UN 1052 — Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 125. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
UN 1052 is Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous, a highly toxic and corrosive hydrogen fluoride entry assigned to ERG Guide 125. It is one of the most serious acid gas/liquid hazards for responders because exposure can cause deep tissue injury and systemic effects.
Hazard overview: UN 1052 presents severe toxic inhalation, corrosive contact and moisture-reactive hazards. Hydrogen fluoride can penetrate tissue, cause delayed but serious injury and form corrosive hydrofluoric acid mist or solution; responders should avoid any direct contact and rely on SDS, ERG and specialist hazmat guidance.
Response guidance: For a UN 1052 incident, responders should verify product identity and concentration using shipping papers, SDS and ERG Guide 125. Establish incident command, isolate the area, stay upwind, avoid vapor or liquid contact, use SCBA and compatible chemical protection, coordinate decontamination and request hazmat/medical specialist support early.
Firefighter training notes: Training for UN 1052 should emphasize the severe systemic and corrosive hazards of hydrogen fluoride, delayed injury potential, vapor control, decontamination coordination and specialist medical support. Common errors include underestimating small exposures, using incompatible PPE, entering without SCBA and treating HF as an ordinary acid.
Regulatory context: Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous is regulated as a hazardous material for transportation and emergency response purposes. Cylinder, workplace exposure, storage, reporting and environmental requirements may vary by product, quantity and jurisdiction. Responders should verify current requirements through shipping papers, SDS, cylinder markings, facility documents and applicable DOT, OSHA, EPA, NFPA, state or local authority guidance.
Storage & handling: Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous should be stored in compatible containers or cylinders in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area with toxic/corrosive gas controls, leak detection where required and segregation from incompatible materials. Protect containers from heat, corrosion, impact, valve damage and unauthorized access.
UN 1052 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1052
- TOXIC and CORROSIVE; may be fatal if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
- Hydrogen fluoride can cause deep tissue injury and systemic toxicity; symptoms may be delayed.
- Vapors and fumes are extremely irritating and corrosive to eyes, skin and respiratory tissue.
- Contact with liquid or liquefied gas may cause chemical burns and frostbite.
- Reacts with water or moisture to form highly corrosive hydrofluoric acid solution and heat.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or vapor suppression may be corrosive and environmentally hazardous.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Colorless, fuming liquid or gas with a strong, irritating, pungent odor. Extremely corrosive. May appear as white fumes in air due to moisture reaction.
| Also known as | Hydrofluoric acid anhydrousHFFluorohydric acidAnhydrous hydrofluoric acid |
| CAS Number | 7664-39-3 |
| Appearance | Colorless, fuming liquid or gas with a strong, irritating, pungent odor. Extremely corrosive. May appear as white fumes in air due to moisture reaction. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | 19.5°C (67°F) |
| Vapor Density | 0.7 (lighter than air) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts exothermically with water releasing heat and forming corrosive hydrofluoric acid solution. Avoid direct contact with large quantities of water. |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1052
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Positive-pressure SCBA and compatible acid-resistant chemical protective clothing are required for potential exposure. Level A protection may be needed for close entry or unknown concentrations; PPE and decontamination should follow SDS, monitoring results, incident command and local HF response procedures.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1052 Incident
- CALL 911. Then call the emergency response telephone number on the shipping paper, if available.
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Do not touch damaged cylinders, tanks, valves or released material unless properly trained and equipped.
- Avoid breathing vapors or mist and avoid all direct contact with liquid or residue.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained, equipped and authorized by incident command.
- Isolate the spill or leak area and expand the perimeter if vapors, mist or container damage are present.
- For highlighted materials, consult ERG Table 1 for Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- Use ERG Guide 125, SDS, shipping papers, air monitoring and incident command to set protective actions.
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1052 — Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrousUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.