POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUTION

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
0 3 1	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	0	Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
	Instability	1	Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special

An clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.

none

Forms crusts on exposure to air (from absorption of carbon dioxide). Water soluble. Dilution of concentrated solutions generates heat.

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, 147 (lithium ion batteries) or 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted. (ERG, 2020)

Causes severe burns of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes. (USCG, 1999)

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUTION is a strong base dissolved in water. Reacts exothermically with all acids. Slowly dissolves glass. Attacks aluminum and zinc to generate flammable hydrogen gas. Ignited a polyethylene container liner when mixed with potassium persulfate by release of heat and oxygen [MCA Case History 1155. 1955].

• Bases, Strong
• Water and Aqueous Solutions

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2 or water spray.

LARGE FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS. (ERG, 2020)

Wide-brimmed hat and close-fitting safety goggles equipped with rubber side shields; long-sleeved cotton shirt or jacket with buttoned collar and buttoned sleeves; rubber or rubber-coated canvas gloves. (Shirt sleeves should be buttoned over the gloves so that any spilled material will run down the outside.) Rubber safety-toe-shoes or boots and cotton coveralls. (Trouser cuffs should be worn outside of boots.) Rubber apron. (USCG, 1999)

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical	CAS Number	State	QS	QC	SL	C3	TF	TP	RC	TK	RF
Potassium hydroxide (45%)	1310-58-3	Liquid	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480	>480
Potassium hydroxide (50%)	1310-58-3	Liquid					>480	>480

Special Warning from DuPont: Tychem® and Tyvek® fabrics should not be used around heat, flames, sparks or in potentially flammable or explosive environments. Only...

(DuPont, 2023)

(Act quickly])

EYES: flush with water for at least 15 min.

SKIN: flush with water, then rinse with dilute vinegar (acetic acid).

INGESTION: give water and milk. Do NOT induce vomiting. Call physician at once, even when injury seems to be slight. (USCG, 1999)

• CAUSTIC POTASH
• CAUSTIC POTASH SOLUTION
• CAUSTIC POTASH, LIQUID
• CYANTEK CC 723
• LYE
• POTASH
• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (LYE)
• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLUTION
• POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, [LIQUID]