[compass_copium]

HF is routinely used in analytical labs; it's standard to microwave HF solutions for ICP digestions. It's not even the most hazardous reagent in my lab right now.

Now, perhaps this chemist meant that no chemist in their right mind would physically touch HF--in that case, I agree completely!

[SAI_Peregrinus]

AFAIK they're talking about anhydrous HF gas, not solutions of it. That sounds substantially less fun to work with. It's used to clean CVD chambers.

[compass_copium]

Oh fair enough, that is a nightmare.