Faculty, staff and students are required to receive training prior to using hydrofluoric acid. Instruction should include identification of HF hazards, proper protective measures, and procedures for treatment in the event of exposure. A poison by inhalation, ingestion, absorption, or contact. Target organs are the eyes, respiratory and digestive systems, and skin. Anhydrous HF or HF mists or vapors can cause severe respiratory-tract irritation, which may be fatal.
Ingestion causes acute irritation of the digestive tract and of the esophagus.
It also attacks such organic materials as leather, natural rubber, and wood. Adequate ventilation is crucial. All contact of the vapor or liquid with eyes, skin, respiratory , or digestive system must be avoided by using protective equipment. Wearing clothing that has absorbed small amounts of HF can result in serious delayed effects such as painful, slow-healing skin ulcers. A safety shower and eyewash fountain must be readily accessible.