Hydrofluoric Acid - Guidelines for safer handling and storage

*Changes to Dangerous Goods Requirements
On 1 January 2009 Victorian law involving the transport of dangerous goods and the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code changed. This document has not yet been updated to reflect these changes. For up to date information on the changes view the new requirements for dangerous goods transport.

• Hydrofluoric Acid - Guidelines for safer handling and storage ( )
  Document Type: Guidance Note
  Keycode: web only
  Category: Hazardous Substances 
  Division Author: Dangerous Goods
  Publication Date: 06 June 2005
  Date First Published: 18 February 2004
  Summary: This guidance provides information on the dangers of hydrofluoric acid.

Introduction

This guidance note provides information for anyone who uses hydrofluoric acid or is responsible for managing or supervising its use in the workplace.

Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water. It is corrosive, and highly poisonous. Skin contact with concentrated hydrofluoric acid or inhalation of its vapour has caused many serious injuries, even death. Concentrated solutions of hydrofluoric acid pass quickly through the skin and cause deep, painful burns. Dilute solutions also penetrate the skin, but it does not give the immediate burning sensation caused by the concentrated form of the acid, a user may tend to be less aware of the contact with the acid.

Hydrofluoric acid is used in many industries including metal treatment/cleaning, car detailing, glass etching, brick cleaning and laundry/dry cleaning.

Acts and Regulations

Acts, Regulations & Codes

Acts and regulations are available from Information Victoria on 1300 366 356 or order online at www.bookshop.vic.gov.au.

View the legislation at Victorian Law Today at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Standards Australia

Copies of standards can be obtained by contacting Standards Australia on 1300 654 646 or by visiting the web site at www.standards.com.au.