acetone - 14-6-2013 at 06:01
What type of protection is needed when working with concentrated (70 percent) solutions of HF? I know that thick neoprene gloves are required. Do you
also need some kind of gas mask to protect yourself from fumes? What would be the damage done if one drops few ml(say 5 ml) of this lethal chemical on
bare skin?
Edited for spelling, it is hydrofluoric acid.
[Edited on 14-6-2013 by ScienceSquirrel]
ScienceSquirrel - 14-6-2013 at 06:16
A starting point;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrofluoric_acid#Health_and_sa...
Salmo - 14-6-2013 at 06:24
70%? i think 48-50% is the maximum concentration at R.T., anyway just use the search button and try to avoid HF.
unionised - 14-6-2013 at 07:43
The HF + water system is stable over the whole range from 0 to 100% (as long as it's not too warm)
http://www51.honeywell.com/sm/hfacid/common/documents/HF_pro...
However, it is, as you point out, thoroughly unpleasant stuff.
If the only source of information someone has about how to use it safely is a discussion forum (rather than direct supervision from someone who knows
about it) then they probably shouldn't use it.