Hydrofluoric Acid

1
02/95

Committed to
HSE
Dangers of Hydrofluoric Acid Background A splash
of lethal Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) recently killed
the employee of a small Mosman Park laboratory in
Western Australia. The victim, aged 37, died an
agonising death after he accidentally splashed
about 100 ml of a 70 solution of HF on his
leg. The victim apparently jumped into a swimming
pool in a vain bid to neutralise the virulent
chemical. He had the leg amputated but the acid
poisoned his blood and he died in Freemantle
Hospital. Recommendations Users of HF in PDO
operations are asked to review the need for HF in
their activities with the view of substituting a
less hazardous chemical to do their work. If HF
must be used, precautionary measures as outlined
in the Toxic Materials Manual (TMM), and the
Occupational Health Management Guidelines should
be in place to safely handle HF. Learning
Points Even small spills of HF can have serious
consequences. The acid has to come into contact
with only 2 of the body to be fatal. For this
reason, precautionary measures to prevent spills
of splashes cannot be overstated. Additionally,
the neutralising agent, calcium gluconate gel
should be available on site. For further
information on safe handling of HF, see Guidance
Note 23 of the Occupational Health Management
Guidelines and consult the Toxic Material
Manual. If more information is required, contact
MSE/32 ph 246 77684