ICSC 0357 - POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

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POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE	ICSC: 0357 (May 2010)
Caustic potash Potassium hydrate Potassium lye

CAS #: 1310-58-3

UN #: 1813

EC Number: 215-181-3

	ACUTE HAZARDS	PREVENTION	FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE & EXPLOSION	Not combustible. Contact with moisture or water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with incompatible substances. See Chemical Dangers.	NO contact with water. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers	In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT! IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
	SYMPTOMS	PREVENTION	FIRST AID
Inhalation	Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath.	Use local exhaust or breathing protection.	Fresh air, rest. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Skin	Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns. Blisters.	Protective gloves. Protective clothing.	Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower for at least 15 minutes. Refer immediately for medical attention.
Eyes	Redness. Pain. Blurred vision. Severe burns.	Wear face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.	First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.
Ingestion	Abdominal pain. Burns in mouth and throat. Burning sensation in the throat and chest. Nausea. Vomiting. Shock or collapse.	Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.	Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. If within a few minutes after ingestion, one small glass of water may be given to drink. Refer immediately for medical attention.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL	CLASSIFICATION & LABELLING
Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered plastic containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.	According to UN GHS Criteria DANGER Harmful if swallowed Causes severe skin burns and eye damage May cause respiratory irritation Transportation UN Classification UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: II
STORAGE
Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong acids and metals. Store only in original container. Dry. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
PACKAGING
Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

ICSC: 0357

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION
Physical State; Appearance WHITE HYGROSCOPIC SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS. Physical dangers No data. Chemical dangers The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive to metals such as aluminium, tin, lead and zinc. This produces a combustible/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). Reacts with ammonium salts. This produces ammonia. This generates fire hazard. Contact with moisture and water may generate heat. See Notes.	Formula: KOH Molecular mass: 56.1 Boiling point: 1324°C Melting point: 380°C Density: 2.04 g/cm³ Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25°C: 110 (very good)

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL INFORMATION

Physical State; Appearance
WHITE HYGROSCOPIC SOLID IN VARIOUS FORMS.

Physical dangers
No data.

Chemical dangers
The solution in water is a strong base. It reacts violently with acid and is corrosive to metals such as aluminium, tin, lead and zinc. This produces a combustible/explosive gas (hydrogen - see ICSC 0001). Reacts with ammonium salts. This produces ammonia. This generates fire hazard. Contact with moisture and water may generate heat. See Notes.

Formula: KOH
Molecular mass: 56.1
Boiling point: 1324°C
Melting point: 380°C
Density: 2.04 g/cm³
Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25°C: 110 (very good)

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS
Routes of exposure Serious local effects by all routes of exposure. Effects of short-term exposure The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.	Inhalation risk A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed. Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

EXPOSURE & HEALTH EFFECTS

Routes of exposure
Serious local effects by all routes of exposure.

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is very corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion.

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed.

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS
TLV: 2 mg/m³ (ceiling value)

ENVIRONMENT
This substance may be hazardous to the environment. Special attention should be given to aquatic organisms.

NOTES
The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. 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, packing group II-III.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EC Classification
Symbol: C; R: 22-35; S: (1/2)-26-36/37/39-45

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