Hydrofluoric Acid Guidance

 

About this guidance

Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is an essential chemical for a wide range of industrial applications, yet it presents unique and severe hazards if not properly managed. The safe manufacture, storage, transport, handling and use of HF demand the highest standards of competence, discipline and care throughout its lifecycle.

The HF Sector Network of the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) brings together organisations with extensive experience in HF operations. Drawing on collective industry knowledge, incident learning and continuous improvement, the Network has developed this guidance to describe current best practice for managing the risks associated with hydrofluoric acid.

This guidance is intended to support organisations in developing robust, proportionate and risk‑based arrangements that protect people, the environment and assets, in line with Responsible Care principles.

 

How to use this guidance

This guidance:

  • Covers the full lifecycle of hydrofluoric acid activities
  • Is recommendatory, not prescriptive
  • Complements, but does not replace, applicable legal duties and regulatory requirements (including COMAH)
  • Should always be applied using site‑specific risk assessment, the hierarchy of control, and competent judgement

Each section may be used individually or as part of a coherent management system. Effective use relies on leadership commitment, workforce engagement and continual learning through training, review, auditing and sharing of experience.

HF incidents are rare, but consequences can be severe. Consistent application of this guidance supports safe, reliable and responsible operations.

 

Scope and limitations

 

 Scope 

This guidance applies to activities involving:

  • Anhydrous and aqueous hydrofluoric acid
  • HF manufacture, storage, transfer, sampling and laboratory use
  • Supporting activities including:
    • Inspection and maintenance
    • Decontamination
    • Emergency preparedness and response
    • First aid
    • Specialist and supporting facilities

It is intended for operators, engineers, managers, contractors and others involved in HF‑related activities and reflects current industry knowledge at the time of publication.

 

Limitations

This guidance:

  • Is recommendatory and does not constitute legal advice
  • Does not replace compliance with applicable legislation
  • Cannot cover all site‑specific configurations or risks

Users must apply professional judgement informed by:

  • Site‑specific hazard identification
  • The hierarchy of control
  • Competence and experience of those involved
 

Definitions and acronyms

Key definitions

Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)

A highly corrosive and toxic acid formed by dissolving hydrogen fluoride in water.

Anhydrous HF (aHF)

Essentially water‑free hydrogen fluoride handled as a liquid or gas.

Competence

The combination of knowledge, skills, experience and behaviours necessary to perform a task safely.

Containment Boundary

Any equipment forming part of the system preventing HF release.

Mechanical Integrity

The ability of equipment to perform safely throughout its lifecycle.

Acronyms

aHF, API, BA, CIA, COMAH, ELD / P&ID, HF, HIC, NDT, PPE, PSSR, RBI, SCC, SOHIC, UT / USTM, WSE

 

Guidance sections (A–K)

The guidance is structured into the following sections:

HF Guidance

 

Document information

  • Version: 1.0
  • Publication date: June 2025
  • Status: Approved – Public
  • Owner: CIA HF Sector Network
  • Review cycle: Five‑yearly or following significant change
  • Supersedes: Previous individual CIA HF guidance publications