Things to remember while handling with caustic soda

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and Caustic soda is the most popular alkali in the world. For industrial desires, around 55.5 million tons of it is manufactured. It is classified among strong chemical bases, as it completely dissolves in water. Its primary uses are in the manufacture of pulp and paper, cleaning soap and detergents, petroleum merchandise and chemical manufacturing. Caustic soda is the fundamental feedstock in manufacturing a wide variety of chemical compounds. Caustic soda is also used as an intermediate and reactant in the production of solvents, plastics, synthetic fibers, and prescribed drugs. It is also used in neutralizing acidic waste streams and scrubbing of acidic additives from off-gases.

Sodium Hydroxide is an extremely important compound in our lives because it has so many uses. Major applications of Caustic Soda are:


  • Pulp & Paper Industry
  • Textile Processing
  • Soap & Detergents Manufacturing< 0.1% w/w
  • Petroleum & Products
  • Aluminum Metal Manufacturing
  • Chemical Process
  • Bleach Manufacturing
  • Plastic Manufacturing
  • Acid Neutralization
  • Organic chemicals such as dyes, etc.


Strong sodium hydroxide or robust solutions produce immediate pain when they contact with any part of the body. Weak solutions may not produce pain for several hours, but severe burns can result from this weak solutions if they're no longer washed off quickly. spilling sodium hydroxide over massive areas of the  skin or swallowing them may additionally cause shock and even cause death

Potential Health Effects

Inhalation:
Severe irritant. Effects from inhalation of dust or mist vary from mild irritation to serious damage of the upper respiratory tract, depending on the severity of the exposure. Symptoms may include sneezing, sore throat or runny nose. Severe pneumonitis may occur.

Ingestion:
Corrosive! Swallowing may cause severe burns of mouth, throat, and stomach. Severe scarring of tissue and death may result. Symptoms may include bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fall in blood pressure. Damage may appear days after exposure.

Skin Contact:
Corrosive! Contact with skin can cause irritation or severe burns and scar with greater exposures.

Eye Contact:
Corrosive! It irritates eyes, and with greater exposures, it can cause burns that may result in permanent impairment of vision, even blindness.

Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged contact with dilute solutions or dust has a destructive effect on the tissue.

Aggravation of Pre-existing Conditions:
Persons with pre-existing skin disorders or eye problems or impaired respiratory function may be more susceptible to the effects of the substance.

Precautions for Safe Handling

Use the smallest possible amounts in designated areas with adequate ventilation. Keep containers closed when not in use. Empty containers may contain hazardous residues. Transfer solids using tools or equipment, which are corrosion - resistant. Cautiously, transfer into sturdy containers made of compatible materials. Never return contaminated material to its original container. Considerable heat is generated when diluted with water. Proper handling procedures must be followed to prevent vigorous boiling, splattering or violent eruption of the diluted solution. Never add water to caustic. always add caustic soda to water and provide agitation. When mixing with water, stir small amounts slowly. Use cold water to prevent excessive heat generation. In general, keep solid sodium hydroxide away from water. Post “DO NOT USE WATER” signs in the area of use to prevent accidental contact.

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