University of Rochester
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Hydrofluoric Acid
Emergency Procedures

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Hydrogen fluoride and hydrofluoric acid exposures can result in severe, deeply penetrating burns to the eyes, lungs and skin.  The concentrated form of these compounds are perceived by a burning sensation. However, exposure to dilute solutions may not result in a burn sensation for several hours.  This time delay between exposure recognition and treatment can lead to burns that are difficult to treat or other systemic complications.

First aid must be started within seconds
in the event of contact of any concentration!

Medical Assistance Information:

    Seek medical attention at the SMH Emergency Department as soon as possible. Provide a copy of the MSDS and this information sheet to the attending medical personnel. DO NOT ASSUME SELF-TREATMENT WITH CALCIUM GLUCONATE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL!
    Emergency Department personnel need to contact the Poison Center at x5-3232 to obtain specific treatment information required. Consultation with a medical toxicologist is available through this number as well. ED treatments may include (additional) topical administration of calcium gluconate 2.5% gel for skin exposures or an i.v. of calcium gluconate for systemic treatment.

If you work with hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid, familiarize yourself with the following first aid procedures:

Skin Exposure to HF:

  1. Immediately flood the affected body part with cool water for a minimum of 5 minutes.  Remove contaminated clothing and footwear while rinsing.
    • For hand and arm exposures, immediately wash affected area at a sink.
    • For upper arms exposures, use a drench hose eye wash unit or safety shower.
    • For exposures of the torso or legs, use a safety shower
  2. If calcium gluconate gel is readily available, apply, using a glove, to the affected area quickly to limit the migration and penetration of the the fluoride ion. If calcium gluconate is NOT available, flood the affected body part with water for 15 minutes.
  3. Call or have a co-worker call for medical assistance (Security ext. 13).
  4. Inform emergency medical responders (MERT responders) that the exposure involved hydrogen fluoride / hydrofluoric acid.  Provide a copy of the MSDS to the responders.
  5. Should medical attention take more than 15 minutes, reapply and massage the calcium gluconate gel into affected area of skin every 15 minutes until medical attention occurs.

Eye or Inhalation Exposure to HF:

  1. Flush eyes with plenty of cool tap water for 15 minutes. NEVER apply calcium gluconate gel to the eyes.
  2. Move inhalation exposure victim to clean air.
  3. Call or have a co-worker call for medical assistance (Security ext. 13).
  4. Wait for emergency medical responders, informing them that the exposure involved hydrogen fluoride / hydrofluoric acid.  Provide a copy of the MSDS to the emergency responders.

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 9/10/2009. Disclaimer