Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to page options Skip directly to site content
NIOSH

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

ICSC: 0357

Caustic potash
Potassium hydrate
Potassium lye
KOH
Molecular mass: 56.1
ICSC # 0357 		CAS # 1310-58-3
RTECS # TT2100000
UN # 1813
EC # 019-002-00-8
February 10, 2000 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Not combustible. Contact with moisture or water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials.

In case of fire in the surroundings: all extinguishing agents allowed.
EXPLOSION


EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Corrosive. Burning sensation. Sore throat. Cough. Laboured breathing. Shortness of breath. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Blisters. Serious skin burns.
Protective gloves. Protective clothing.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Corrosive. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe deep burns.
Face shield, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection if powder.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION Corrosive. Abdominal pain. Burning sensation. Shock or collapse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Give plenty of water to drink. Refer for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Sweep spilled substance into suitable containers. Wash away remainder with plenty of water. (Extra personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus).
Separated from strong acids, metals , food and feedstuffs . Dry. Well closed. Store in an area having corrosion resistant concrete floor.
Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
C symbol
R: 22-35
S: 1/2-26-36/37/39-45
UN Hazard Class: 8
UN Packing Group: II
ICSC: 0357 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

ICSC: 0357

I

M

P

O

R

T

A

N

T


D

A

T

A

PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
WHITE, DELIQUESCENT SOLID , WITH NO ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:


CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance is a strong base, it reacts violently with acid and is corrosive in moist air to metals such as zinc, aluminium, tin and lead forming a combustible/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC0001). Reacts with ammonium salts to produce ammonia and causing fire hazard. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber or coatings. Rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air. Contact with moisture or water will generate heat (see Notes).

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 2 mg/m3 (ceiling values) (ACGIH 2000.
MAK not established.
OSHA PEL†: none
NIOSH REL: C 2 mg/m3
NIOSH IDLH: N.D. See: IDLH INDEX


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
Corrosive. The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, the skin and the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation of an aerosol of this substance may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: 1324°C
Melting point: 380°C
Density: 2.04
g/cm3
Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 110

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA

This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms .

N O T E S

The applying occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. NEVER pour water into this substance; when dissolving or diluting always add it slowly to the water. Other UN number: UN1814 Potassium hydroxide solution, hazard class 8.
Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-123

NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 1;

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0357 POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
Top