Sodium hydroxide hazard data

Data also applies to potassium hydroxide

Former names: Caustic soda, lye. Extremely damaging to eyes and skin, causing severe burns. Wear eye protection. Wear disposable gloves if using the solid or more concentrated solutions (greater than 2 M). If splashed, wash off skin immediately with plenty of cold water. The skin will feel soapy on contact. Do not handle the solid.

A bottle of dilute sodium hydroxide solution

Irritant hazard warning

Solutions of concentration between 0.05 M and 0.5 M are labelled IRRITANT

Corrosive hazard warning

The solid and solutions of concentration above 0.5 M are labelled CORROSIVE

Dangerous with: Zinc, aluminium. Vigorous reaction evolving hydrogen gas.

Water. Very exothermic reaction with the solid.

Disposal: Dilute solutions can be washed down the drain, diluting well with water. Larger amounts are first neutralized with ethanoic acid, before dilution and disposal.