CAS No: 1310-58-3
Name: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
Other names: Caustic potash; potassium hydrate; lye
Usage: Manufacture of liquid soaps, paint and varnish removers
HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
DANGER
Classified as a Dangerous Good according to NZS 5433:2012 Transport of Dangerous Goods on Land.
Classified as hazardous according to criteria in the HS (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Regulations 2001.
Hazard Statements
- May be corrosive to metals
- Toxic if swallowed
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- Toxic to aquatic life
- Toxic to terrestrial vertebrates
Prevention
- Keep out of reach of children
- Keep only in original container
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- Avoid release to the environment
In emergency dial 111, and then ask for Fire, Ambulance or Police as necessary.
In case of poisoning phone National Poisons Centre – 0800 764 766.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation |
Remove victim from area of exposure - avoid becoming a casualty. Remove contaminated clothing and loosen remaining clothing. Allow patient to assume most comfortable position and keep warm. Keep at rest until fully recovered. If patient finds breathing difficult and develops a bluish discolouration of the skin (which suggests a lack of oxygen in the blood - cyanosis), ensure airways are clear of any obstruction and have a qualified person give oxygen through a face mask. Apply artificial respiration if patient is not breathing. Seek immediate medical advice. |
Skin Contact |
If spilt on large areas of skin or hair, immediately drench with running water and remove clothing. Continue to wash skin and hair with plenty of water (and soap if material is insoluble) until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor. For skin burns, cover with a clean, dry dressing until medical help is available. |
Eye Contact |
Immediately wash in and around the eye area with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids to be held apart. Remove clothing if contaminated and wash skin. Urgently seek medical assistance. Transport promptly to hospital or medical centre. |
Ingestion |
Immediately rinse mouth with water. If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Give a glass of water. Seek immediate medical assistance. |
Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed: |
Treat symptomatically. Can cause corneal burns. |
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Suitable Extinguishing Media |
Not combustible, however, if material is involved in a fire use: Fine water spray, normal foam, dry agent (carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder). |
Hazchem or Emergency Action Code |
2W |
Specific hazards arising from the chemical |
Corrosive substance. Non-combustible material. |
Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters |
Contact with metals may liberate hydrogen gas which is extremely flammable. Fire fighters to wear self-contained breathing apparatus and suitable protective clothing if risk of exposure to products of decomposition. |
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
Emergency procedures/Environmental precautions |
Clear area of all unprotected personnel. If contamination of sewers or waterways has occurred advise local emergency services. |
Personal precautions/Protective equipment/Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up |
Wear protective equipment to prevent skin and eye contact and breathing in dust. Work up wind or increase ventilation. Cover with damp absorbent (inert material, sand or soil). Sweep or vacuum up, but avoid generating dust. Collect and seal in properly labelled containers or drums for disposal. |
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Precautions for safe handling |
Avoid skin and eye contact and breathing in dust. Keep out of reach of children. |
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities |
Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated place. Store away from incompatible materials described in Section 10. Store away from foodstuffs. Keep containers closed when not in use - check regularly for spills. |
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES


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