1. Product Identification 

: Potassium hydroxide 

: Kalium Hydroxide 

: Potassium hydroxide 

2. Composition/Information On Ingredients 

: Potassium Hydroxide : 1310-58-3 

Toxicological Data on Ingredients: Potassium hydroxide: ORAL (LD50): Acute: 273 mg/kg [Rat]. 

3. Hazards Information 

Potential Acute Health Effects: 

Very hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, irritant), of eye contact (irritant, corrosive), of ingestion, of inhalation. The amount of tissue damage depends on length of contact. Eye contact can result in corneal damage or blindness. Skin contact can produce inflammation and blistering. Inhalation of dust will produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract, characterized by burning, sneezing and coughing. Severe over-exposure can produce lung damage, choking, unconsciousness or death. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling, reddening, or, occasionally, blistering. 

Potential Chronic Health Effects: 

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Mutagenic for mammalian somatic cells. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. The substance may be toxic to upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. Repeated exposure of the eyes to a low level of dust can produce eye irritation. Repeated skin exposure can produce local skin destruction, or dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of dust can produce varying degree of respiratory irritation or lung damage 

4. First Aid Measures 

Eye Contact: 

Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately. 

Skin Contact: 

In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately. 

Serious Skin Contact: 

Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial cream. Seek immediate medical attention. 

Inhalation: 

If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately. 

Serious Inhalation: 

Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to- mouth resuscitation. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive. Seek immediate medical attention. 

Ingestion: 

Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician immediately. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. 

Serious Ingestion: Not available 

Flammability of the Product: Non-flammable.

Auto-Ignition Temperature:  Not applicable.

Flash Points: Not applicable.

Flammable Limits: Not applicable.

Products of Combustion: Not available.

Fire Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: metals,, acids 

Explosion Hazards in Presence of Various Substances: 

Risks of explosion of the product in presence of mechanical impact: Not available. Risks of explosion of the product in presence of static discharge: Not available. 

Fire Fighting Media and Instructions: Not applicable. 

Special Remarks on Fire Hazards: 

Violent reaction or ignition under appropriate conditions with acids, alcohols, p-bis(1,3-dibromoethyl) benzene, cyclopentadiene, germanium, hyponitrous acid, maleic anhydride, nitroalkanes, 2-nitrophenol, potassium peroxodisulfate, sugars, 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, thorium dicarbide. Molten ortho nitrophenol reacts violently with potassium hydroxide. When potassium hydroxide and tetrachloroethane are heated, a spontaneously flammable gas, chloroacetylene, is formed. 

When phosphorus is boiled in a solution of potassium hydroxide, phosphine gas is evolved which is spontaneously flammable. 1,2-Dichloroethylene and Potassium hydroxide reaction produces chloroacetylene which is spontaneously flammable in air. Potassium Persulfate and a little Potassium hydroxide and water will ignite. When wet, attacks metals such as aluminum, tin, lead, and zinc, producing flammable hydrogen gas. 

Special Remarks on Explosion Hazards: 

Potentially explosive reaction with bromoform + crown ethers, chlorine dioxide, nitrobenzene, nitromethane, nitrogen trichloride, peroxidized tetrahydrofuran, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Reaction with ammonium hexachloroplatiate (2-) + heat forms heat sensitive explosive product. Potassium hydroxide will cause explosive decomposition of maleic anhydride. Detonation will occur when potassiuim hydroxide is mixed with n-methyl-nitroso urea and methylene chloride. Nitrogen trichloride explodes on contact with potassium hydroxide. 

6. Accidental Release Measures 

Small Spill: 

Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. If necessary: Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of acetic acid. 

Large Spill: 

Corrosive solid. Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if needed. Call for assistance on disposal. 

Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of acetic acid. Be careful that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with local authorities. 

7. Handling And Storage 

Precautions: 

Keep container dry. Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Never add water to this product. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as organic materials, metals, acids, moisture. 

Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above 23°C (73.4°F). 

8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection

Engineering Controls: 

Use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, or other engineering controls to keep airborne levels below recommended exposure limits. If user operations generate dust, fume or mist, use ventilation to keep exposure to airborne contaminants below the exposure limit. 

Personal Protection: 

Splash goggles. Synthetic apron. Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to use an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves. 

Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill: 

Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor and dust respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product. 

Exposure Limits: 

CEIL: 2 (mg/m3) from OSHA (PEL) [United States] CEIL: 2 (mg/m3) from ACGIH (TLV) [United States] Consult local authorities for acceptable exposure limits. 

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

10. Stability and Reactivity