| Safety Data for Potassium Hydroxide Solution, 35 - 50% |
| 6. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES |
| Personnel Precautions |
Wear full protective equipment. -
See Exposure Controls / Personal Protection (Section 8). |
| Environmental Precautions |
If spillage or contaminated washings cause contamination of water
courses, drains or vegetation inform relevant authorities. |
| Methods for Cleaning up |
Small spillage - dilute carefully with water.
Large spillages - absorb in earth or sand. Place into containers and dispose of using
licensed waste disposal contractors.
Wash down contaminated area with water. Collect and treat all water used in the clean up,
see Environmental Precautions. |
|
|
| 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE |
| Handling |
Wear full protective clothing.
Provide safety showers and eyebaths in areas where accidental exposure is possible. |
| Storage |
Potassium hydroxide solution
should be stored in a closed vessel to avoid moisture absorption and contamination.
Store potassium hydroxide away from reactive materials.
Keep at temperatures above melting point. |
| Materials |
SUITABLE
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Fibre glass
|
UNSUITABLE
Aluminium
Lead
Zinc |
|
|
| 8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL
PROTECTION |
| Personal Protective Equipment |
PVC suit.
PVC gloves.
PVC or rubber footwear.
Chemical goggles.
Breathing apparatus where fumes are a problem. |
| Occupational Exposure Limits |
TWA:
STEL: 2 mg KOH /m3 |
| Installation Control |
See Handling and Storage (Section 7). |
|
|
| 9. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL
PROPERTIES |
| Appearance |
Colourless, viscous liquid. |
| Density Liquid kg/m3 (at 200C) |
35%: 1300 50%: 1525 |
| Odour |
Odourless. |
| Molecular Weight |
56.11 |
| pH |
14 (50 g/l) |
| Solubility |
Completely soluble in water. |
| Boiling Point 0C |
35%: 120
50%: 141 |
| Melting Point 0C |
35%: -50
50%: 4 |
| Vapour Pressure mmHg |
750 at 1380C |
| Flash Point |
Not applicable. |
| Flammability |
Not applicable. |
| Auto Flammability |
Not applicable. |
|
|
| 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY |
| Stability |
Potassium hydroxide solution is stable under normal conditions of storage and handling. The product if stored correctly will not decompose over time. |
Conditions to Avoid
|
High temperatures. Exothermic reaction with strong acids.
|
| Reaction with other Materials: |
|
| - Water |
Mixture will become warm during initial dilution (exothermic
reaction). |
| - Air |
No dangerous reaction.
Slow absorption of carbon dioxide to form sodium carbonate. |
| - Acids |
Violent reactions. |
| - Bases/Alkalis |
No dangerous reaction. |
| - Oxidising Agents |
Avoid contact with oxidising agents. |
| - Hazardous Decomposition Products |
Hydrogen gas may be liberated by contact with certain metals such as brass, zinc, aluminium, forming an explosive hazard. |
|
|
|
