This SOP should be read and understood prior to the commencement of relevant work and used to complement supervised practical familiarization with the various techniques described.

Hydrofluoric acid (HF: MSDS ) is a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water which has a number of chemical, physical and toxicological properties that make handling this material particularly hazardous. Anhydrous HF is a clear, colorless, fuming, corrosive liquid. HF is also available in the gaseous state. All forms including the solution or the vapor can cause severe burns to tissue. Concentrated hydrofluoric acid is used in the fabrication of electronic components, to etch glass and in the manufacture of semiconductors. It is also a valued source of fluorine, being the precursor to numerous pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine (Prozac), diverse polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), and most other synthetic materials that contain fluorine. Dilute hydrofluoric acid solutions are used in some biological staining procedures. Hydrofluoric acid solutions are clear and colorless with a density similar to that of water. The most widely known property of HF is its ability to dissolve glass. It will also attack glazes, enamels, pottery, concrete, rubber, leather, many metals (especially cast iron) and organic compounds. Upon reaction with metals, explosive hydrogen gas may be formed. HF must be used and stored in polyethylene, polypropylene, Teflon, wax, lead or platinum containers. The danger in handling hydrofluoric acid is extreme, as skin saturation with the acid in areas of only 25 square inches (160 cm2) may be relatively painless, yet ultimately fatal. High concentrations of hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen fluoride gas will also quickly destroy the corneas of the eyes.