MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

SECTION I – MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION AND USE

Controlled Product Yes o NO x

Material Name

Potassium Hydroxide Electrolyte

Product Identification No

OS-001, OS-002, OS-301

Manufacturer’s Name

Mallinckrodt Baker, Inc.

Supplier’s Name

Bascom-Turner Instruments, Inc.

Street Address

222 Red School Lane

Street Address

111 Downey Street

City, State, Zip Code

Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

City, State, Zip Code

Norwood, MA 02062

Emergency Tel. No.

800-424-9300

Emergency Tel. No.

781-769-9660

Chemical Name Aqueous Potassium Hydroxide

Chemical Family Caustic solution

Chemical Formula KOH + H2O

Molecular Weight 56.11

Trade Name & Synonyms: Potassium hydrate Caustic potash – liquid or solutions

Material Use Electrolyte for oxygen sensor

SECTION II – HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS OF MATERIAL

Hazardous Ingredients

Approximate Concentration %

C.A.S. N.A. or U.N. Numbers

“Exposure limits”

LD50/LC50 Specify Species and Route

KOH

10 - 45

1310-58-3

2 mg/m^3 C OSHA 2 mg/m^3 C ACGIH (for KOH powder)

273 mg/kg LD50 Rat Oral

SECTION III – PHYSICAL DATA FOR MATERIAL

Physical State Gas o Liquid x Solid o

Odor & Appearance Clear liquid - odorless

Odor Threshold (ppm) N/A

Specific Gravity 10% Solution: 1.1 45% Solution: 1.45

Vapor Pressure (mm) 10% Solution: N.D. 45% Solution: 2mm at 20 ^oC

Vapor Density (Air = 1) N.D.

Evaporation Rate N.D.

Boiling Point (^oC) 10% Solution: 101 ^oC 45% Solution: 132 ^oC

Freezing Point (^oC) 10% Solution: -3 ^oC 45% Solution: -29 ^oC

Solubility in Water (20^oC) Completely soluble in water

% Volatile (by volume) 10% Solution: 90 (as water) 45% Solution: 55 (as water)

pH 13.5 (0.1 molar)

Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: N.D.

SECTION IV – FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD OF MATERIAL

Flammability Yes o No x

If yes, under which conditions:

Means of Extinction Use any means suitable for extinguishing surrounding fire. Avoid direct contact of liquid with water.

Special Procedures In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full face piece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

Flashpoint (^oC) and Method N/A

Upper Explosion Limit (% by volume) N/A

Lower Explosion Limit (% by volume) N/A

Auto Ignition Temp. (^oC) N/A

Hazardous Combustion Products Pyrolysis will release corrosive oxides of potassium

Explosion Data Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact: N/A

Rate of Burning N/A

Explosion Power N/A

Sensitivity to Static Discharge: N/A

SECTION V – REACTIVITY DATA

Chemical Stability Yes x No o

If no, under which conditions?

Incompatibility to other substances Yes x No o

If so, Which ones? May react violently with concentrated acids

Reactivity and under what conditions

Avoid heat

Hazardous Decomposition Products

Pyrolysis will release oxides of potassium

Material Name/Identifier: Potassium Hydroxide Electrolyte

SECTION VI – TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PRODUCT

Route of Entry o

Skin Contact x

Skin Absorption o

Eye Contact x

Inhalation Acute o

Inhalation Chronic o

Ingestion x

Effects of Acute Exposure to Product: Potassium hydroxide is very corrosive. Contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes can cause severe burns and scarring. Contact with the eyes can cause blindness. Ingestion can cause death. Corrosive to mucous membranes and may cause perforation of the esophagus and stomach. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, general gastro-intestinal upset can be expected.

Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product: Development of a defatting dermatitis on prolonged contact with potassium hydroxide has been reported. Continued irritation may lead to increased susceptibility to respiratory illness. Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems, or impaired kidney or respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.

LD50 of Product (specify species & route) 273 mg/kg Rat - Oral

Irritancy of Product Skin Irritation – std Draize 50 mg/24hr

Exposure Limits of Product C OSHA & C ACGIH 2 mg/m^3

LC50 of Product (specify species) N.D.

Sensitization of Product N.D.

Synergistic Materials N.D.

o Carcinogenicity

o Reproductive Effects

o Teratogenicity

o Mutagenicity

SECTION VII– PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Personal Protective Equipment Avoid all skin contact

Gloves (specify): Rubber or plastic gloves resistant to alkalis

Respiratory (specify): Not recommended unless solution is atomized

Eye (specify): Splash-proof chemical goggles and or face shield

Footwear (specify): N/A

Clothing (specify): Lab coat or similar clothing

Other (specify)

Engineering Controls (e.g., ventilation, enclosed process, specify) N/A

Leak & Spill Procedure Neutralize and dilute with a weak acid such as vinegar or citric acid. Absorb with a suitable absorbent such as a paper towel and dispose.

Waste Disposal: Place neutralized, diluted and absorbed waste in a suitable container to avoid leakage. Dispose of in an approved landfill according to federal, state, and local regulations.

Handling Procedures & Equipment Keep sealed in sensors. If sensor containing material is accidentally opened or leaks, follow leak and spill procedure.

Storage Requirements Keep sealed in sensors

Special Shipping Information Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Hydroxide, Solution; Hazard Class: 8; UN/NA: UN1814; Packing Group: II

SECTION VIII– FIRST AID MEASURES

Skin: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Call a physician.

Eye: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting lower and upper eyelids occasionally. Get medical attention immediately.

Inhalation: N/A

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give large amounts of diluted acetic acid, diluted vinegar, 1% citric acid or lemon juice. Follow with egg whites or milk. Get immediate medical attention.

General Advice

SECTION IX – PREPARATION DATE OF M.S.D.S.

Additional Information

Sources Used Medical Chemical Corporation’s MSDS on 10% KOH in water and Mallinckrodt Chemical’s MSDS on 10 – 45% KOH in water

Prepared by: Dennis N. Crouse

Phone No. 781-769-9660

Date 11/02/01

N/A – Not Applicable N.D. – Not Determined C - Ceiling