International Chemical Safety Cards

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE ICSC: 0357

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
Caustic potash
Potassium hydrate
Potassium lye
KOH
Molecular mass: 56.1
CAS # 1310-58-3
RTECS # TT2100000
ICSC # 0357
UN # 1813
EC # 019-002-00-8
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
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
  • INHALATION
    		• Corrosive. Burning sensation. Cough. Laboured breathing.
    		Local exhaust or breathing protection.
    		Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
  • SKIN
    		• Corrosive. Redness. Serious skin burns. Pain.
    		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. 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, and combustible materials. Dry. Well closed (see Notes).
    		Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
    C symbol
    R: 35
    S: 2-26-37/39
    UN Hazard Class: 8
    UN Packing Group: II
    SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
    ICSC: 0357 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993 No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and IDLH values.

    International Chemical Safety Cards

    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 toward metals such as zinc, aluminum, tin and lead forming a combustible/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC0001). Rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air. Contact with moisture or water will generate heat (see Notes).

    OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
     TLV: ppm; 2 mg/m3 (ceiling values) (ACGIH 1993-1994).
    PDK not established.
    MAK not established.
    OSHA PEL: none
    NIOSH REL: TWA 2 mg/m3
    NIOSH IDLH: No data


    		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
    Relative density (water = 1): 2.04
    		 Solubility in water, g/100 ml at 25°C: 110
    Vapour pressure, kPa at 714°C: 0.13
    ENVIRONMENTAL
    DATA
         		This substance may be hazardous to the environment; special attention should be given to water organisms.
    NOTES
    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. Store in an area having corrosion resistant concrete floor.
    Transport Emergency Card: TEC (R)-123
    NFPA Code: H 3; F 0; R 1;
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


    ICSC: 0357 POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
    © IPCS, CEC, 1993
    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 IDLH values.