Hydrofluoric (HF) acid burns require immediate and specialized first aid and medical treatment. Symptoms may be delayed up to 24 hours depending on the concentration of HF.
STFC staff working with HF or likely to be exposed to HF should:
- Have had prior training as per Appendix 7;
- Have been given printed copies of the following two documents:
- Emergency treatment of hydrofluoric acid burns and injury prior to transfer to hospital: HSE/CIA; and
- Safety data sheet for HF.
- If staff are working with aqueous HF they should also be given a tube of calcium gluconate gel (as per SC37 - COSHH, Appendix 2(D)).
While they are actively working with HF or are likely to be exposed to HF, staff are encouraged to keep these items in a safe but readily accessible place at home and make the location know to a friend/partner or other responsible adult.
In the event of delayed symptoms occurring while at home, these documents should be taken with the member of staff in the ambulance to hospital and given to A&E staff immediately.
