Currently, most of the natural graphite purification for battery anode material is achieved in China, using hydrofluoric acid leaching, which has been shunned in the Western countries due to safety and environmental concerns. This paper uses the available hydrofluoric acid (HF) safety guidelines and industry information to discuss the issues of transportation, storage, and utilization in a responsible manner. Health effects and environmental considerations are reviewed. Safe practices for handling the HF (both anhydrous and as aqueous) are considered. Proper selection of different materials of construction is discussed, for both the anhydrous and the aqueous HF.