Material Safety Data Sheet

Issue date: July 2004

Hazardous according to criteria of Worksafe Australia

70% Hydrofluoric Acid

 

1. CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

 

COMPANY DETAILS:

 

Kendon Chemical & MNFG. Co. Pty Ltd

71 McClure Street

Thornbury, Vic, 3071

Phone: 03 9497 2822

Fax: 03 9499 7225

 

Product Name: 70 % HYDROFLUORIC ACID (draft 15-03-00)

 

Synonyms: Aqueous hydrogen fluoride,  70% HF

 

Manufacturer's Product Code(s):  IHF70

 

Use: Production of fluorine compounds, cleaning iron and steel castings, etching and frosting glass, the froth floatation of ores, and washing sand free of iron.

 

UN Number: 1790

Proper Shipping Name: HYDROFLUORIC ACID 70%

Dangerous Goods Class: 8

Subsidiary risk: 6.1

Packing Group: I

Hazchem Code: 2XE

 

SUSDP Poison Schedule: S7

 

 

 

2. COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

SUBSTANCE NAME                                                                           Proportion            CAS Number

 

HYDROFLUORIC ACID                                                                      70 %                       7664-39-3

WATER                                                                                                  30%                        7732-18-5

 

 

 

 

3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION

Hazardous according to the criteria of Worksafe Australia

 

Hazard Category: Very Toxic, Very Corrosive

 

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

Swallowed:

Very toxic if swallowed.

Will cause severe burns to the mouth, mucous membranes, throat, oesophagus and stomach with effects including: Spontaneous vomiting with diarrhoea and possible bloody stools. Small quantities (approximately 20-50 ml), swallowed will cause death.

 

Eye:

Hydrogen Fluoride vapours can dissolve in the moisture on the surface of the eyes and cause irritation. Splashing into the eye may cause severe and irreversible damage with possible corneal scarring.

 

Skin:

Very toxic by skin contact.

Will cause severe burns to the skin, with effects including: redness, blistering, localised pain, dermatitis and deep burns. Burns from strong HF (50-70%)  are felt immediately, weaker solutions (25%) may take a few minutes to be noticed, solutions of 1-20% may not be felt for several hours. Serious skin splashes have caused death.

 

Inhaled:

Very toxic if inhaled.

Weak vapour concentrations of a few ppm can produce irritation of the nose, throat and respiratory system with effects including: dizziness, headache, incoordination, chest pains, coughing. respiratory paralysis and or failure. High vapour concentrations can cause severe burns to the lips, mouth, throat and lungs. Fluid accumulation in lungs may occur and can lead to death.

 

Chronic:

The major health hazards of hydrogen fluoride exposure are related to its corrosive properties during its short-term (acute) exposures.

 

Possible long term effects:

FLUORISIS: Fluoride tend to accumulate in the bones and excessive amounts will produce weakening and degeneration of the bone structure (osteosclerosis). There may also be heart, nerve, and intestinal problems. Fluorosis may be slowly and partially reversible.

CARCINOGENICITY: No specific data is available. There is no evidence of an association between human cancer and exposure to inorganic fluorides.

TERATOGENICITY  AND  EMBRYOTOXICITY: There is no inconclusive data from animal studies suggesting possible reproductive effects.

POTENTIAL FOR ACCUMULATION: Fluoride is stored in the bone, but may be eliminated over a number of years.

 

 

 

4. FIRST AID MEASURES

Swallowed:

Do not give anything by mouth if victim losing consciousness or is unconscious or convulsing.

Rinse mouth of victim thouroughly with water and spit out rinse water.

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING.

Give 500 mL of water containing four tablets (500 mg of calcium) or two tablets (1000 mg of calcium) of effervescent calcium gluconate every two hours untill admitted to hospital. If vomiting occurs naturally, have victim lean forward to reduce risk of aspiration. Obtain medical attention immediately.

 

Eye:

Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes, by the clock holding the eyelid(s) open. Take care not to rinse contaminated water into a non-affected eye. Continue irrigation with normal saline or water until the severe pain of the burn is relieved.

Obtain medical attention immediately.

NOTE: Do not use any of the skin treatment preparation for a burn of the eye.

 

 

Skin:

Immediately, flush contaminated skin area with gently running water for at least 20 minutes.

While washing with water, remove contaminated clothing footwear and leather goods (eg watchbands, belts).

First aid personnel should avoid contact with this chemical.

Wear protective gloves when assisting patient.

 

 

Wearing protective gloves the first aid person should gently massage the 2.5% calcium gluconate gel to the affected area and leave on the skin until medical attention is received. If gel not readily available, continue washing with water. For burns on the skin affecting more than 65 cm2 (approximately the area of the palm of the hand) if the patient is conscious and not covulsing, give 500 mL of water containing four tablets (500 mg of calcium) or two tablets (1000 mg of calcium) of effervescent calcium gluconate in water by mouth every two hours until admitted to hospital. Obtain medical attention immediately.

 

Inhaled:

Rescuers should wear appropriate personal protection to avoid skin contamination and breathing hydrofluoric acid fumes.

Move patient from the contaminated area, resuscitate  if necessary.

Seek medical attention immediately as potentially fatal systemic effects are likely.

Transfer promptly to a hospital  for  possible intensive care.

 

First Aid Facilities:

Company doctors, occupational health nurses and first aid personnel should be aware of the nearest hospitals which are familiar with the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns. Hospital facilities and training of the hospital staff must be already set up as soon as hydrofluoric acid is used in your facility.

 

Eye wash fountain, safety shower and normal wash room facilities.

Calcium gluconate tablets each containing 500 mg or 1000 mg of calcium

Calcium gluconate gel 2.5% by wt (keep refrigerated).

Polycarbonate tumblers, 150 or 200 mL capacity.

Protective gloves for use by first aid personnel.

Full face silicone respirator with one-way valve and disposable filter for hydrofluoric acid fumes.

Chemical goggles.

Positive pressure sel-contained breathing apparatus for use by first aid personnel.

Isotonic saline and/orsterile water supply.

"Space" or thermal blankets for treating patient for shock.

 

Advice to Doctor:

Hydrofluoric acid penetrates rapidly and deeply below fat layers binding and depleting tissue calcium. Failure to commence the correct medical treatment promptly may be fatal.

 

There is a major risk of systemic toxicity following inhalation, ingestion and skin burns. A skin burn involving more than 1% of body area with 50% or more concentration of hydrofluoric acid or more than 5% of body area with any lesse concentrations may be associated with systemic effects. Treatment with IV Calcium Gluconate should commence immediately.

 

Intensive care unit facilities are likely to be needed. Serum calcium and magnesium determinations should be performed frequently and correction of electrolyte balance may be necessary. EKGs should be monitored. IV corticosteroids may be necessary.

Inhalation may lead to chemical pneumonitis, haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema or laryngeal oedema and may be fatal. Be prepared to intubate or perform tracheostomy. The use of nebulised calcium gluconate in a 2.5% solution should be considered.

 

Skin burns may become necrotic and gangrenous and damaged area may spread. Infiltration of calcium gluconate into the surrounding tissue may be required for severe burns; this can be performed by the injection of 5% calcium gluconate solution. Injection should be performed with care on the hands, feet and face.

 

For fingers and toes and less severe burns, continue the application of 2.5% calcium gluconate gel four to six times daily for up to four days. Wear gloves while applying gel. If calcium gluconate solution is injected into the fingers or toes great care should be exercised and no more than 0.5 mL should be used. Pain not relieved by use of gel is best managed by intra-arterial infusion of calcium gluconate solution in a unit that is experenced in the technique. Surgical debridement of affected area may be necessary in larger burns to control hypocalcaemia. Delayed pulmonary oedema is likely with burns to the face or neck.

 

Following contact of this product with the eyes , ensure first aid treatment has been carried out. Instill 1%   calcium gluconate solution every two to three hours for as long as considered necessary. Topical anaesthetic and corticosteroid drops may be useful. An ophthalmologist should always be consulted as severe corneal damage is possible. Long term monitoring may be necessary.

 

Further information about the treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns can be obtained from the National Poisonous information Centre on 13 1162.

 

 

 

 

5. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Fire/Explosion Hazard

EXTINGUISHING MEDIA: Use dry agents if Hydrofluoric acid in a fire.

SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES:  If water is used there may be a danger of violent HF splashing. HF is not flammable, but if stored in metal containers flammable hydrogen gas may be produced. Firefighters to wear full self-contained breathing apparatus  and full body protective clothing.

 

Flammability

HF acid does not burn but will produce toxic and or corrosive fumes of anhydrous Hydrogen Fluoride fumes upon heating. The hydrogen fluoride may react with metals to form flammable hydrogen gas.

Runoff may pollute waterways, drains or sewers.

 

 

 

6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Do not contaminate any surrounding material, as the 70% Hydrofluoric Acid may react with it, and cause heating due to reaction with the water content or reaction with metals to form flammable hydrogen gas. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, clothing, oil etc) away from spilled material.

 

EMERGENCY ACTION:

Keep unnecessary people away; Isolate hazard area and deny entry. Stay upwind; Keep out of low areas. Isolate for 100 m in all directions if tank, rail car or tanker truck is involved in fire.

 

SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURE:

Shut off ignition sources, no flares, smoking or flames in hazard area. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Water spray may reduce vapour; but it may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

 

SMALL SPILLS:

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Nutralise with Lime (Calcium Hydroxide) if possible. Take up with sand, dirt or vermiculite. DO NOT use sawdust. Use non-sparking tools. Place into labelled drum(s)  for later disposal. 

 

LARGE SPILLS:  Notify Emergency Services (Police or Fire Brigade). Tell them location, nature and any information that would be helpful. Contain spill. Remove all ignition sources and safely stop flow of spill. Bund area. Avoid contact with spill. Trainned personnel should wear Personal Protective equipment as highlighted in this MSDS. Blanket the spill with dry sand or dry chemical powder. Consult an expert regarding disposal of this product.  For large spill or tank rapture  consider further evacuation  to 200 m in all directions. If available consider using water spray to disperse vapours.

 

 

 

7. HANDLING AND STORAGE

At concentrations 70% or less, HF may be stored in plastic (Polyethylene or  PVC)  vessels. Protect storage containers from heat or direct sunlight. The storage area should have adequate , independent ventilation and have no sources of heat or sparks. Fans or other electrical equipment should be spark resistant. Use extreme caution when in allprocedures involving HF. Open containers of HF should not be left unattended.  Store in original packages as approved by manufacturer. Check all packages for leaks. A supplied air respirator or a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for emergencies should be available and checked regularly.

 

Store  in accordance with Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling) Regulations and AS/NZS 4452 The Storage & Handling of Toxic Substances and AS/NZS 3780 The Storage & Handling of Corrosive Substances.

 

 

 

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION

Exposure Standards

***************************

HYDROFLUORIC ACID

(Worksafe Australia)

[TWA]3 ppm     2.6 mg/m³

[STEL]Peak limitation

 

(American Conference of Govt. Industrial Hygienists)

[TWA}-             -          

[STEL]3 ppm    2.3 mg/m³ (Ceiling)

***************************

 

Engineering Controls

Toxic and corrosive liquid. Single significant exposure may cause death. Maintain adequate ventilation at all times. Prevent accumulation of gas(es) in hollows or sumps. Eliminate any sources of ignition. DO NOT enter room unless monitored by another person (ie buddy-buddy system). Sampling of the atmosphere if possible should be conducted automatically instead of human operator and any leaks discovered should then be directed digitally to a command centre where the event can be acted upon, with all appropriate procedures being implemented and including any protective equipment as outlined in this MSDS.

 

Personal Protection Equipment

CLOTHING: PVC, Nitrile, Neoprene, Natural rubber or any other type of apron or splash suit as recommended by the manufacturer for exposure to 70% Hydrofluoric Acid.

GLOVES: Teflon or Butyl Rubber gloves for > 4 hours exposure and Neoprene, Natural rubber, Viton or Polyethylene gloves for 1-4 hours exposure (reference: Forsberg & Mansdorf Quick Selection Guide to Chemical Protective Clothing, 3rd Edition).  All gloves should be tested for pin-holes by immersion in water, inflating with air and checking for bubbles.                                                   

EYES: Chemical goggles or faceshield to protect eyes.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Avoid breathing of gases. Select and use respirators in accordance with AS/NZS 1715/1716. When gases exceed the exposure standards then the use of an atmosphere-supplied, positive pressure demand self-contained or airline breathing apparatus supplied air respirator complying with the requirements of AS/NZS 1715 is recommended.  Filter capacity and respirator type depends on exposure levels.

If entering spaces where the airborne concentration of a contaminant is unknown then the use of a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with positive pressure air supply complying with AS/NZS 1715 / 1716, or any other acceptable International Standard is recommended.

 

 

 

9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance:                                        Colourless, clear liquid with fuming acidic vapours

Boiling Point :                                    66 °C for 70% HF

Vapour Pressure:                              1653 Pa 50% HF at 20°C

Specific Gravity:                                 1.23 at 21°C

Flash Point:                                         Not Applicable

Flammability Limits:                         Not Applicable

Solubility in Water:                           Very soluble and  will cause a significant rise in temperature due

                                                               to the heat of solution of the HF with the water,

                                                               (e.g. 20 to 60°C approx. when diluted to 35% with water)

pH:                                                          <1  for 10% solution

 

 

 

 

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

Hazardous Reaction: Reacts violently with bases. The acid will dissolve glass, ceramics, metals containing silica, natural gum  rubber and leather.

Most metals are corroded by HF.

Wax, lead, platinum are NOT corroded.

Concentrated  HF  upon dissolution in water can release toxic and corrosive vapours  of HF (due to heat of solution causing significant temperature rises of the resulting solution).

 

STABILITY:

Stable in sealed original containers. When open, it will evolve hydrogen fluoride fumes.

 

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS:

When heated it will emit Hydrogen Fluoride fumes which a highly toxic, corrosive and an environmental hazaard.

 

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION:

Will not occur.

 

INCOMPATIBILITIES:

Strong alkalis, acids, nitrates and oxidizing agents.

 

CONDITIONS TO AVOID:

Heat, flames, ignition sources and incompatible materials. Electrical circuits exposed to corrosive fumes.

 

 

11. TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Hydrogen Fluoride (as 100%):

Acute Inhalation Toxicity Data     LC50 (rat, 5 min)                        : 4970 ppm as HF

                                                            LC50 (rat, 1 hour)                       : 1310 ppm as HF

                                                            LC50 (monkey, 1 hour)   : 1774 ppm as HF

 

Extremely corrosive on contact with any body tissue.

Liver and kidney damage in rats and rabbits after acute exposure.

 

 

 

 

12. ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

This substance may cause long term adverse effects in the environment due to fluoride pollution and due to acid pH effects.

 

 

 

13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be handled as hazardous waste by an approved waste agency. The waste must be neutralised with lime in order to immobilise the fluoride as Calcium Fluoride.

Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. Dispose of container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

 

 

14. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

UN Number: 1790

Proper Shipping Name: HYDROFLUORIC ACID

Dangerous Goods Class: 8

Subsidiary risk: 6.1

Packing Group: I

Hazchem Code: 2XE

 

Classified as a CLASS 6 (TOXIC)  and CLASS 8 (CORROSIVE) Dangerous Good according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail, 6th Edition.

 

Dangerous goods of Class 6 (Toxic) and Class 8 (Corrosive) are incompatible in a placard load with any of the following:

 -              Class 1

 -              Class 3, if the Class 3 dangerous goods are nitromethane

 -              Class 8, if the Class 6 dangerous goods are cyanides and the Class 8 dangerous goods are acids;

 and are incompatible with food and food packaging in any quantity.

 

Emergency information(Transport):

Dangerous Goods - Initial Emergency Response Guide (SAA/SNZ HB76:1997)

For TOXIC AND/OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES - Guide No: 40

 

15. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Hazard Category: Very Toxic, Very Corrosive

 

RISK PHRASES

R26/27/28  Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R35  Causes severe burns.

 

SAFETY PHRASES

S1/2  Keep locked up and out of reach of children.

S7/9  Keep container tightly closed and in a well ventilated place.

S53 Avoid exposure - obtain special instructions before use.

S36/37/39  Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection.

S60 This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste.

 

S26  In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.

S28 After contact with skin wash immediately with plenty of water and apply calcium gluconate gel to the affected area.

S45  In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible).

 

Poison Schedule: S7

Based on >10% HF.

 

 

 

16. OTHER INFORMATION

Contact Point

Technical Department                                                         After Hours

03 9497 2822                                                                          mobile: 0418-530-461

 

Disclaimer

The information herein is to the best of our knowledge, correct and complete. It descibes the safety requirements for this product and should not be construed as guaranteeing specific properties. Since methods and conditions are beyond our control we do not accept liability for any damages resulting from the use of, or reliance on, this information in inappropriate contexts.

 

Reviewers Initials / Yr / Mth: JS0004