Hydrofluoric acid burns.

Abstract

Chemical burns sustained in the microelectronics industry consist mostly of injuries to the skin of the hand and face. The injuries are caused by splashes, holes in gloves, or accidental use of a chemical improperly. The chemical burns of the face primarily involve splashes. Employee education and the ability to intervene swiftly are the foundations of prevention of serious injury. Every facility using hydrogen fluoride should be certain that they have current treatment protocols reviewed by someone with expertise in this area. Furthermore, companies should not assume that all local physicians are knowledgeable about hydrogen fluoride and should educate them as well.