label Hazard Warning:
POISON! DANGER! CORROSIVE. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS LIQUID AND VAPOR. CAUSES
SEVERE BURNS WHICH MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY PAINFUL OR VISIBLE. MAY BE FATAL IF
SWALLOWED OR INHALED. LIQUID AND VAPOR CAN BURN SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY
TRACT. CAUSES BONE DAMAGE. REACTION WITH CERTAIN METALS GENERATES FLAMMABLE
AND POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE HYDROGEN GAS.
Label Precautions:
Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
Do not breathe vapor.
Cool before opening.
Use only with adequate ventilation.
Wash thoroughly after handling.
Store in a tightly closed container.
Label First Aid:
IN ALL CASES, CALL PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY. First Aid procedures should be
pre-planned for HF emergencies. A supply of 50:50 water/magnesium sulfate
paste or 2 1/2% Calcium Gluconate paste should be available where first aid
medications are administered. If ingested, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If patient
is conscious, give large quantities of milk or water and send to hospital. If
inhaled and patient is unconscious, give artificial respiration or use
inhalator and send to hospital. In case of eye contact, wash open eyes with
large but gentle stream of water for 15 minutes. Place ice pack on eyes until
reaching emergency room. In case of skin contact, remove contaminated
clothing and wash burn area with plenty of water to remove acid. Cover burn
area with a poultice of 50:50 water/magnesium sulfate paste or 2 1/2% calcium
gluconate paste. Leave in place until medical help arrives or patient is
transferred to hospital.
Product Use:
Laboratory Reagent.
Revision Information:
MSDS Section(s) changed since last revision of document include: 4.
Disclaimer:
************************************************************************************************
Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc. provides the information contained herein in
good faith but makes no representation as to its comprehensiveness or accuracy.
This document is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary
handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product.
Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment
in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose. MALLINCKRODT
BAKER, INC. MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR THE
PRODUCT TO WHICH THE INFORMATION REFERS. ACCORDINGLY, MALLINCKRODT BAKER, INC.
WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM USE OF OR RELIANCE UPON THIS
INFORMATION.
************************************************************************************************
Prepared by: Strategic Services Division
Phone Number: (314) 539-1600 (U.S.A.)