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Hydrogen fluoride

CAS RN: 7664-39-3

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DOT Emergency Guidelines

If THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to protective distances to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the EVACUATION information shown below under PUBLIC SAFETY.

Go to Guide 125
Go to Guide 157

GUIDE 125

Gases - Toxic and/or Corrosive

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

· TOXIC; may be fatal if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through skin.

· Vapors are extremely irritating and corrosive.

· Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite.

· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

· Some may burn but none ignite readily.

· Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground.

· Some of these materials may react violently with water.

· Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release toxic and/or corrosive gas through pressure relief devices.

· Containers may explode when heated.

· Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

. For UN1005: Anhydrous ammonia, at high concentrations in confined spaces, presents a flammability risk if a source of ignition is introduced.

PUBLIC SAFETY

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.).

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

EVACUATION

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.

Spill

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

Fire

· If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the ERAP Program Section (page 390).

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

Small Fire

· Dry chemical or CO₂.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or regular foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Damaged cylinders should be handled only by specialists.

Fire Involving Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.

SPILL OR LEAK

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

· Do not direct water at spill or source of leak.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Isolate area until gas has dispersed.

FIRST AID

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing.

· Do not perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if victim ingested or inhaled the substance; wash face and mouth before giving artificial respiration. Use a pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other proper respiratory medical device.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· In case of contact with liquefied gas, thaw frosted parts with lukewarm water.

· In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· In case of skin contact with hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous (UN1052), if calcium gluconate gel is available, rinse 5 minutes, then apply gel. Otherwise, continue rinsing until medical treatment is available.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· Effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.

ERG 2020

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GUIDE 157

Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible / Water-Sensitive)

POTENTIAL HAZARDS

HEALTH

· TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact (skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury, burns or death.

· Reaction with water or moist air may release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases.

· Reaction with water may generate much heat that will increase the concentration of fumes in the air.

· Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

· Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination.

FIRE OR EXPLOSION

· Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

· UN1796, UN1802, UN1826, UN2032, UN3084, UN3085, and, at concentrations above 65%, UN2031 may act as oxidizers. Also consult GUIDE 140.

· Vapors may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks, hopper/tank cars, etc.).

· Substance may react with water (some violently), releasing corrosive and/or toxic gases and runoff.

· Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.

· Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water.

PUBLIC SAFETY

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

EVACUATION

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

Spill

· For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.

· For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

Fire

· If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the ERAP Program Section (page 390).

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

FIRE

· Note: Some foams will react with the material and release corrosive/toxic gases.

Small Fire

· CO₂ (except for Cyanides), dry chemical, dry sand, alcohol-resistant foam.

Large Fire

· Water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

· Avoid aiming straight or solid streams directly onto the product.

· Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

Fire Involving Tanks or Car/Trailer Loads

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire.

SPILL OR LEAK

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.

· Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.

· DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal.