• If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?
• What eye/face protection is recommended for working with sodium hydroxide solutions?
• What skin protection measures are recommended when working with sodium hydroxide solutions?
• What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?
• Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

If I need to wear a respirator, what kind should it be?

If engineering controls and work practices are not effective in controlling exposure to this material, then wear suitable personal protective equipment including approved respiratory protection. Have appropriate equipment available for use in emergencies such as spills or fire. If respiratory protection is required, institute a complete respiratory protection program including selection, fit testing, training, maintenance and inspection. Refer to the CSA Standard Z94.4-93, "Selection, Use, and Care, of Respirators," available from the Canadian Standards Association, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1R3.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION GUIDELINES:

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SODIUM HYDROXIDE CONCENTRATIONS IN AIR:

UP TO 10 mg/m³: SAR operated in a continuous-flow mode; or full-facepiece respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or powered air- purifying respirator with dust and mist filter(s); or full-facepiece SCBA; or full-facepiece SAR.

EMERGENCY OR PLANNED ENTRY INTO UNKNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OR IDLH CONDITIONS:

Positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA; or positive pressure, full-facepiece SCBA with an auxiliary positive pressure SCBA.

ESCAPE: Full-facepiece respirator with high-efficiency particulate filter(s); or escape-type SCBA.

NOTE: The IDLH concentration for sodium hydroxide is 10 mg/m³.

NOTE: The purpose of establishing an IDLH value is to ensure that the worker can escape from a given contaminated environment in the event of failure of the most protective respiratory protection equipment. In the event of failure of respiratory protective equipment every effort should be made to exit immediately.

NOTE: Substance causes eye irritation or damage; eye protection needed.

Air-purifying respirators do not protect against oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

ABBREVIATIONS: SAR = supplied-air respirator; SCBA = self-contained breathing apparatus. IDLH = Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.

Recommendations apply only to NIOSH approved respirators.

What eye/face protection is recommended for working with sodium hydroxide solutions?

Chemical safety goggles. A face shield may also be necessary.

What skin protection measures are recommended when working with sodium hydroxide solutions?

Chemical resistant gloves, coveralls, boots and/or other resistant protective clothing.

Have a safety shower/eye-wash fountain readily available in the immediate work area.

What types of materials should my protective clothing be made of?

Guidelines for sodium hydroxide solutions, 30-70%:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Butyl rubber; natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon(TM), Viton(TM), Saranex(TM), 4H(TM), Barricade(TM), CPF 3(TM), Responder(TM), Trellchem HPS(TM), Tychem 10000(TM).

NOT RECOMMENDED for use (resistance to breakthrough less than 1 hour): Polyvinyl alcohol.

Guidelines for sodium hydroxide, saturated solution:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Polyethylene, Saranex(TM).

Guidelines for sodium hydroxide, above 70%:

RECOMMENDED (resistance to breakthrough longer than 8 hours): Neoprene, polyvinyl chloride, Barricade(TM).

There is evidence that this material can cause serious skin injury (e.g., corrosion or absorption hazard).

Recommendations are NOT valid for very thin natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile and pvc gloves (0.3 mm or less).

Recommendations are valid for permeation rates reaching 0.1 µg/cm²/min or 1 mg/m²/min and over. Resistance of specific materials can vary from product to product. Breakthrough times are obtained under conditions of continuous contact, generally at room temperature. Evaluate resistance under conditions of use and maintain clothing carefully.

Reference: Forsberg, K., et al. Quick selection guide to chemical protective clothing. 3rd edition. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1997.

Is there anything else I need to do to reduce my exposure?

Remove contaminated clothing promptly. Keep contaminated clothing in closed containers. Discard or launder before rewearing. Inform laundry personnel of contaminant's hazards.

Do not eat, drink or smoke in work areas. Wash hands thoroughly after handling this material. Maintain good housekeeping.

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Document last updated on October 29, 1998

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