Hydrogen fluoride - HF
Hydrogen fluoride - HF
Main information on hydrogen fluoride or " hydrofluoric acid " (HF), its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it ( HF gas detector ) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with combined filter type E-P3 ).
Main characteristics of hydrogen fluoride (HF)
Hydrogen fluoride (HF), also called " hydrofluoric acid ", is a gas that can be found in its gaseous or liquid state at room temperature. It is mainly used in the petrochemical industry as an alkylation catalyst but also in the pharmaceutical industry (synthesis of pharmaceutical products), the construction industry (cleaning of facades), surface treatment (pickling) or uranium processing.
Health Effects of Hydrogen Fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a colorless gas with a pungent odor . It is a highly toxic gas by inhalation (R26), ingestion (R28) or skin contact (R27). It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid, which is highly corrosive and extremely dangerous for the environment (changes the pH of the water). Although non-flammable , it reacts in the presence of moisture with most metals, forming hydrogen (H2), a highly flammable gas.
HF gas detector (Hydrogen fluoride)
Although recognizable by its pungent odor, only an HF gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this extremely toxic gas, so we will move towards portable or fixed hydrogen fluoride detection in ppm.
Hydrogen fluoride (HF) respiratory protection
Hydrogen fluoride is an eye irritant, so a full face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable powered ventilation device with combined E-P3 filters. If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, a self-contained breathing apparatus will be essential.