Hydrogen fluoride (HF)

Source/Presence:

Hydrogen fluoride is produced industrially and is used, among other things, in the manufacture of fluorinated chemicals, refrigerants, plastics, glass etching agents, semiconductors, and specialty chemicals.

Hydrogen fluoride is also particularly relevant in defective, overheated, or burning lithium-ion batteries: during a thermal runaway, dangerous fire and decomposition gases can form, including hydrogen fluoride.

The potential areas of application for RF measurement are, therefore, law enforcement evidence rooms, battery warehouses, recycling facilities, electric mobility sectors, operators of stationary battery storage systems, BESS facilities, solar farms with battery storage, grid operators, laboratories, industrial facilities, and fire safety monitoring.

Studies on lithium-ion battery fires show that considerable amounts of hydrogen fluoride can be released; authorities and specialized agencies also cite HF as a potentially hazardous gas in such fires.

Limit values:

Low occupational exposure limits apply to hydrogen fluoride due to its strong irritating and corrosive effects.

In Germany, TRGS 900 establishes an occupational exposure limit for hydrogen fluoride of 1 ppm or 0.83 mg/m³ with peak limits.

Since hydrogen fluoride can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract even at low concentrations, air monitoring should not rely solely on smell or visual inspection, but rather on an appropriate hydrogen fluoride sensor, an HF sensor, or a technical gas detection system.

Consequences:

Hydrogen fluoride irritates the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract, and, upon contact with moisture, can turn into highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid.

Inhalation may cause coughing, a burning sensation in the airways, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, pulmonary edema.

Contact with the skin or eyes can cause severe burns; systemic effects are also possible, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms may appear with a delay, especially with lower concentrations or diluted hydrofluoric acid.

Note:

Measurement is important because hydrogen fluoride is highly irritating and corrosive, and dangerous concentrations can form rapidly during battery fires or technical failures.

A hydrogen fluoride sensor helps detect HF early, display concentrations, and pinpoint possible sources.

Especially in battery warehouses, evidence rooms, recycling facilities, BESS facilities, solar farms with battery storage, laboratories, and industrial facilities, measuring hydrogen fluoride should be part of a comprehensive gas detection, air monitoring, and emergency planning program.

In the event of contact with hydrogen fluoride or hydrofluoric acid, immediate emergency medical measures are required; in the event of skin contact, treatment with calcium gluconate may be necessary, which should only be administered in accordance with current safety and first-aid guidelines.