Material safety data sheet for potassium permanganate: what you need to know

Last updated 2026-07-09

What is potassium permanganate and why does it need a safety data sheet?

Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is a deep-purple crystalline solid that dissolves in water to form a bright violet solution. It's one of the strongest oxidizing agents you can buy commercially, which makes it useful and genuinely dangerous at the same time. Water treatment plants use it to pull iron and manganese out of drinking water. Labs use it in organic synthesis. Pool and spa operators use it to regenerate iron filters. Industrial sites use it to treat wastewater and kill odors.

Because it's a strong oxidizer, OSHA requires any employer who uses, stores, or ships it to keep a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) on file under the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. ^[1] The SDS is the document workers and emergency responders reach for when they need the chemical's hazards, exposure limits, first aid steps, and safe handling rules. Without it on file and accessible to employees, you're out of compliance, full stop.

The SDS for potassium permanganate follows the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) format, which OSHA adopted in 2012 and phased in fully by 2016. That means 16 standardized sections, same order every time, no matter which supplier made the product. ^[1] Got an older MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from before the GHS transition? It may be missing key information or organized differently. Replace it with a current GHS-compliant SDS.

For how the hazard communication standard works broadly, including labeling and training, see our full explainer on that topic.

What are the physical and chemical hazards listed on the KMnO4 SDS?

Here's the one fact that matters most: potassium permanganate is an oxidizer, not a fuel, but it dramatically speeds up combustion in other materials. GHS classifies it as an Oxidizing Solid, Category 2. ^[2] That classification means it can cause or intensify fire when it touches organic materials like wood, paper, glycerol, or any carbonaceous dust. Mixtures with concentrated sulfuric acid can ignite on their own. The 2016 ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) dossier on potassium permanganate documents several fire incidents tied to storage near organics. ^[2]

The full physical and chemical hazard profile from a standard SDS looks like this:

Hazard Category	GHS Classification	Signal Word
Oxidizing Solid	Category 2	Danger
Acute Toxicity (oral)	Category 4	Warning
Skin Corrosion/Irritation	Category 1C	Danger
Serious Eye Damage	Category 1	Danger
Specific Target Organ Toxicity (respiratory)	Category 3	Warning
Aquatic Toxicity (acute)	Category 1	Warning

The oral LD50 for potassium permanganate in rats is roughly 1,090 mg/kg. ^[3] That sounds like a lot, but in humans a concentrated solution is corrosive to mucous membranes and has killed people in deliberate ingestion cases. Keep it away from food areas and label every storage container.

Potassium permanganate stains everything it touches brown or black, including skin, and that stain can hide a burn underneath. Never assume a brown-stained hand means no injury.

What are the exposure limits for potassium permanganate?

The short answer: OSHA's legal limit is old and too high, so use the NIOSH or ACGIH number instead. OSHA's Table Z-1 lists a ceiling of 5 mg/m³ for manganese compounds, and it hasn't changed since the original 1971 standard. ^[4] NIOSH recommends a far lower ceiling of 0.2 mg/m³ as manganese fumes and dust, based on evidence of neurological harm from chronic manganese exposure. ^[5] ACGIH sets a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 0.1 mg/m³ as an inhalable fraction. ^[6]

Responsible employers use the NIOSH or ACGIH value because OSHA's 1971 PEL predates the research on manganism (a manganese-induced Parkinson's-like syndrome). Nobody has good current data specifically on low-dose KMnO4 inhalation in workplaces. But manganese content is the controlling risk, and every regulator who revisited the question after 1971 landed much lower.

In a state with an OSHA State Plan, check your state's standards. Cal/OSHA, for instance, runs its own Table AC that sometimes references ACGIH values. ^[7]

Industrial hygienists measure manganese in air with ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). If you can't confirm airborne levels well below 0.2 mg/m³, respiratory protection is required under 29 CFR 1910.134. ^[8]

What PPE does the SDS require for handling potassium permanganate?

Section 8 of the SDS covers exposure controls and PPE. For potassium permanganate, the corrosive and oxidizing hazards drive what you wear.

Skin protection is the most common gap I see. Nitrile gloves at a minimum thickness of 0.4 mm are generally recommended; butyl rubber is better for prolonged or heavy exposure. Latex is not adequate because potassium permanganate degrades it. Check your SDS Section 8 for the specific glove material your supplier recommends, since formulation and concentration matter. Handling the dry solid or concentrated solutions? Add a chemical-resistant apron and sleeves.

Eye and face protection: splash goggles are required. Safety glasses alone don't cut it. If there's any risk of splashing a larger volume (transfer operations, opening drums), a face shield worn over goggles adds real protection. ^[9] Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133, the employer must provide and pay for required eye protection. ^[9]

Respiratory protection: for routine handling of dilute solutions in a well-ventilated area, a NIOSH-approved P100 or N95 respirator is usually enough. Handling dry KMnO4 powder and kicking up dust? A half-face respirator with a combination P100/OV cartridge is the safer call. Any formal respirator use triggers a written respiratory protection program, medical evaluation, and fit testing per 29 CFR 1910.134. ^[8]

Foot protection: closed-toe shoes at minimum; chemical-resistant boots if spills are likely.

PPE is the last line of defense, not the first. Engineering controls (closed transfer systems, local exhaust ventilation) come before PPE wherever you can manage it.

How do you properly store potassium permanganate to avoid fire and contamination?

Section 7 of the SDS covers storage, and the rules for KMnO4 are strict because of the oxidizer hazard.

Keep it cool, dry, and well-ventilated, away from heat and direct sunlight. The decomposition temperature for KMnO4 is around 240°C (464°F), but contamination with organic materials can drop the temperature at which dangerous reactions start. ^[3] Store it in tightly closed original containers, usually polyethylene-lined bags or glass/HDPE. Never use metal containers that may corrode.

Separation from incompatibles is non-negotiable. Potassium permanganate must be physically separated from flammable and combustible materials, reducing agents (hydrogen peroxide, concentrated sulfuric acid, alcohols, glycerol), organic acids, and finely divided metals. OSHA's flammable and combustible liquids standard (29 CFR 1910.106) and NFPA 430 (Standard for the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers) both address oxidizer segregation. ^[10]

Water treatment facilities storing large quantities should know that EPA's Risk Management Program (RMP) under 40 CFR Part 68 may apply. Potassium permanganate isn't an RMP-listed substance itself, but check with your state environmental agency, because some states run their own lists.

For small quantities in a lab or shop, a dedicated oxidizer cabinet (separate from the flammables cabinet) is best practice. Label the cabinet clearly. Post the SDS nearby or make sure workers know how to pull it up electronically.

What first aid steps does the potassium permanganate SDS require?

Section 4 of the SDS covers first aid. These steps matter because potassium permanganate can burn tissue without looking like a burn right away, and the staining is misleading.

Skin contact: strip off contaminated clothing and flush the skin with lots of water for at least 15 to 20 minutes. The brown/black stain is manganese dioxide depositing in the skin, not necessarily a burn, but treat any concentrated exposure as a possible chemical burn and get medical attention. Don't use reducing agents like vitamin C solution to remove staining in the field. That's a physician's call, not a first-aider's.

Eye contact: this is a serious emergency. Flush eyes immediately with lots of water or saline for at least 20 to 30 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids to get full irrigation. Remove contact lenses if they're present and easy to take out. Get to an emergency room fast. KMnO4 can cause serious eye damage and even blindness if treatment is delayed. ^[3] Your worksite must have an eyewash station reachable within 10 seconds of any area where employees might get splashed, per ANSI Z358.1 and OSHA's general industry standards. ^[9]

Inhalation: move the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen if you're trained and equipped. Get medical attention if coughing, throat irritation, or shortness of breath sticks around.

Ingestion: do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse the mouth with water. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) and get emergency care. Swallowing concentrated potassium permanganate is a medical emergency.

Document every incident with a proper incident report and check whether the exposure is OSHA recordable under 29 CFR 1904.

What does the SDS say about spill response and disposal?

Section 6 covers spills and accidental release. For potassium permanganate, the cardinal rule is simple: keep ignition sources away and never use organic materials like sawdust or paper towels to soak up the spill. Sweep or scoop the spilled solid into a clean, dry container using non-sparking tools. For liquid solutions, absorb with inert materials like sand or vermiculite. ^[3]

Wear the right PPE during cleanup: chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and respiratory protection if the spill is big enough to throw aerosols.

Waste disposal falls under Section 13. Potassium permanganate is a listed oxidizer waste and may be a RCRA hazardous waste depending on concentration and how the waste was generated. Under EPA's RCRA regulations (40 CFR Parts 260-270), you have to characterize your waste before disposal. ^[11] Work with a licensed hazardous waste contractor. Don't pour concentrated KMnO4 down the drain. Even dilute solutions can harm aquatic organisms (GHS Aquatic Toxicity Category 1). ^[2]

For reporting, potassium permanganate is listed under SARA Title III Sections 302 and 304 as an extremely hazardous substance, with a reportable quantity (RQ) of 100 pounds under CERCLA. ^[12] A spill that reaches a water body or public sewer in that quantity means you must notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

How does the potassium permanganate SDS compare to similar chemical SDSs like potassium hydroxide?

People often pull up the potassium hydroxide safety data sheet while researching potassium permanganate, since both are potassium-based chemicals used in water treatment and industry. They overlap in some hazards but carry very different primary risks.

Property	Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4)	Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Primary hazard	Strong oxidizer	Strong base (corrosive)
GHS signal word	Danger	Danger
Skin effect	Irritant/corrosive, staining	Severe chemical burns
Eye effect	Serious damage	Severe burns/blindness
Exposure limit (OSHA PEL)	5 mg/m³ (as Mn, ceiling)	None established
Flammability	Non-flammable (oxidizer risk)	Non-flammable
Incompatibles	Organics, acids, reducers	Acids, certain metals
Aquatic toxicity	Category 1 (high)	Moderate (pH effect)

The practical difference in handling: potassium hydroxide burns skin faster and harder because strong bases destroy fat through saponification. Potassium permanganate's skin effects come on slower but can mask how bad a burn is under the staining. Both require splash goggles. For potassium hydroxide, a face shield over goggles is more routinely recommended even for ordinary tasks because KOH solution wrecks tissue so quickly.

Using both chemicals at one facility? Store them completely apart and make sure your SDS binder or electronic system separates them clearly. Train workers to tell the difference, because the emergency response steps aren't the same.

What are your OSHA training requirements for employees who handle KMnO4?

Under the Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200(h), you have to train employees at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard enters the workplace. ^[1] The training has to cover how to read an SDS, how to interpret GHS labels, and the specific hazards of the chemicals they work with.

For potassium permanganate, training should hit the oxidizer hazard and why incompatible storage matters (the most commonly misunderstood risk), the signs of overexposure (respiratory irritation, skin staining, eye irritation), how to use PPE correctly and when to swap it out, emergency procedures including eyewash location and spill response, and where to find the SDS.

Document the training. Keep records of who got trained, when, and what you covered. OSHA doesn't dictate a format, but a sign-in sheet with a brief outline of topics is the floor. When a citation lands, documented training is your first line of defense.

If you're building a written hazard communication program from scratch and the binder-and-bravado approach sounds exhausting, SafetyFolio's safety program generator walks you through the required written program in about 15 minutes instead of a blank page.

For broader chemical safety context, our OSHA training resources and the OSHA 30 course both cover chemical hazard recognition.

What are the 16 sections of the GHS SDS for potassium permanganate?

Every GHS-compliant SDS for potassium permanganate must run these 16 sections in this order, per 29 CFR 1910.1200 Appendix D. ^[1] Here's what each one holds for KMnO4 specifically:

1. Identification: product name, manufacturer, emergency phone, recommended uses 2. Hazard identification: GHS classification, signal word (Danger), hazard statements, pictograms 3. Composition/information on ingredients: KMnO4, CAS number 7722-64-7, molecular weight 158.03 4. First aid measures: per-route response for skin, eye, inhalation, ingestion 5. Fire-fighting measures: oxidizer; use water spray to cool containers; avoid organic extinguishing agents 6. Accidental release measures: spill cleanup with inert absorbents, PPE, reporting thresholds 7. Handling and storage: segregation from organics and acids, dry storage, container requirements 8. Exposure controls and PPE: PELs, engineering controls, glove/goggle/respirator specifications 9. Physical and chemical properties: purple/violet crystals, MP ~240°C (decomposition), water solubility ~6.4 g/100 mL at 20°C 10. Stability and reactivity: stable when pure; reactive with organics, acids, hydrogen peroxide 11. Toxicological information: LD50, STOT, irritation data 12. Ecological information: aquatic toxicity data, persistence 13. Disposal considerations: RCRA characterization, licensed disposal 14. Transport information: UN number 1490, Class 5.1 (oxidizer), Packing Group II ^[13] 15. Regulatory information: SARA, CERCLA RQ, TSCA status 16. Other information: revision date, preparer info

One note: OSHA doesn't require employers to complete Sections 12 through 15 the same way it requires 1 through 11, because that information sits under other agencies' jurisdiction. But your supplier's SDS should have all 16 sections filled in.

How do you build a written hazard communication program that covers potassium permanganate?

OSHA requires every employer with hazardous chemicals on-site to keep a written Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program. ^[1] For most small businesses, this is the document most often missing during an inspection. The written program doesn't have to be long, but it does have to exist on paper (or in an accessible digital format) and hit specific required elements.

Your written HazCom program must describe how you keep SDSs accessible to workers on all shifts, how you make sure containers carry GHS-required labels, how you train new employees, and how you handle non-routine tasks involving chemicals you don't normally use.

For potassium permanganate, your program should call out the oxidizer storage segregation requirement and point to your emergency response procedures. If a spill hits the CERCLA reportable quantity of 100 pounds, your workers need to know who to call and how to start that notification. ^[12]

Your chemical inventory list (a simple spreadsheet is fine) must list every hazardous chemical on-site with a matching SDS. Potassium permanganate should show up on that list by name, CAS 7722-64-7, with a note on the quantity stored and where the SDS lives.

The hazard communication standard is the regulatory foundation for all of this. For a parallel example of how SDSs work for a corrosive acid, our hcl safety data sheet article covers the same 16-section structure in a different hazard profile.

SafetyFolio's safety program generator produces exactly this kind of written program, including the HazCom component, in a format OSHA inspectors actually accept.

What OSHA citations are most common for facilities handling potassium permanganate?

OSHA doesn't publish citation data broken down by specific chemical, but the standards cited most often at chemical-handling facilities show clearly where the gaps are.

The Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) lands in OSHA's top 10 most cited standards every year. ^[14] The violations inspectors find most: missing or outdated SDSs, containers without GHS-compliant labels, and no documented training records. All three are easy to fix before an inspector shows up.

For oxidizer-specific citations, inspectors look for improper storage near flammables. If your potassium permanganate sits next to paper products, cardboard, or a flammables cabinet, that's a citation waiting to happen.

For eye and skin protection, 29 CFR 1910.133 (eye and face protection) and 29 CFR 1910.138 (hand protection) get cited when employers can't show they did a hazard assessment and picked appropriate PPE. ^[9] The PPE hazard assessment doesn't have to be elaborate, but it does have to be written down and signed.

Respiratory protection violations under 29 CFR 1910.134 are common too, when workers wear respirators without a written program, medical clearance, or fit test records. ^[8]

The penalty structure for serious violations in 2024 runs up to $16,131 per violation, and willful or repeat violations can reach $161,323. ^[14] Getting the paperwork right is genuinely cheaper than a citation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the CAS number for potassium permanganate on the SDS?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) registry number for potassium permanganate is 7722-64-7. You'll find it in Section 3 of every GHS-compliant SDS. The molecular formula is KMnO4, molecular weight 158.03. When you're searching for or verifying an SDS, the CAS number is the most reliable identifier because it doesn't change with trade names or supplier branding.

Is potassium permanganate considered a hazardous material for shipping?

Yes. For transportation, potassium permanganate is classified under UN 1490, Class 5.1 (Oxidizing Substance), Packing Group II by the DOT and international transport regulations (IMDG, IATA). This means it requires proper packaging, labeling with the oxidizer placard, and shipping papers that reference the UN number. Section 14 of the SDS covers transport information. Shipping it without the correct classification is a DOT violation.

What is the OSHA PEL for potassium permanganate and is it still current?

OSHA's Table Z-1 PEL for manganese compounds (which covers KMnO4) is a ceiling of 5 mg/m³, set in 1971 and not updated since. Most industrial hygienists consider this outdated. NIOSH recommends a ceiling of 0.2 mg/m³ based on neurological research, and ACGIH sets a TLV of 0.1 mg/m³ (inhalable fraction). Use the lower NIOSH or ACGIH value as your practical exposure limit.

Can potassium permanganate spontaneously combust?

Potassium permanganate itself doesn't self-ignite, but mixtures with organic materials can ignite spontaneously or at lower temperatures. The reaction with concentrated glycerol or certain organic solvents can be immediate and vigorous. Contact with concentrated sulfuric acid generates explosive oxygen. Keep KMnO4 strictly separated from all organic materials, fuels, alcohols, and strong acids. This is the primary fire risk associated with the chemical.

How long do you need to flush eyes after potassium permanganate exposure?

Flush eyes for a minimum of 20-30 minutes with clean water or saline, per SDS Section 4 first aid guidance. Lift upper and lower eyelids throughout. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to remove. Get to an emergency room immediately after flushing; do not wait to see if symptoms resolve. KMnO4 is classified as causing serious eye damage (GHS Category 1), meaning damage can be permanent without prompt treatment.

What gloves are safe to use with potassium permanganate?

Nitrile gloves at a minimum thickness of 0.4 mm are generally recommended for routine handling. Butyl rubber gloves offer better protection for prolonged or heavy exposure. Latex gloves are not suitable because potassium permanganate degrades latex. For dry powder handling, heavier chemical-resistant gloves with forearm coverage are preferred. Always check Section 8 of your specific SDS, as concentration and formulation can affect glove material recommendations.

Does potassium permanganate require a written safety program or just an SDS?

Both. The SDS is the chemical-specific hazard document; the written Hazard Communication Program is the site-level management system required by 29 CFR 1910.1200(e). The written program must describe how SDSs are maintained and accessed, how containers are labeled, and how employees are trained. Potassium permanganate should appear on your chemical inventory list with a cross-reference to its SDS location.

What is the reportable quantity (RQ) for a potassium permanganate spill?

The CERCLA reportable quantity for potassium permanganate is 100 pounds. If a release reaches or exceeds that quantity and enters a waterway, the environment, or a public sewer, you must notify the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Potassium permanganate is also classified as an Extremely Hazardous Substance under SARA Title III Sections 302 and 304, which may trigger additional state emergency planning notification requirements.

Can I dispose of dilute potassium permanganate solutions down the drain?

Generally no, at least not without checking with your local publicly owned treatment works (POTW). Potassium permanganate is classified GHS Aquatic Toxicity Category 1 (highly toxic to aquatic organisms). Concentrated solutions should always go to a licensed hazardous waste disposal contractor. For dilute solutions used in water treatment, your facility's discharge permit may specify limits. Never assume sewer disposal is acceptable without verifying your local limits.

How is potassium permanganate different from other manganese compounds on the SDS?

The key distinction is the oxidizer hazard. Most manganese salts are primarily health hazards (neurotoxicity from chronic exposure). Potassium permanganate shares that chronic manganese hazard but adds a significant acute oxidizer risk, GHS Category 2, that other manganese compounds don't have. That changes storage requirements, fire response procedures, and incompatible materials lists. Always use the KMnO4-specific SDS, not a generic manganese compound SDS.

What training records does OSHA require for employees who work with potassium permanganate?

OSHA's HazCom standard (29 CFR 1910.1200(h)) requires training at initial assignment and when new chemical hazards are introduced. The standard doesn't specify a record format, but you need documentation showing who was trained, when, and what was covered. A dated sign-in sheet with a topic outline is the practical minimum. Keep records for the duration of employment plus 30 years if the chemical exposure could later be claimed as occupational illness.

What should I do if an employee ingests potassium permanganate at work?

Call 911 and Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately. Do not induce vomiting; concentrated potassium permanganate is corrosive to the GI tract and vomiting can worsen the injury. Rinse the mouth with water if the person is conscious and able to swallow. Bring the SDS to the emergency room with the employee. Ingestion of concentrated KMnO4 solutions can cause severe mucosal burns and systemic toxicity; it is a genuine medical emergency.

Where does potassium permanganate appear on OSHA's list of regulated substances?

Potassium permanganate falls under OSHA's general hazard communication coverage (29 CFR 1910.1200) rather than a substance-specific standard. It also appears in OSHA's Table Z-1 under manganese compounds with a ceiling PEL of 5 mg/m³. Beyond OSHA, it's regulated under SARA Title III as an extremely hazardous substance and under CERCLA with a 100-pound reportable quantity. It is not currently subject to a specific OSHA 1910.1000 air contaminant standard of its own.

How do I verify that my SDS for potassium permanganate is GHS-compliant?

Check that the document has exactly 16 sections in the standardized GHS order, with Section 1 starting with identification and ending at Section 16 with other information. The document must include GHS pictograms, a signal word (Danger for KMnO4), and standardized hazard and precautionary statements. If your SDS uses the old 9-section MSDS format or doesn't include GHS pictograms, it predates the 2016 compliance deadline and needs to be replaced with a current version from your supplier.

Sources

1. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard (including Appendix D, SDS format requirements): OSHA requires GHS-compliant 16-section SDS for all hazardous chemicals; training required at initial assignment and when new hazards introduced
2. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Potassium Permanganate Substance Dossier: GHS classification of potassium permanganate as Oxidizing Solid Category 2, Aquatic Toxicity Category 1, and Serious Eye Damage Category 1
3. NIOSH, Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Potassium Permanganate: Physical properties, first aid procedures, and rat oral LD50 of approximately 1,090 mg/kg for potassium permanganate
4. OSHA, Table Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants (29 CFR 1910.1000): OSHA PEL for manganese compounds (covering KMnO4) is a ceiling of 5 mg/m³, established 1971 and not updated
5. NIOSH, Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) for Manganese: NIOSH recommends a ceiling of 0.2 mg/m³ for manganese fumes and dust based on neurological toxicity research
6. American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), TLV-TWA for Manganese (inhalable fraction): ACGIH TLV for manganese inhalable fraction is 0.1 mg/m³
7. California Department of Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA), Title 8 CCR Section 5155: Cal/OSHA maintains its own permissible exposure limits and Table AC which may reference ACGIH values
8. OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard: Written respiratory protection program, medical evaluation, and fit testing required for any respirator use in the workplace
9. EPA, RCRA Hazardous Waste Regulations (40 CFR Parts 260-270): Potassium permanganate waste may be RCRA hazardous waste depending on concentration and generation method; characterization required before disposal
10. EPA, CERCLA Reportable Quantities and SARA Title III Extremely Hazardous Substances List: Potassium permanganate CERCLA reportable quantity is 100 pounds; it is also listed as a SARA Title III Section 302/304 extremely hazardous substance
11. DOT, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), 49 CFR Hazardous Materials Table: Potassium permanganate classified UN 1490, Class 5.1 (Oxidizing Substance), Packing Group II for transportation
12. OSHA, Top 10 Most Cited Standards FY 2023 and Penalty Structure: Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) consistently ranks in top 10 most cited standards; 2024 serious violation penalty up to $16,131