NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Sodium hydroxide CAS 1310-73-2
NaOH RTECS WB4900000
Synonyms & Trade Names
Caustic soda, Lye, Soda lye, Sodium hydrate
DOT ID & Guide
1823 154 (dry, solid)
1824 154 (solution)
Exposure
Limits
NIOSH REL: C 2 mg/m3
OSHA PEL†: TWA 2 mg/m3
IDLH 10 mg/m3 See: 1310732 Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless to white, odorless solid (flakes, beads, granular form).
MW: 40.0
BP: 2534°F
MLT: 605°F
Sol: 111%
VP: 0 mmHg (approx)
IP: NA

Sp.Gr: 2.13
Fl.P: NA
UEL: NA
LEL: NA

Noncombustible Solid, but when in contact with water may generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
Water; acids; flammable liquids; organic halogens; metals such as aluminum, tin & zinc; nitromethane [Note: Corrosive to metals.]
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 7401
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: Daily
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid (See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush immediately
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Important additional information about respirator selection
Respirator Recommendations NIOSH/OSHA
Up to 10 mg/m3: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode£/(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a dust and mist filter£/(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece/(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece
Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode/(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Exposure Routes inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms Irritation eyes, skin, mucous membrane; pneumonitis; eye, skin burns; temporary loss of hair
Target Organs Eyes, skin, respiratory system
See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0360   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0210

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