All lab personnel, not just those using HF, should be informed of the dangers and of first aid procedures necessary in case of an accident Concentrated acid should be handled only by experienced persons familiar with its properties. Prompt first aid for exposure is essential. ALL personnel in the lab should know where first aid equipment is kept and how to conduct first aid. HF has poor warning properties. If you can smell it, chances are the concentration is too high and immediate steps must be taken to lower the concentration.
Fluoride ions migrate through and destroy tissue until eventually sequestered in the bones.
Immediately drench all affected parts with a large excess of running water. Remove all contaminated clothes. Call 911 and the CSHC in that order. As soon as possible, prepare a cold solution of benzalkonium chloride in a plastic dishpan. Submerge affected body parts in the cold solution until help arrives.