DIGGERS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD Tel: 08 9452 5200
7 Marmalade way Fax: 08 9493 1214
Maddington WA 6109
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
This MSDS supersedes MSDS revision dated 6 October, 2000
IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME:
UN Number: 1823
CAUSTIC SODA Class:
Subsidiary Risk:
8
n/a
Packaging Group: II
EPG: 8A1
Hazchem Code: 2X
OTHER NAMES: Sodium Hydroxide; Soda Lye; Lye
Poison Schedule: 6
Solution
HAZARDOUS ACCORDING TO CRITERIA OF WORKSAFE AUSTRALIA
PRODUCT CODE: CAS
USE: A laboratory reagent. Water treatment agent. Commonly used as a constituent in
cleaning solutions.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE: White hygroscopic solid, in crystal, powder or pellet form.
BOILING POINT: 1390ºC MELTING POINT: 318ºC
VAPOUR PRESSURE: Negligible VAPOUR DENSITY: Not pertinent
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 2.13 SOLUBILITY (WATER): Soluble
FLASH POINT: None EXPLOSION LIMITS: None
VOLATILES: Negligible pH: 1% Solution: 13.5
INGREDIENTS
Sodium hydroxide 1310-73-2 100%
HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
ACUTE
INGESTION
Solid or concentrated solutions are corrosive and may cause burning of the mouth, throat and stomach. Ingestion may
cause coughing, constriction of the throat due to swelling of the larynx and vomiting of blood or blood in diarrhoea.
Breathing difficulties, shock and convulsions may follow.
EYE
Both solid and concentrated solutions are corrosive. Contact may cause conjunctivitis, ulceration and corneal burns.
Permanent eye damage may result.
SKIN
Irritating after brief exposure. Prolonged contact may result in inflammation and burns.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET CAUSTIC SODA
Health Hazard Information continued
INHALATION
Dusts from the solid or solution mists are severely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. Inhalation may cause burning
sensations, higher concentrations may cause coughing, choking and difficulty in breathing due to oedema of the lungs.
Symptoms of oedema may have delayed onset. Exposure may also induce pneumonitis.
CHRONIC
Inhalation and ingestion are the routes of entry into the body. Sodium hydroxide is a powerful base and is corrosive to
all tissues. Adverse health effects are related to corrosive nature. The estimated adult fatal dose is 5g. Prolonged or
repeated skin contact with dilute solutions may contribute to dermatitis.
Sodium hydroxide LDLo (oral, rabbit): 500 mg/Kg
ADVICE TO DOCTOR
Treat symptomatically as for strong alkalis.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES
INGESTION
NEVER GIVE AN UNCONSCIOUS PERSON ANYTHING TO DRINK NOR ATTEMPT TO INDUCE VOMITING. If the person is
conscious, rinse mouth out with water ensuring that mouthwash is not swallowed. Give about 250mL (2 glasses) of
water to drink. DO NOT attempt to induce vomiting. Seek URGENT medical attention.
EYE
IMMEDIATELY hold eyelids open and rinse the eye continuously with a gentle stream of clean running water for at least
fifteen minutes. Seek URGENT medical attention. If practical, continue irrigation of the eye during transportation to
medical facilities.
SKIN
Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse the affected area with water then wash thoroughly with soap and water. Use
water alone, if soap is unavailable. Seek medical attention if any soreness or inflammation of the skin persists.
Launder affected clothing before re-use.
INHALATION
Remove to fresh air. Keep warm and at rest. If breathing is laboured, hold in a half upright position (this assists
respiration). Apply artificial respiration if breathing has stopped. Seek URGENT medical attention for all but the most
minor cases of over-exposure.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET CAUSTIC SODA
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
ENGINEERING CONTROL
Ventilation requirements depend on the concentration of solution in use, the quantity and the method of application.
General (mechanical) ventilation may be adequate for minor use. Local exhaust ventilation may be required if handling
large quantities, using concentrated solution or for spray applications.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
Requirements are dependent on working conditions, quantity of product in use and its concentration. For minor use,
safety goggles, face shield and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitrile, butyl or natural rubber gloves may be adequate. If
concentrated solutions or large quantities are in use, chemical resistant safety goggles, face shield, gloves or gauntlets
and overalls may be required. A half face respirator with particulate filter may be required if dust from the product is
becoming airborne or if solutions are being sprayed. In confined spaces use air supplied breathing apparatus. N.B.
TAKE THE LIMITS OF ABSORPTION CAPACITY INTO ACCOUNT. CHANGE FILTERS REGULARLY.
FLAMMABILITY
Non-combustible. May generate highly flammable gas in contact with metals. Reacts vigorously with halogenated
hydrocarbons and acids, corrosive to reactive metals such as aluminium or zinc. Generates considerable heat on
dissolving in water.
EXPOSURE STANDARDS
Sodium hydroxide (1310-73-2) E.S. TWA: 2mg/m3
SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES
STORAGE
Class 8 Corrosive Substances should not be transported or stored with goods of: Class 1 (Explosives), Class 4.3
(Dangerous When Wet Substances), Class 5.1 (Oxidising Agents), Class 5.2 (Organic Peroxides), Class 6
(Poisonous (toxic) substances, where the poisonous substances are cyanides and the corrosives are acids), Class 7
(Radioactive Substances) and foodstuff and foodstuff empties.
Store in a cool well ventilated area. Keep separated from strong acids and halogenated compounds. Ensure that solid
is kept dry. Protect containers against physical damage.
SPILLS & DISPOSAL
SPILLS: Spills may be diluted and flushed away with copious quantities of water. For major spills or those involving
concentrated solutions: full protective equipment including air supplied breathing apparatus, chemical resistant safety
goggles, gloves, impervious overalls and rubber boots (trousers should be worn OVER boots, not tucked in).
DISPOSAL: Dilute solutions: flush to drains with plenty of water. Solid or concentrated solutions: dilution and chemical
reaction to neutralise or to approved land-fill.
FIRE EXPLOSION
Non-combustible but may generate heat and evolve acrid fumes on contact with water in a fire situation.
Wear full protective equipment including air supplied breathing apparatus . Extinguish using whatever is suitable for the
primary cause of the fire.
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Revised:15 December, 2002 Date Issued: 2 January, 2003
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET CAUSTIC SODA
OTHER INFORMATION
HAZARD CLASSIFICATIO N
C Corrosive
RISK PHRASES
R35 Causes severe burns.
SAFETY PHRASES
S1 Keep locked up
S2 Keep out of reach of children.
S26 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
S37/39 Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
S45 In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label whenever
possible).
CONTAC T POINT
Customer Service
(08) 9452 5200
Emergency Advice
(08) 9452 5200 7:30 – 4:30 Mon – Fri Western Standard Time
Poisons Information Centre: Australia 131 126 or New Zealand 03 4747 000
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Revised:15 December, 2002 Date Issued: 2 January, 2003
