POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 1 of 10
Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT NAME
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
SYNONYMS
K2-CO3, CO3.2K, potash, "carbonic acid; dipotassium salt", K-gran, "salt of tartar",
"pearl ash"
PRODUCT USE
Used in manufacture of glass, soaps, pottery, shampoos, printing ink, pigments; mill
addition in porcelain enamels; dehydrating agent; food additive; tanning and leather
finishing; wool washing; engraving and lithography; pharmaceutical industry.
SUPPLIER
Company: Quantum Chemicals Pty Ltd
Address:
70 Quantum Close
Dandenong South
Victoria 3175
Telephone: 03 8795 8000
Emergency Tel: 1300 131 001
Fax: 03 8795 8099
HAZARD RATINGS
Flammability
Toxicity
Body Contact
Reactivity
Chronic
SCALE: Min/Nil=0 Low=1 Moderate=2 High=3 Extreme=4
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
STATEMENT OF HAZARDOUS NATURE
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. NON-DANGEROUS GOODS. According to the Criteria of
NOHSC, and the ADG Code.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 2 of 10
Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
POISONS SCHEDULE
S5
RISK SAFETY
Irritating to eyes. Do not breathe dust.
Cumulative effects may result following Avoid contact with skin.
exposure*.
May produce skin discomfort*. Wear eye/ face protection.
* (limited evidence). To clean the floor and all objects contaminated
by this material use water.
In case of contact with eyes rinse with plenty
of water and contact Doctor or Poisons
Information Centre.
If swallowed IMMEDIATELY contact Doctor or
Poisons Information Centre (show this container
or label).
Section 3 - COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
NAME CAS RN %
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
SWALLOWED
路 Immediately give a glass of water.
路 First aid is not generally required. If in doubt, contact a Poisons Information Centre
or a doctor.
EYE
If this product comes in contact with the eyes:
路 Wash out immediately with fresh running water.
路 Ensure complete irrigation of the eye by keeping eyelids apart and away from eye and
moving the eyelids by occasionally lifting the upper and lower lids.
路 If pain persists or recurs seek medical attention.
路 Removal of contact lenses after an eye injury should only be undertaken by skilled
personnel.
SKIN
If skin contact occurs:
路 Immediately remove all contaminated clothing, including footwear.
路 Flush skin and hair with running water (and soap if available).
路 Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
INHALED
路 If fumes or combustion products are inhaled remove from contaminated area.
路 Other measures are usually unnecessary.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 3 of 10
Section 4 - FIRST AID MEASURES
NOTES TO PHYSICIAN
For potassium intoxications:
路 Hyperkalaemia, in patients with abnormal renal function, results from reduced renal
excretion following intoxication.
路 The presence of electrocardiographic evidence of hyperkalemia or serum potassium levels
exceeding 7.5 mE/L indicates a medical emergency requiring an intravenous line and
constant cardiac monitoring.
路 The intravenous ingestion of 5-10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate, in adults, over a 2
minute period antagonises the cardiac and neuromuscular effects. The duration of action
is approximately 1 hour. [Ellenhorn and Barceloux: Medical Toxicology].
Section 5 - FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
路 There is no restriction on the type of extinguisher which may be used.
路 Use extinguishing media suitable for surrounding area.
FIRE FIGHTING
路 Alert Fire Brigade and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Wear breathing apparatus plus protective gloves for fire only.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Use fire fighting procedures suitable for surrounding area.
路 DO NOT approach containers suspected to be hot.
路 Cool fire exposed containers with water spray from a protected location.
路 If safe to do so, remove containers from path of fire.
路 Equipment should be thoroughly decontaminated after use.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD
路 Non combustible.
路 Not considered a significant fire risk, however containers may burn.
Decomposes on heating and produces acrid and toxic fumes of: carbon monoxide (CO),
carbon dioxide (CO2), metal oxides.
May emit poisonous fumes.
May emit corrosive fumes.
FIRE INCOMPATIBILITY
Avoid contamination with oxidising agents i.e. nitrates, oxidising acids, chlorine
bleaches, pool chlorine etc. as ignition may result.
HAZCHEM: None
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MINOR SPILLS
路 Clean up all spills immediately.
路 Avoid breathing dust and contact with skin and eyes.
路 Wear protective clothing, gloves, safety glasses and dust respirator.
路 Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust.
路 Sweep up, shovel up or
路 Vacuum up (consider explosion-proof machines designed to be grounded during storage and
use).
路 Place spilled material in clean, dry, sealable, labelled container.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 4 of 10
Section 6 - ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
MAJOR SPILLS
Moderate hazard.
路 CAUTION: Advise personnel in area.
路 Alert Emergency Services and tell them location and nature of hazard.
路 Control personal contact by wearing protective clothing.
路 Prevent, by any means available, spillage from entering drains or water courses.
路 Recover product wherever possible.
路 IF DRY: Use dry clean up procedures and avoid generating dust. Collect residues and
place in sealed plastic bags or other containers for disposal. IF WET: Vacuum/shovel up
and place in labelled containers for disposal.
路 ALWAYS: Wash area down with large amounts of water and prevent runoff into drains.
路 If contamination of drains or waterways occurs, advise Emergency Services.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANNING GUIDELINES (ERPG)
The maximum airborne concentration below which it is believed that nearly all individuals could be exposed
for up to one hour WITHOUT experiencing or developing
life-threatening health effects is:
potassium carbonate 500 mg/m鲁
irreversible or other serious effects or symptoms which could impair an individual's ability to take
protective action is:
potassium carbonate 50 mg/m鲁
other than mild, transient adverse effects without perceiving a clearly defined odour is:
potassium carbonate 20 mg/m鲁
The threshold concentration below which most people will experience no appreciable risk of health effects:
potassium carbonate 10 mg/m鲁
American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)
Ingredients considered according to the following cutoffs
Very Toxic (T+) >= 0.1% Toxic (T) >= 3.0%
R50 >= 0.25% Corrosive (C) >= 5.0%
R51 >= 2.5%
else >= 10%
where percentage is percentage of ingredient found in the mixture
Personal Protective Equipment advice is contained in Section 8 of the MSDS.
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING
路 Avoid all personal contact, including inhalation.
路 Wear protective clothing when risk of exposure occurs.
路 Use in a well-ventilated area.
路 Prevent concentration in hollows and sumps.
路 DO NOT enter confined spaces until atmosphere has been checked.
路 DO NOT allow material to contact humans, exposed food or food utensils.
路 Avoid contact with incompatible materials.
路 When handling, DO NOT eat, drink or smoke.
路 Keep containers securely sealed when not in use.
路 Avoid physical damage to containers.
路 Always wash hands with soap and water after handling.
路 Work clothes should be laundered separately. Launder contaminated clothing before re
-use.
路 Use good occupational work practice.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 5 of 10
Section 7 - HANDLING AND STORAGE
路 Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
路 Atmosphere should be regularly checked against established exposure standards to ensure
safe working conditions are maintained.
SUITABLE CONTAINER
DO NOT use aluminium or galvanised containers.
路 Polyethylene or polypropylene container.
路 Check all containers are clearly labelled and free from leaks.
STORAGE INCOMPATIBILITY
Metals and their oxides or salts may react violently with chlorine trifluoride. Chlorine
trifluoride is a hypergolic oxidiser. It ignites on contact (without external source of
heat or ignition) with recognised fuels - contact with these materials, following an
ambient or slightly elevated temperature, is often violent and may produce ignition. The
state of subdivision may affect the results.
In presence of moisture, the material is corrosive to aluminium, zinc and tin producing
highly flammable hydrogen gas.
Avoid reaction with oxidising agents.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Observe manufacturer's storing and handling recommendations.
_____________________________________________________
SAFE STORAGE WITH OTHER CLASSIFIED CHEMICALS
+ X + X 0 +
_____________________________________________________
+: May be stored together
O: May be stored together with specific preventions
X: Must not be stored together
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
EXPOSURE CONTROLS
Source Material TWA mg/m鲁
_________ _________ _____
Australia Exposure Standards potassium carbonate (Inspirable 10
dust (Not specified))
MATERIAL DATA
These "dusts" have little adverse effect on the lungs and do not produce toxic effects or
organic disease. Although there is no dust which does not evoke some cellular response at
sufficiently high concentrations, the cellular response caused by P.N.O.C.s has the
following characteristics:
路 the architecture of the air spaces remain intact,
路 scar tissue (collagen) is not synthesised to any degree,
路 tissue reaction is potentially reversible.
Extensive concentrations of P.N.O.C.s may:
路 seriously reduce visibility,
路 cause unpleasant deposits in the eyes, ears and nasal passages,
路 contribute to skin or mucous membrane injury by chemical or mechanical action, per se,
or by the rigorous skin cleansing procedures necessary for their removal. [ACGIH]
This limit does not apply:
路 to brief exposures to higher concentrations
路 nor does it apply to those substances that may cause physiological impairment at lower
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 6 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
concentrations but for which a TLV has as yet to be determined.
This exposure standard applies to particles which
路 are insoluble or poorly soluble* in water or, preferably, in aqueous lung fluid (if
data is available) and
路 have a low toxicity (i.e.. are not cytotoxic, genotoxic, or otherwise chemically
reactive with lung tissue, and do not emit ionizing radiation, cause immune sensitization
, or cause toxic effects other than by inflammation or by a mechanism of lung overload).
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EYE
路 Safety glasses with side shields.
路 Chemical goggles.
路 Contact lenses may pose a special hazard; soft contact lenses may absorb and
concentrate irritants. A written policy document, describing the wearing of lens or
restrictions on use, should be created for each workplace or task. This should include a
review of lens absorption and adsorption for the class of chemicals in use and an account
of injury experience. Medical and first-aid personnel should be trained in their removal
and suitable equipment should be readily available. In the event of chemical exposure,
begin eye irrigation immediately and remove contact lens as soon as practicable. Lens
should be removed at the first signs of eye redness or irritation - lens should be
removed in a clean environment only after workers have washed hands thoroughly. [CDC
NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin 59].
HANDS/FEET
Suitability and durability of glove type is dependent on usage. Factors such as:
路 frequency and duration of contact,
路 chemical resistance of glove material,
路 glove thickness and
路 dexterity,
are important in the selection of gloves.
Experience indicates that the following polymers are suitable as glove materials for
protection against undissolved, dry solids.
路 polychloroprene
路 nitrile rubber
路 butyl rubber
路 fluorocaoutchouc
路 polyvinyl chloride
Gloves should be examined for wear and/ or degradation constantly.
Wear chemical protective gloves, eg. PVC.
Wear safety footwear or safety gumboots, eg. Rubber.
OTHER
路 Overalls.
路 P.V.C. apron.
路 Barrier cream.
路 Skin cleansing cream.
路 Eye wash unit.
RESPIRATOR
Protection Factor Half- Face Respirator Full- Face Respirator Powered Air Respirator
10 x ES P1 Air- line* -- PAPR- P1 -
50 x ES Air- line** P2 PAPR- P2
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 7 of 10
Section 8 - EXPOSURE CONTROLS / PERSONAL PROTECTION
100 x ES - P3 -
Air- line* -
100+ x ES - Air- line** PAPR- P3
* - Negative pressure demand ** - Continuous flow.
The local concentration of material, quantity and conditions of use determine the type of
personal protective equipment required.
For further information consult site specific
CHEMWATCH data (if available), or your
Occupational Health and Safety Advisor.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
路 Local exhaust ventilation is required where solids are handled as powders or crystals;
even when particulates are relatively large, a certain proportion will be powdered by
mutual friction.
路 If in spite of local exhaust an adverse concentration of the substance in air could
occur, respiratory protection should be considered.
Such protection might consist of:
(a): particle dust respirators, if necessary, combined with an absorption cartridge;
(b): filter respirators with absorption cartridge or canister of the right type;
(c): fresh-air hoods or masks.
Air contaminants generated in the workplace possess varying "escape" velocities which, in
turn, determine the "capture velocities" of fresh circulating air required to effectively
remove the contaminant.
Type of Contaminant: Air Speed:
direct spray, spray painting in shallow booths, 1- 2.5 m/s (200- 500 f/min.)
drum filling, conveyer loading, crusher dusts,
gas discharge (active generation into zone of
rapid air motion)
grinding, abrasive blasting, tumbling, high 2.5- 10 m/s (500- 2000 f/min.)
speed wheel generated dusts (released at high
initial velocity into zone of very high rapid
air motion).
Within each range the appropriate value depends on:
Lower end of the range Upper end of the range
1: Room air currents minimal or favourable to 1: Disturbing room air currents
capture
2: Contaminants of low toxicity or of nuisance 2: Contaminants of high toxicity
value only.
3: Intermittent, low production. 3: High production, heavy use
4: Large hood or large air mass in motion 4: Small hood- local control only
Simple theory shows that air velocity falls rapidly with distance away from the opening
of a simple extraction pipe. Velocity generally decreases with the square of distance
from the extraction point (in simple cases). Therefore the air speed at the extraction
point should be adjusted, accordingly, after reference to distance from the contaminating
source. The air velocity at the extraction fan, for example, should be a minimum of 4-10
m/s (800-2000 f/min) for extraction of crusher dusts generated 2 metres distant from the
extraction point. Other mechanical considerations, producing performance deficits within
the extraction apparatus, make it essential that theoretical air velocities are
multiplied by factors of 10 or more when extraction systems are installed or used.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 8 of 10
Section 9 - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
APPEARANCE
White, granular, translucent odourless, hygroscopic powder; soluble in water with
liberation of heat forming a strongly alkaline solution. Insoluble in alcohol. Decomposes
at melting point.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Solid.
Mixes with water.
Molecular Weight: 138.21 Boiling Range (掳C): Not applicable.
Melting Range (掳C): 891 Specific Gravity (water=1): 2.428
Solubility in water (g/L): Miscible pH (as supplied): Not applicable
pH (1% solution): 11.6 (10% soln.) Vapour Pressure (kPa): Not applicable.
Volatile Component (%vol): Negligible. Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Relative Vapour Density (air=1): Not applicable. Flash Point (掳C): Not Applicable
Lower Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable Upper Explosive Limit (%): Not applicable
Autoignition Temp (掳C): Not applicable Decomposition Temp (掳C): 891
State: Divided solid Viscosity: Not Applicable
Section 10 - CHEMICAL STABILITY AND REACTIVITY INFORMATION
CONDITIONS CONTRIBUTING TO INSTABILITY
路 Presence of incompatible materials.
路 Product is considered stable.
路 Hazardous polymerisation will not occur.
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
SWALLOWED
The material has NOT been classified by EC Directives or other classification systems as
"harmful by ingestion". This is because of the lack of corroborating animal or human
evidence. The material may still be damaging to the health of the individual, following
ingestion, especially where pre-existing organ (eg. liver, kidney) damage is evident.
Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing
mortality rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal
tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however,
ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.
Acute potassium poisoning after swallowing is rare, because vomiting usually occurs and
renal excretion is fast. Potassium causes a slow, weak pulse, irregularities in heart
rhythm, heart block and an eventual fall in blood pressure. Breathing initially becomes
faster but the muscles of breathing eventually become paralysed. There can be loss of
appetite, extreme thirst, increased volumes of urine, fever, convulsions and gastric
disturbances; death may then occur due to failure of breathing and inflammation of the
stomach and bowel.
EYE
This material can cause eye irritation and damage in some persons.
Alkaline salts may be intensely irritating to the eyes and precautions should be taken to
ensure direct eye contact is avoided.
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 9 of 10
Section 11 - TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
SKIN
There is some evidence to suggest that this material can cause inflammation of the skin
on contact in some persons.
Skin contact is not thought to have harmful health effects (as classified under EC
Directives); the material may still produce health damage following entry through wounds,
lesions or abrasions.
Solution of material in moisture on the skin, or perspiration, may markedly increase skin
corrosion and accelerate tissue destruction.
Entry into the blood-stream, through, for example, cuts, abrasions or lesions, may
produce systemic injury with harmful effects. Examine the skin prior to the use of the
material and ensure that any external damage is suitably protected.
INHALED
The material is not thought to produce adverse health effects or irritation of the
respiratory tract (as classified by EC Directives using animal models). Nevertheless,
good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable
control measures be used in an occupational setting.
Not normally a hazard due to non-volatile nature of product.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Long term exposure to high dust concentrations may cause changes in lung function i.e.
pneumoconiosis; caused by particles less than 0.5 micron penetrating and remaining in the
lung. Prime symptom is breathlessness; lung shadows show on X-ray.
Substance accumulation, in the human body, may occur and may cause some concern following
repeated or long-term occupational exposure.
TOXICITY AND IRRITATION
unless otherwise specified data extracted from RTECS - Register of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances.
TOXICITY IRRITATION
Oral (Rat) LD50: 1870 mg/kg Nil Reported
Section 12 - ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
DO NOT discharge into sewer or waterways.
Section 13 - DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
路 Recycle wherever possible.
路 Consult manufacturer for recycling options or consult local or regional waste
management authority for disposal if no suitable treatment or disposal facility can be
identified.
路 Dispose of by: Burial in a licenced land-fill or Incineration in a licenced apparatus
(after admixture with suitable combustible material)
路 Decontaminate empty containers. Observe all label safeguards until containers are
cleaned and destroyed.
Section 14 - TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
HAZCHEM: None
NOT REGULATED FOR TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS:UN, IATA,
IMDG
POTASSIUM CARBONATE
Chemwatch Material Safety Data Sheet (REVIEW)
Issue Date: 22-May-2006 CHEMWATCH 10204
NC317TCP Version No:5
CD 2007/3 Page 10 of 10
Section 15 - REGULATORY INFORMATION
POISONS SCHEDULE: S5
REGULATIONS
potassium carbonate (CAS: 584-08-7) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia High Volume Industrial Chemical List (HVICL)
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
CODEX General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) - Additives Permitted for Use in Food in General, Unless Otherwise Specified, in Accordance with GMP
International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) - High Production Volume List
OECD Representative List of High Production Volume (HPV) Chemicals
potassium carbonate (CAS: 6381-79-9) is found on the following regulatory lists;
Australia Exposure Standards
Australia Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS)
Section 16 - OTHER INFORMATION
MSDS SECTION CHANGES
The following table displays the version number of and date on which each section was last changed.
Section Name Version Date Section Name Version Date Section Name Version Date
Ingredients 5 22- May- 2006 Handling Procedure 4 12- Apr- 2006 Appearance 5 22- May- 2006
First Aid (eye) 4 12- Apr- 2006 Storage (storage 4 12- Apr- 2006 Physical 4 12- Apr- 2006
incompatibility) Properties
First Aid 4 12- Apr- 2006 Storage (storage 4 12- Apr- 2006 Acute Health (eye) 4 12- Apr- 2006
(inhaled) requirement)
First Aid 4 12- Apr- 2006 Storage (suitable 4 12- Apr- 2006 Acute Health 4 12- Apr- 2006
(swallowed) container) (inhaled)
Fire Fighter 4 12- Apr- 2006 Engineering 4 12- Apr- 2006 Acute Health 5 22- May- 2006
(extinguishing Control (skin)
media)
Fire Fighter (fire 4 12- Apr- 2006 Exposure Standard 4 12- Apr- 2006 Acute Health 4 12- Apr- 2006
fighting) (swallowed)
Fire Fighter (fire 5 22- May- 2006 Personal 4 12- Apr- 2006 Chronic Health 4 12- Apr- 2006
incompatibility) Protection (eye)
Fire Fighter 5 22- May- 2006 Personal 4 12- Apr- 2006 Environmental 4 12- Apr- 2006
(fire/explosion Protection
hazard) (hands/feet)
Spills (major) 4 12- Apr- 2006 Personal 4 12- Apr- 2006 Disposal 4 12- Apr- 2006
Protection (other)
Spills (minor) 4 12- Apr- 2006
Classification of the preparation and its individual components has drawn on official and
authoritative sources as well as independent review by the Chemwatch Classification
committee using available literature references.
This document is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, review or
criticism, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission
from CHEMWATCH. TEL (+61 3) 9572 4700.
Issue Date: 22-May-2006
Print Date: 4-Jan-2008
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