Since few laboratory chemicals are without hazards, general precautions for handling all laboratory chemicals should be adopted, rather than specific guidelines for particular chemicals 1 . Skin contact with chemicals should be avoided as a cardinal rule 2 .
Safety glasses are to be worn in laboratories at all times.
Examples of such special handling precautions are listed below. Hydrofluoric Acid, unlike most other acids, may not cause a noticeable burning sensation when it first contacts skin. It can be a very serious hazard because it is rapidly absorbed through the skin and goes deep into body tissue thus causing excruciating pain, burns and tissue destruction. Special precautions for hydrofluoric acid use must be established by laboratory director. Inhalation of fumes released from hydrofluoric acid should also be avoided.