CAUSTIC SODA BEADS (O)

Health Effects:

Eye contact with PELS anhydrous caustic beads causes serious eye damage including irreversible damage and blindness; repeated or prolonged exposure may cause conjunctivitis. Skin contact causes severe burns; repeated or prolonged exposure to skin will cause dermatitis. Ingestion of PELS anhydrous caustic beads may cause irreversible damage to mucous membranes; repeated or prolonged exposure may cause gastrointestinal disturbances. Inhalation of PELS anhydrous caustic beads may cause corrosive burns, including irreversible damage; repeated or prolonged exposure to corrosive materials or fumes may cause bronchial irritation with chronic cough.

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have established or recommended occupational airborne exposure limits for caustic soda. The OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average (TWA) of 2 mg/m3 (milligrams per cubic meter). The ACGIH Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is a Ceiling Limit of 2 mg/m3.

Ceiling Limit should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure. Before handling, it is important that engineering controls are operating and protective equipment requirements and personal hygiene measures are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use and should be given the opportunity to review this document and the safety data sheet.

Environmental Effects
PELS anhydrous caustic beads should be kept out of lakes, streams, ponds, or other water sources. PELS anhydrous caustic beads does not bioaccumulate due to its high solubility in water.

Exposure Potential
Precautions should be taken to minimize potential harm to people, animals and the environment. Potential for exposure may vary depending upon site-specific conditions. When handling PELS anhydrous caustic beads, refer to the Safety Data Sheet and Product Warning Label and follow all instructions and warnings. Based on the expected uses for PELS anhydrous caustic beads, exposure could be through:
Workplace exposure - Exposure can occur either in a PELS anhydrous caustic beads manufacturing facility or in the various industrial facilities that use PELS anhydrous caustic beads. Caustic soda has been used for more than 100 years by industry. When exposures occur, they are most frequently to the skin and eyes, although oral exposure and ingestion are possible. Good industrial hygiene practices and the use of personal protective equipment will, when combined with proper training and environmental, health and safety practices, contribute to a safe work environment.
Environmental releases - In the event of a spill, contain the spill to prevent contaminated soil, surface or ground water. PELS anhydrous caustic beads can significantly increase the pH of soil and/or water. Industrial spills (releases to soil or water) should be controlled by workplace spill programs which include containment around loading and unloading operations and storage tanks and employee training. Many aspects of a spill control program are mandated by federal, state and local requirements. In addition, if a spill occurs, governmental reporting may be required. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for instructions to contain and clean up a spill to minimize exposure.
Consumer exposure - PELS anhydrous caustic beads is not sold directly to consumers; however it is an ingredient in some consumer products. Keep all chemical products out of the reach of children.

Fire and Explosion Hazards:

PELS anhydrous caustic beads by itself is nonflammable and nonexplosive. However, caustic soda attacks many metals producing extremely flammable hydrogen gas which can form explosive mixtures with air.

During a fire, promptly isolate the scene by removing all persons from the vicinity of the incident. No other action shall be taken without suitable training. Fire-fighters should wear appropriate protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a full face-piece operated in positive pressure mode. Fire water contaminated with this material must be contained and prevented from being discharged to any waterway, sewer or drain.

Always take precautions to minimize potential harm to people, animals, and the environment. When making solutions or diluting, PELS anhydrous caustic beads should only be added slowly to the surface of cold water while stirring. Do not add to warm or hot water because a violent eruption or an explosive reaction can result. Avoid contact with organic materials and concentrated acids as this may cause violent reactions.

Besides reacting vigorously with many organic and inorganic materials, caustic soda attacks certain metals including aluminum, magnesium, zinc, tin, chromium, brass, and bronzes made with zinc or tin. Since galvanizing is done with zinc, PELS anhydrous caustic beads will attack galvanized iron surfaces. The reaction may be dangerous because hydrogen is generated and may introduce an explosion hazard. PELS anhydrous caustic beads can also react with various food sugars to generate hazardous carbon monoxide gas.

The creation and dilution of PELS anhydrous caustic beads solutions produces considerable heat and may cause boiling, spattering, or violent eruption. Workers should be properly instructed in dilution procedures and exercise caution.

Do not add water to PELS anhydrous caustic beads. The proper way is to add the beads slowly to the surface of cold water and agitate while they dissolve to avoid violent eruption or explosive reaction. If the water is not agitated, adding PELS anhydrous caustic beads rapidly is dangerous. The danger is greater if the water is warm instead of cold. The high heat of solution of dry caustic soda may cause a sudden violent eruption of caustic solution. Also, a layer of concentrated solution may form and suddenly mix with a layer of less concentrated solution. In this case, the high heat of solution may create steam and cause the solution to erupt.

During stock rotation, due to its hygroscopic nature, PELS anhydrous caustic beads inventory should be rotated on a First In/First Out (FIFO) basis to ensure that all product is consumed within a 180-day period. This will minimize any product agglomeration in the package.