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)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.)