Common Name: Hydrogen Fluoride CAS Number: 7664-39-3 DOT Number: UN 1052/UN 1790 Date: March 1989 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Hydrogen Fluoride can affect you when breathed in and by passing through your skin. * Exposure can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath and can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Hydrogen Fluoride is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and contact can severely burn the eyes, causing blindness. * Contact can cause severe burns deep beneath the skin damaging internal tissues. This can occur hours after contact, even if no pain is felt initially. * Long term exposure may damage the kidneys and liver. IDENTIFICATION Hydrogen Fluoride is a colorless fuming liquid or gas with a strong irritating odor. It is used in etching glass and in making other chemicals, including gasoline. REASON FOR CITATION * Hydrogen Fluoride is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, NIOSH, DOT, DEP, NFPA and EPA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is CORROSIVE. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting air samples. Under OSHA 1910.20, you have a legal right to obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. * ODOR THRESHOLD = 0.04 ppm. * The odor threshold only serves as a warning of exposure. Not smelling it does not mean you are not being exposed. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 3 ppm averaged over an 8 hour workshift. NIOSH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 3 ppm averaged over a 10 hour workshift and 6 ppm, not to be exceeded during any 15 minute work period. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 3 ppm, measured as Fluorine, which should not be exceeded at any time. * The above exposure limits are for air levels only. When skin contact also occurs, you may be overexposed, even though air levels are less than the limits listed above. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Hydrogen Fluoride to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride: * Contact with the liquid can severely burn the eyes, causing blindness. * Breathing the vapor may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing and/or shortness of breath. Higher exposures can cause a build up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency. * Contact can cause severe skin and deep tissue burns. The burn may occur hours after contact, even if no pain is felt at the time of the exposure. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Hydrogen Fluoride has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Hydrogen Fluoride has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Exposure can irritate the lungs. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis to develop with cough, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. * Repeated exposures may damage the liver and kidneys. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following are recommended: * Lung function tests. If symptoms develop or overexposure has occurred, the following may be useful: * Liver, and kidney function tests. * Consider chest x ray after acute over exposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures Because smoking can cause heart disease, as well as lung cancer, emphysema, and other respiratory problems, it may worsen respiratory conditions caused by chemical exposure. Even if you have smoked for a long time, stopping now will reduce your risk of developing health problems. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following controls are recommended: * Where possible, automatically pump liquid Hydrogen Fluoride from drums or other storage containers to process containers. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document Occupational Exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride #76143. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Hydrogen Fluoride should change into clean clothing promptly. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride. * Eye wash fountains in the immediate work area should be provided for emergency use. * If there is the possibility of skin exposure, emergency shower facilities should be provided. * On skin contact with Hydrogen Fluoride, immediately wash or shower to remove the chemical. At the end of the workshift, wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Hydrogen Fluoride, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Hydrogen Fluoride is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Hydrogen Fluoride. Wear acid resistant gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. * ACGIH recommends Polyvinyl Chloride as good to excellent protective material. Eye Protection * Wear splashproof chemical goggles and face shield when working with liquid Hydrogen Fluoride, or wear gas proof goggles and face shield unless full facepiece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Engineering controls must be effective to ensure that exposure to Hydrogen Fluoride does not occur. * Where the potential exists for exposures over 3 ppm, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. * Exposure to 20 ppm is immediately dangerous to life and health. If the possibility of exposures above 20 ppm exists use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in continuous flow or other positive pressure mode. HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Hydrogen Fluoride you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Hydrogen Fluoride must be stored to avoid contact with METALS, CONCRETE, GLASS and CERAMICS, because it can severely corrode these materials. Contact with metals may form a flammable gas. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from HEAT. * To prevent build up of flammable or explosive gas, DO NOT USE WATER to clean inside of metal containers or cylinders which have held Hydrogen Fluoride. Purge Hydrogen Fluoride gas cylinders regularly as recommended by suppliers. Common Name: Hydrogen Fluoride DOT Number: UN 1052/UN 1790 DOT Emergency Guide code: 15/59 CAS Number: 7664-39-3 ---------------------------------------- Hazard rating NJDOH NFPA FLAMMABILITY - 0 REACTIVITY - 0 ---------------------------------------- CORROSIVE LIQUID OR GAS CYLINDERS CAN EXPLODE IF NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Hydrogen Fluoride is a non combustible liquid or gas. * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Hydrogen Fluoride itself does not burn. * Although Hydrogen Fluoride is a non combustible, contact with METALS may form flammable Hydrogen gas, which can cause a fire or explosion. Metal containers of Hydrogen Fluoride should be vented regularly to prevent build up of Hydrogen gas. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Hydrogen Fluoride is spilled or leaked, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of leak until cleanup is complete. * Ventilate area of spill or leak. * If a gas leak, evacuate area and stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. * If a liquid spill, allow to vaporize and disperse, or cover with sodium carbonate or an equal mixture of soda ash and slaked lime. After mixing, add water if necessary to form a slurry. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Hydrogen Fluoride as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue without stopping for at least 30 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Do not wear contact lenses when working with Hydrogen Fluoride. Skin Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water. Continue flushing while removing clothing. Immerse exposed area in iced 70% Ethyl Alcohol. Seek medical attention immediately. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Vapor Pressure: 760 mm Hg at 68oF (20oC) Flash Point: 36oF (37.8oC) Water Solubility: Miscible OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Hydrofluoric Acid Other Names and Formulations: Anhydrous Hydrofluoric Acid; HF A; Hydrofluoric Acid Gas. ----------------------------------------- Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes ----------------------------------------- NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas which fumes in air. It is used as a catalyst in the petroleum industry and in fluorination processes, especially in the aluminum industry. It is also used to make fluorides, in the separation of uranium isotopes, in making fluorine-containing plastics, and in the production of dyes. It may enter the environment from industrial discharges or spills. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the short- term effects of hydrogen fluoride to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of hydrogen fluoride to aquatic life, plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Hydrogen fluoride is highly soluble in water. Concentrations of 1,000 milligrams and more will mix with a liter of water. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. Small quantities of such acids as hydrogen fluoride will be neutralized by the alkalinity in aquatic systems, but larger quantities can lower the pH for extended periods of time. The concentration of fluoride in edible tissues of most aquatic species that are consumed by humans will probably be about the same as the average concentration that was present in the water from which the fish were taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.