Supply of hydrofluoric acid in Western Australia

Application forms are available online.

The responsible person on licences to wholesale or retail Schedule 7 poisons must have a relevant qualification or experience (usually at least 5 years) in the handling of poisons.

Permit holders must also have appropriate training and experience.

Before a licence or permit is issued, storage sites must be appropriately equipped with running water, spill kits, personal protective equipment and first aid equipment and supplies, including calcium gluconate gel for burns. A premises inspection may be required before a permit or licence is issued.

Products which contain 0.1 per cent or less of hydrofluoric acid are in Schedule 5. These products will be labelled with the word CAUTION.

The main controls over poisons in Schedule 5 are through packaging and labelling. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell products with packaging and labelling that is compliant with the SUSMP.

Products which contain 1 per cent or less of hydrofluoric acid (but more than 0.1 per cent) are in Schedule 6. These products will be labelled with the word POISON.

The main controls over poisons in Schedule 6 are through packaging and labelling. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell products with packaging and labelling that is compliant with the SUSMP.

Poisons in Schedules 5 and 6 can only be sold to persons who are 16 years of age or older.

Poisons in Schedules 5 and 6 must be stored out of reach of children. These poisons must also be stored in a way that prevents contamination of food or drink.

Products which contain hydrofluoric acid at a concentration greater than 1 per cent are in Schedule 7. These products will be labelled with the words DANGEROUS POISON.

In WA, hydrofluoric acid can only be sold to:

• a business with a licence to sell the product; or
• a person with a permit to purchase and use the product.

Users located in an industrial area or on a mine site require a permit to legally purchase and use hydrofluoric acid in Schedule 7. For example, a stainless steel manufacturer wishing to purchase pickling paste in Schedule 7 must have a permit, even if their factory is in an industrial area. Businesses involved in brick cleaning will also need a permit to allow purchase of hydrofluoric acid solutions in Schedule 7.

Suppliers located outside Western Australia must ensure any of their clients located within WA hold an appropriate licence or permit. Supplies of hydrofluoric acid in Schedule 7 must only be delivered to the premises address shown on the relevant licence or permit.