| 1 |
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) commonly known as caustic potash is widely used as a reactant in chemical processes, soap and bleach production, electroplating, alkaline batteries (as an electrolyte), paint removers, and as a food additive. Whether in liquid or solid form or in solution, it causes burns on contact with body tissues. It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 121 g per 100 ml at 25 °C. It also dissolves well in polar organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and glycerol, but is only slightly soluble in non-polar solvents like benzene, diethyl ether, and chloroform. |
| 2 |
This standard was originally published in 1973. The Committee felt a need to revise this standard with a view to update the standard based on the experience of last four decades and on the currently available data. In this revision general properties have been incorporated, and modifications have been made to update safety measures for controlling hazards and essential information on symptoms of poisoning, first-aid, medical treatment, storage, handling, labelling and employee safety. The various clauses of the standard have been aligned with the format being applied for all Indian Standards on code of safety of chemicals. |