Some uses and sources of hydrofluoric acid (also known as HF) include:

• Aluminium cleaner and brightener
• Oil refineries (alkylation process)
• Making fluorine compounds including fluorocarbons and plastics
• Cleaning iron and steel castings
• Laboratory reagent
• Etching glass
• Cleaning mineral sands
• Stain removal (commercial laundries)
• By-product of aluminium production
• By-product of phosphate fertiliser production

Hydrofluoric acid is also transported for these purposes, so may be present on trucks, trains, ships or in courier vehicles. As hydrofluoric acid is classified as a dangerous good in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, specific dangerous goods laws apply to the transport, storage and handling of it. Additionally a Poisons Permit from the Department of Health is required for purchase of solutions containing greater than 1 per cent hydrofluoric acid.

Hydrofluoric acid is available commercially as a solution of up to 70 per cent HF. It is a colourless liquid with a sharp irritating odour. Concentrations above 40 per cent may fume visibly when the container is open. It is dangerous when heated as it gives off highly corrosive and poisonous fumes of hydrogen fluoride. Hydrofluoric acid can also be generated from bifluoride salts when mixed with an acid, for example ammonium bifluoride with sulfuric acid.

Hydrofluoric acid is very hazardous and the full extent of injuries may not be obvious for some hours. Urgent first aid is very important, even for minor exposure.

Identify the hazard

Find out if any of the products that you use or transport contain hydrofluoric acid. It can also be called hydrogen fluoride, fluorohydric acid or HF. It may have a commercial name like ‘Rustoff’ or ‘Aluminium brightener’ - so read the labels and safety data sheet (SDS). Also look out for any products containing ‘bifluoride’ such as ammonium bifluoride, sodium bifluoride, potassium bifluoride or similar as these can produce hydrogen fluoride if an acid is present.

Make sure you have a current SDS (less than five years since date of issue).

Assess the risk

In consultation with staff, carry out a risk assessment to identify any safety and health risks to employees or others in relation to the use of hydrofluoric acid.

Use expert assistance, such as an occupational hygienist, if risks are complex, air monitoring is required, or you are uncertain of the risks. Document the risk assessment.

Review the risk assessment when any changes in the task or environment occur, if problems arise, or at least every five years.

Reduce the risk

Wherever possible, replace hydrofluoric acid with a less hazardous substance.

Purchase hydrofluoric acid in more dilute forms where possible to eliminate handling the concentrate.

Follow the SDS recommendations for safe storage, handling, first aid, spill management and disposal of the material.

Contain or totally enclose the process if possible.

Where fumes may be emitted; install, maintain and use local exhaust ventilation close to the work.

Investigate the types of container the product is available in. Purchase smaller containers if practicable. Containers with spill proof valves are available from some suppliers. If purchasing in bulk, such as an intermediate bulk container (IBC), ensure the IBC is less than five years old and in good condition, as failure due to UV degradation of the plastic can occur. Ensure all containers are clearly labelled.

If you store hydrofluoric acid for any length of time, inspect the container regularly to ensure it is in good condition as some plastic containers become brittle over time.

All stored hydrofluoric acid should be in a bund or secondary container sufficient to hold the volume of the largest container, and made of compatible material. Further information on safe storage and handling is available in AS 3780 Storage and handling of corrosive substances.

Hydrofluoric acid should be kept separate from other acids, alkalize, pool chlorine, flammable liquids and combustible materials.

Transferring hydrofluoric acid from one container to another requires a safe dispensing system. Avoid pouring. Receiving containers must be stable and secure and the work area should be designed to prevent spilled acid contacting the worker.

Develop, document, maintain and supervise safe work procedures.

Workers should not handle concentrated hydrofluoric acid while working alone.

Make sure that all workers are aware of the hazards associated with hydrofluoric acid and they are fully trained in the safe use of the material, correct use of equipment including personal protective equipment and in emergency and first aid procedures. Keep records of the training.

Provide personal protective equipment and clothing. Provide appropriate respiratory protection where there is any risk of breathing in hydrofluoric acid fumes or spray mist. To protect the eyes and skin, safety equipment and clothing should be provided and used, eg chemical safety goggles, face shield, hats and hoods, sleeve protectors, gloves, long aprons, coveralls and/or safety boots as necessary.

Have appropriate respirators ready for use in emergencies.

Make sure that all protective clothing and equipment is made of materials that are resistant to hydrofluoric acid, such as PVC.

Make sure protective clothing and equipment is thoroughly decontaminated after use.

Provide safety showers and eye wash facilities that are quick and easy to get to and operate in an emergency.

Always keep calcium gluconate gel in the first aid supplies in areas where hydrofluoric acid is used or stored. It is advisable to carry the gel when transporting hydrofluoric acid, in case of an accident or leak occurring during transit. Calcium gluconate gel has an expiry date and should be stored in cool conditions.

Advise your local medical service that you are using hydrofluoric acid and ensure they are equipped to provide treatment. If using large quantities, also inform the Fire and Emergency Services Authority.

• Follow your employer’s instructions and training in the safe use of hydrofluoric acid.
• Use the personal protective equipment and clothing provided. Check it for damage before use.
• Make sure you know where safety showers, eye wash and calcium gluconate gel are located.
• Tell your employer about any situation that may be dangerous so that something can be done before an accident happens.
• Report any accidents, spills or leaks immediately.

In the event of exposure:

• Poisons Information Centre (Australia) Telephone 13 11 26
• AS 2243 Safety in Laboratories series is available for purchase from SAI Global at or telephone 131 242.
• AS 3780 Storage and handling of corrosive substances is available for purchase from SAI Global or telephone 131 242.
• Guidance Note for the Assessment of Health Risks Arising from Hazardous Substances in the Workplace [NOHSC:3017(1994)], 
• Poisons permit for use of products containing more than one per cent hydrofluoric acid in WA: Department of Health, Telephone: 9222 6883 or MPRB@health.wa.gov.au
• Priority Existing Chemical Assessment Reports: PEC No. 19 Hydrofluoric Acid 
• Safe Work Australia Guide: Hydrogen Fluoride
• Segal, Eileen, 1998. First Aid for a Unique Acid: HF, American Chemical Society, available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chas.8b05511
• The Australian Dangerous Goods Code
• The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996
• The Poisons Standard (the SUSMP)  
• US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, www.atsdr.cdc.gov/