Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Program

What are the HF hazards?

• HF is a highly hazardous (corrosive) and acutely toxic.
• HF is unique from other chemicals because of its poisonous effects and the ability to readily absorb through the skin and attack bone.
• Once absorbed by the skin, HF dissociates rapidly into H⁺ and F⁻ ions. Toxic effects occur when fluoride penetrates through the tissue to bind calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium ions in the body.
• For more information, please refer to the Hydrofluoric Acid Fact Sheet.

Why do we need a separate safety program for Hydrofluoric Acid?

• Comply with UF’s Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Raise awareness for HF hazards and provide users with the tools, training, and guidance.
• Provide a first aid kit and establish an emergency response procedure.
• Provide support for the maintenance of this safety program.

Hydrofluoric Acid Safety Program Requirement

• Labs working with Hydrofluoric Acid must be provided HF in person training by EH&S
• The Principal Investigator should have a complete Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on file in the laboratory.
• Every individual working with Hydrofluoric Acid must be provided proper safety training by EH&S prior to starting the work with HF.
• The Principal Investigator must authorize workers to use and provide lab-specific training Hydrofluoric Acid and provide additional training.
• Every lab must have an HF Emergency Response kit purchased from EH&S.

SOP Template: Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

Training Information

This program requires attending Hydrofluoric Acid in-person training.  We are offering multiple training courses at the Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF 115), Chemical Engineering (CHE 231) and the Environmental Health & Safety Administrative Offices.

EHS901: Hydrofluoric Acid Training

Wednesday, January 15 (Note: This section is part of an academic course)
9:30 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Friday, January 17 (Note: This section is part of an academic course)
9:30 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Tuesday, January 21 
9 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Wednesday, January 29
10 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Wednesday, February 5
10 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Tuesday, February 11
9 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Thursday, February 20
10 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

Monday, February 24
10 AM in Nanoscale Research Facility Room 115
Register HERE

For Additional Information

Contact EH&S Chemical/Lab Safety

• Anna Gioseffi, 352-392-4954, agioseffi@ehs.ufl.edu
• Cindy Mercado, 352-273-2132, cindy.mercado@ehs.ufl.edu