• As a pickling solution in the metal industry
• As an etching agent for frosted glass
• As a purifier for beet sugar
• As an antiseptic agent in brewing and distilling liquids
  • HF can be used in both liquid and gaseous forms in the conversion of U03 (uranium trioxide) to UF6 (uranium hexafluoride).
  • In step two of the conversion process, U02 powder is fed into "wet" reactors.
  • HF and dilute aqueous HF are then added to convert the U02 to uranium tetrafluoride (UF4).
  • The conversion process then continues through several stages until the final product of UF6 is formed.
  • UF6 is then exported to enrichment plants abroad.

• Exposure to dilute solution HF can cause delayed burn effects.
• It can also cause bone and joint changes in humans (Fluorosis).

• When handling HF, use proper equipment.
  • Always wear a fume hood
  • Ensure that the area is equipped with a safety shower and eyewash.
  • Wear acid resistant trousers, jackets, boots, and gauntlet gloves.
  • Wear chemical safety goggles.
  
  
• In case an accident does occur, be prepared and act quickly to prevent serious injury.
• Specialized medical treatment is required for ALL exposures to HF, Anhydrous.
• Since anhydrous chemicals draw water from the nearest source, it is essential that plenty of water be available.

• Move the victim to fresh air.
• Keep the victim lying down, quiet, and warm.
• Obtain medical attention immediately.
• If breathing is stopped, start artificial respiration at once.
• If the victim is having difficulty breathing, oxygen should be administered by an authorized until the victim is able to breath easily alone.
• Do not give stimulants unless instructed to do so by a physician.
• The victim should be examined by a physician and held under observation for at least 24 hours.

SKIN

• Remove the victim from the contaminated area.
• Immediately wash the burned area with water for a minimum of 15 minutes or until medical treatment is available.
• Remove all contaminated clothing while washing continuously.
• After thorough washing for at least 5 minutes, the burned area should be immersed in a solution of 0.13% iced aqueous Zephiran Chloride until pain is relieved.
• As an alternate first aid treatment, 2.5% calcium gluconate gel may be continuously massaged into the burn area until the pain is relieved.
• For larger burns or burns treated with calcium gluconate gel (in which pain is present for longer than 30 minutes), a physician should inject 5% aqueous calcium gluconate beneath, around and in the burned area.
• Obtain medical attention.

EYES

• Irrigate the eyes with large quantities of water, keeping eyelids apart and away from eyeballs during irrigation.
• Obtain medical attention immediately, preferably by an eye specialist.
• If a physician is not immediately available, apply one or two drops of 0.5% Pontocaine Hydrochloride solution followed by a second irrigation for 15 minutes.
• Do not use the solution described for skin treatment.
• Do not use oils or greases unless instructed to do so by a physician.
• Irrigate with 1% calcium gluconate in normal saline for one to two hours to prevent or lessen corneal damage.

INGESTION

• A conscious victim should drink large amounts of water to dilute the HF.
• Do not induce vomiting.
• Several glasses of milk or several ounces of milk of magnesia may be given for their soothing effect.
• Take the victim to a doctor.
  • Treatment by a physician may include:
  • For burns of large skin areas, (greater than 25 square inches), for ingestion and for significant inhalation exposure, severe systemic effects may occur.
  • Victim should be monitored and treated for hypocalcemia, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), hypomagnesemia (deficiency of magnesium in the blood), and hyperkalemia (excessive potassium in the blood).
  • Renal (kidney) dialysis may be required.
  • For certain burns, especially of the fingers and toes, use of intra-arterial calcium gluconate may be necessary.
  • Treatment for chemical pneumonia will be implemented.
  • The physician will monitor for hypocalcemia and may prescribe 2.5% calcium gluconate in normal saline by nebulizer or by IPPB with 100% oxygen to decrease pulmonary (lung) damage.
  • Bronchodilators (lung expanders) may also be administered.

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  It is imperative that first aid measures be STRICTLY adhered to because corrosive effects on the skin, bones, and eyes may be delayed and damage sometimes occurs without the sensation or onset of pain.
  In the event of skin or eye contact, rapid and thorough flushing is essential.