International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROGEN FLUORIDE ICSC: 0283

HYDROGEN FLUORIDE
Hydrofluoric acid gas
Hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous
(cylinder)
HF
Molecular mass: 20.0
CAS # 7664-39-3
RTECS # MW7875000
ICSC # 0283
UN # 1052
EC # 009-002-00-6
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Not combustible. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion.
See Chemical Dangers.
In case of fire in the surroundings: NO hydrous agents.
EXPLOSION

In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water but NO direct contact with water. Combat fire from a sheltered position.
 
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Corrosive. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing. Sore throat. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN Corrosive. MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Blisters.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
EYES Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Severe deep burns.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Corrosive. Abdominal cramps. Burning sensation. Diarrhoea. Vomiting. Collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation (extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from strong bases, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
T+ symbol
C symbol
R: 26/27/28-35
S: 7/9-26-36/37-45
UN Haz Class: 8
UN Subsidiary Risks: 6.1
UN Pack Group: I
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0283 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

HYDROGEN FLUORIDE ICSC: 0283

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
COLOURLESS GAS OR COLOURLESS LIQUID , WITH PUNGENT ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The solution in water is a strong acid, it reacts violently with bases and is corrosive. Reacts violently with many compounds causing fire and explosion hazard. On contact with air it emits corrosive fumes which are heavier than air and will spread along the ground. Attacks glass and other silicon-containing compounds.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as F): 3 ppm; 2.6 mg/m3 © (ACGIH 1992-1993).
PDK: 0.1 mg/m3 (USSR 1993).
PDK (as STEL): 0.5 mg/m3 (USSR 1993).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and through the skin and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of this gas may cause lung oedema (see Notes). The substance may cause effects on the calcemia, inducing hypocalcemia , resulting in cardiac and renal failure. Exposure above the OEL may result in death. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
The substance may cause fluorosis.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point: 20°C
Melting point: -83°C
Relative density (water = 1): 1.0 		Solubility in water: good
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 0.7
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
 It is strongly advised not to let the chemical enter into the environment.
NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate spray, by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. Turn leaking cylinder with the leak up to prevent escape of gas in liquid state.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-78
NFPA Code: H 4; F 0; R 1;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0283 HYDROGEN FLUORIDE
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.