ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (KOH)
SYNONYMS
Caustic potash.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the powder or mist.
Keep away from nonferrous metals.
Keep the lid tightly closed.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
White or grey deliquescent pellets.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A strong corrosive substance. Contact with aluminium, zinc and
other nonferrous metals may release potentially explosive
hydrogen gas. Acute exposure to the eyes causes severe
irritation and burning. Blurred vision may result. Skin contact
may cause irritation and burns. Inhalation of powder or mist
will cause coughing and irritation. Prolonged exposure will
cause burning of the respiratory epithelium. Ingestion will
cause burns to the mouth, oesophagus and stomach with localised
pain.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or burning persist seek medical attention. Wash
contaminated clothing before reuse.
Eyes immediately wash the affected eye with large amounts of
water until all evidence of the chemical has been removed
(approximately 15 minutes). Seek immediate medical advice.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion rinse out the mouth with water and give plenty of
water or milk to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate
medical attention.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Potassium hydroxide is incompatible with:
Acids, organic materials, zinc, aluminium and some other
nonferrous metals releases potentially explosive hydrogen
gas.
STORAGE
Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry atmosphere
away from incompatible substances. Suitable contact materials
for storage are mild steel, stainless steel, nickel, rubber
epoxy coating and PVC.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, ie. 2 mg/m3. If the
level of exposure is expected to exceed this limit then a
respirator is recommended. Wear protective clothing. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large face shield, all purpose or special
canister respirator for ammonia and laboratory coat.
SPILLS:
Solid: sweep up, dilute and neutralise with 6M hydrochloric
acid, in a large bucket. Discharge to sewer with a large excess
of water.
Solution: neutralise and mop up.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Pour into a large tank of water and neutralise. Discharge into
sewer with a large excess of water.
ENVIRONMENT:
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