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Date of Issue: July 2008
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
CAUSTIC SODA
(Sodium Hydroxide, Solid)
Hazardous according to criteria of NOHSC.
Risk: R35 Causes severe burns, R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes.
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IDENTIFICATION
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Product Name: Caustic Soda Dangerous Goods Class: 8
Manufacturer’s Product Code: 125 Subsidiary Risk: None allocated
UN Number: 1823 Hazchem Code: 2X
Poisons Schedule No: 6 Use: Heavy duty industrial cleaning.
Physical Description/Properties
Appearance: White deliquescent crystalline pearls Flash Point: Not applicable
Odour: Very little Flammability Limits: Not applicable
Melting Point: 318.4ºC Solubility in Water: 520g/L at 25ºC
Boiling Point: 1390ºC pH: 14
Specific Gravity: 2.10
Ingredients
Chemical Name CAS No. Proportion
Sodium hydroxide 1310-73-2 98%
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HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
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Health Effects
Swallowed: Causes severe burns of the mouth and oesophagous, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, swelling of the larynx and in worst cases can cause subsequent suffocation, cardiovascular collapse, coma and death.
Eye: Severe eye irritant. Corrosive to eyes. May cause permanent injury. Can cause severe lesions and possible loss of sight.
Skin: Corrosive to skin. Can cause severe burns and necrosis. Initial contact may not cause pain, so avoid contaminating gloves and boots.
Inhaled: Inhalation of dusts may cause pulmonary congestion with subsequent compromission of respiratory functionality followed by loss of consciousness. Extremely irritative to respiratory tract (including mucous membranes, throat and lungs). Slightly toxic.
First Aid
For advice, contact a Poisons Information Centre (Phone 131126) or a doctor.
Swallowed: If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention.
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Caustic Soda
Eye: If in eyes, hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with running water. Continue flushing until advised to stop by the Poisons Information Centre or a doctor, or for at least 15 minutes. Seek urgent medical attention.
Skin: If skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and flush skin and hair with running water. If swelling, redness, blistering or irritation occurs seek medical advice.
Inhaled: Remove to fresh air immediately; avoid becoming a casualty. Seek medical attention.
Advice to Doctor
Treat symptomatically for a strongly alkaline corrosive material.
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PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
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Exposure Standards: National Exposure Standards [NOHSC:1003 (1995)] TEA 2mg/m3. Peak limitation.
Engineering Controls: Maintain air concentrations below exposure standards. Avoid generating mists and aerosols.
Personal Protection: Wear overalls, face shield, elbow length impervious gloves, splash apron and rubber boots. Wash hands and face thoroughly after handling and before work breaks, eating, drinking, smoking and using toilet facilities.
Flammability: Non flammable. However, can generate flammable hydrogen gas in contact with aluminium or zinc.
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SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
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Storage and Transport: Transport or store in a cool, dry place. Dangerous substance for the purpose of transport. Refer to relevant regulations for transport and storage requirements. Store away from acids and ammonium salts.
Spills and Disposal: Slippery when spilt. Wear protective equipment and clear area. Contain using sand or soil. Use absorbent material to absorb (sand, soil or vermiculite). Collect and seal in properly labelled containers for disposal.
Fire/Explosion Hazard: Non combustible. However, reaction with aluminium or zinc will produce flammable hydrogen gas.
CONTACT POINT: Emergency Use
Poisons Information Centre 131126
Managing Director (08) 8260 6575 business hours
0421 384 660 after hours
This information is based on data believed by Chesser Chemicals Pty. Ltd. to be accurate at the time of writing. It is given in good faith, but no warranty expressed or implied is made as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Every person dealing with the materials referred to herein does so at his/her own risk absolutely and must make independent determinations of suitability and completeness of information from all sources to ensure their proper use.