When handling hydrofluoric acid, it is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent chemical exposure [1]. Based on the potential hazards, select PPE that will protect affected employees [1]. Depending on the concentration and potential for exposure, the following PPE may be required:

• Respiratory Protection: Use a positive pressure, full facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or positive pressure supplied air respirator with escape SCBA approved by NIOSH [2].
• Protective Clothing: Wear a totally-encapsulating chemical-protective suit for the greatest level of skin protection [2]. If a lesser level of skin protection is needed, hooded chemical-resistant clothing (overalls and long-sleeved jacket; coveralls; one or two-piece chemical-splash suit; disposable chemical-resistant overalls) may be used [2]. Also consider using coveralls and long underwear [2].
• Hand Protection: Use chemical-resistant outer and inner gloves [2].
• Foot Protection: Wear chemical-resistant boots with steel toe and shank [2].
• Head Protection: A hard hat should be worn under the suit [2].
• Eye and Face Protection: If there is a danger of splashing, tight-fitting chemical goggles or an effective face shield should be worn [3].

Ensure employees are trained on when PPE is necessary; what PPE is necessary; how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; the limitations of the PPE; and the proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE [4].