Last updated 2026-07-09
TL;DR
Sodium hydroxide (lye, caustic soda) is a corrosive alkali regulated under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200. Its 16-section GHS safety data sheet covers health hazards, a PEL of 2 mg/m³ (ceiling), required PPE, first aid, and spill response. Employers must keep the SDS accessible to workers on every shift and train them before first exposure.
What is sodium hydroxide and why does its SDS matter?
Sodium hydroxide, chemical formula NaOH, wears a few different names on the job: lye, caustic soda, and sodium hydrate are all the same compound. It's a white solid at room temperature, sold as flakes, pellets, or a liquid solution. Food processors use it to cure olives and pretzels. Pulp and paper mills, textile plants, soap makers, drain cleaner formulators, and water treatment operators all handle it daily.
The safety data sheet matters because NaOH is genuinely dangerous, not dangerous in some paperwork sense. It reacts with water and many metals and releases heat while it does. Contact with skin or eyes can destroy tissue within seconds, and airborne mist or dust chews up the respiratory tract. The International Agency for Research on Cancer does not classify NaOH as a carcinogen, but the acute hazards are bad enough that OSHA treats it as a chemical that demands specific attention under the Hazard Communication Standard. [1]
Under 29 CFR 1910.1200, any employer whose workers might be exposed to sodium hydroxide has to keep its SDS on file, keep it reachable during every shift, and train workers to read it before they ever touch the chemical. [2] That's not a suggestion. Missing or inaccessible SDSs land on OSHA's most-cited HazCom violations list year after year.
What are the 16 sections of a sodium hydroxide SDS?
OSHA's HazCom standard, aligned with the UN's Globally Harmonized System (GHS), requires every SDS issued after June 2015 to follow a standard 16-section format. Here's what each section holds for sodium hydroxide specifically:
| Section | Name | Key NaOH content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identification | Product name, CAS 1310-73-2, supplier contact, emergency phone |
| 2 | Hazard identification | GHS Hazard Category: Skin Corrosion/Irritation Cat. 1A; Serious Eye Damage Cat. 1 |
| 3 | Composition/ingredients | NaOH ≥97% (anhydrous); trace carbonate possible |
| 4 | First-aid measures | Flush eyes 20-30 min; flush skin 20 min; do not induce vomiting if ingested |
| 5 | Fire-fighting measures | NaOH is non-flammable; use water/CO2 for surrounding fires |
| 6 | Accidental release measures | Neutralize spills with dilute acid cautiously; collect in dry container |
| 7 | Handling and storage | Keep dry; store away from acids, metals, flammables |
| 8 | Exposure controls/PPE | OSHA PEL 2 mg/m³ ceiling; ACGIH TLV-C 2 mg/m³; face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, apron |
| 9 | Physical/chemical properties | White solid; melting point 318°C; pH (1% solution) ~13; highly hygroscopic |
| 10 | Stability/reactivity | Exothermic reaction with water and acids; reacts with Al, Zn, Sn releasing H₂ gas |
| 11 | Toxicological information | Skin/eye: severe burns; Oral LD50 (rat): 325 mg/kg |
| 12 | Ecological information | Highly toxic to aquatic organisms at high pH |
| 13 | Disposal considerations | Neutralize before disposal; consult local regulations |
| 14 | Transport information | DOT: Corrosive material; UN 1823 (solid) or UN 1824 (solution) |
| 15 | Regulatory information | CERCLA reportable quantity: 1,000 lbs; listed under SARA |
| 16 | Other information | Revision date; disclaimer |
The 16-section format is mandatory. An SDS in the old MSDS format (pre-GHS, with sections in whatever order the manufacturer liked) doesn't satisfy 29 CFR 1910.1200(g) for chemicals you're newly bringing in, though OSHA lets older MSDSs stay in use for chemicals already in the workplace when no updated SDS is available from the manufacturer. [2] For most small businesses the clean answer is simple: download the current GHS SDS straight from the manufacturer's website every time you bring in a new lot.
What are the health hazards listed on the sodium hydroxide SDS?
The hazard identification section is the first thing a worker should read, and for NaOH the message is blunt: this is a strong alkali that destroys tissue by breaking down cell membranes and unraveling protein.
Skin contact with solid NaOH or concentrated solution causes severe chemical burns. The burn keeps going deeper even after you remove the source, because the mechanism is liquefactive necrosis, not the coagulative necrosis you get from acids. In plain terms, the damage doesn't wall itself off the way an acid burn often does. [3]
Eye contact is the most time-critical hazard on the sheet. Even brief contact with a solution stronger than 1% can damage the cornea. That's why Section 4 of a compliant NaOH SDS calls for a 20-to-30-minute eye flush. It is not an exaggeration. Permanent vision loss is on the table when treatment is delayed. [4]
Inhalation of dust or mist above the ceiling limit irritates the upper airway and, in severe cases, causes pulmonary edema. NIOSH lists sodium hydroxide as immediately dangerous to life or health at 10 mg/m³. Workers who mix solid NaOH into water should do it in a ventilated space, always adding NaOH to water and never water to NaOH, to keep the exothermic heat under control. [4]
Ingestion is rare in industrial settings but ugly when it happens. Do not induce vomiting. The caustic material burns the esophagus a second time on the way back up. Get the person to emergency care fast.
NaOH is not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin under GHS criteria. The whole hazard profile is acute and physical.
What exposure limits apply to sodium hydroxide?
Three exposure limits show up in Section 8 of nearly every NaOH SDS, and all three land on the same number. OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limit is 2 mg/m³ as a ceiling. NIOSH sets a 2 mg/m³ 15-minute ceiling. ACGIH sets a 2 mg/m³ ceiling TLV. Worth knowing by heart.
A ceiling limit means workers should never be exposed above that concentration, not even for a moment. It is not a time-weighted average you can dip above and below. OSHA's PEL for sodium hydroxide was set in 1971 under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 and hasn't been updated since, which is one of the standing criticisms of OSHA's legacy PELs. [5]
ACGIH's Threshold Limit Value (TLV-C) of 2 mg/m³ is not legally enforceable, but it's a widely used benchmark and shows up in most SDSs as a recommended guideline. [11]
NIOSH's Recommended Exposure Limit is 2 mg/m³ as a 15-minute ceiling. NIOSH got to the same number by a different route, reviewing irritation data and worker health studies. [4]
Most small businesses using NaOH in solution form in a well-ventilated space won't come close to the ceiling. Any operation with heated NaOH solutions, spray application, or dry handling of solid flakes is a different story and should take the limit seriously. If your facility generates NaOH dust or mist on a regular basis, you'll need air monitoring to confirm you're under 2 mg/m³. [6]
Engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation come before respirators under the hierarchy of controls. The SDS should tell you what respiratory protection is required when ventilation alone can't hold exposures below the ceiling.
What PPE does the sodium hydroxide SDS require?
Section 8 of the NaOH SDS spells out the minimum PPE, and it carries weight because 29 CFR 1910.132 requires employers to document a hazard assessment and provide the right equipment at no cost to workers. [7]
For most sodium hydroxide work, a compliant SDS calls for:
Eye and face protection: Chemical splash goggles (more than safety glasses) plus a full face shield for any task where splashing is possible. Safety glasses alone don't stop liquid NaOH. Look for ANSI Z87.1 rated goggles.
Hand protection: Chemical-resistant gloves. Many SDSs just say "rubber or neoprene gloves," but real glove selection means checking the glove maker's chemical resistance chart for your specific concentration and contact time. Natural rubber handles dilute solutions. For concentrated solutions or long contact, neoprene or butyl rubber gives better breakthrough resistance.
Body protection: Chemical-resistant apron or suit, depending on splash potential. Large-volume handling or transfer work may call for a full chemical-resistant suit.
Respiratory protection: A NIOSH-approved respirator where dust or mist is generated. The floor is a half-face respirator with a P100/OV combination cartridge; high-concentration environments may need an air-supplied respirator. Any respiratory protection has to run through a program that meets 29 CFR 1910.134. [8]
Footwear: Chemical-resistant boots if spills can reach the floor where workers stand.
The employer, not the worker, buys this gear under OSHA rules. If you're having workers buy their own chemical-resistant gloves, that's a violation of 29 CFR 1910.132(h). [7]
Building a hazard communication program around documents like this NaOH SDS? The SafetyFolio safety program generator can assemble a written HazCom program in a fraction of the time it takes by hand.
What does the SDS say about first aid for sodium hydroxide exposure?
Section 4 of the NaOH SDS covers first aid, and this guidance needs to be posted near any area where sodium hydroxide is used. Training workers on the response before exposure is a requirement, not a nice-to-have.
Skin contact: Get contaminated clothing off immediately. Flush the area with large amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Don't try to neutralize the burn chemically. Get medical attention even if the burn looks minor at first, because NaOH burns keep deepening after apparent decontamination.
Eye contact: This is the highest-urgency scenario on the sheet. Flush immediately with large amounts of water for 20 to 30 minutes, holding the eyelids open. Remove contact lenses only if you can do it without delaying the flush. Call emergency services and get ophthalmological care right away. Permanent vision loss follows delayed treatment.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen if you're trained to. Seek medical attention. Pulmonary edema can show up several hours after a serious inhalation exposure, so don't assume someone is fine because they feel fine.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Give water to dilute if the person is conscious and can swallow. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) and emergency services. [3]
Every workplace that uses sodium hydroxide should have an eyewash station and emergency shower within 10 seconds of travel from the exposure point, the benchmark set in ANSI Z358.1. OSHA references that standard in its enforcement guidance, and it has cited employers under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) for lacking adequate emergency eyewash where NaOH was in use.
How do you handle a sodium hydroxide spill safely?
Section 6 of the NaOH SDS covers accidental release. What you do depends on whether it's dry solid or aqueous solution and on how much hit the floor.
Small spills of solid NaOH: Clear out unnecessary people. Put on goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and an apron. Collect the solid with a dry scoop or broom into a sealed container. Do not add water to the collected solid in the container. Label it and dispose of it under local regulations.
Liquid spills: Contain it by diking or using dry sand or an absorbent. Skip sawdust and paper, which can react. Collect the absorbed material into sealed containers. Neutralizing with dilute acid in the spill area should only be done, carefully, by someone who knows what they're doing. That reaction produces heat and, depending on the acid, can generate steam or other hazards.
Large spills: Call your local hazardous materials response team. A large liquid NaOH spill reaching a storm drain or waterway triggers EPA reporting. The CERCLA reportable quantity for sodium hydroxide is 1,000 pounds, which means a release above that to the environment must be reported to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. [9]
Never flush NaOH spills to the sewer without treatment. Most municipal sewer authorities prohibit discharge of material above pH 12.5. Concentrated NaOH solutions run right past pH 14.
How does the NaOH SDS compare to SDSs for similar alkalis and salts?
Sodium hydroxide gets used alongside, and sometimes confused with, chemically related compounds that carry their own SDS requirements. Knowing the differences keeps you from cross-contamination errors and from applying NaOH-grade precautions to something that doesn't need them (or the reverse, which is worse).
Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃, soda ash or washing soda): Much milder than NaOH. Its SDS shows skin and eye irritation, not corrosion. A 1% aqueous solution sits around pH 11.6, irritating but not destructive. No OSHA PEL exists specifically for sodium carbonate; it falls under the particulates-not-otherwise-regulated limit of 15 mg/m³ total dust and 5 mg/m³ respirable. PPE is lighter too: safety glasses instead of chemical splash goggles for routine handling.
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃, baking soda): An SDS for sodium bicarbonate shows minimal acute hazards. In pure form it isn't classified as a hazardous chemical under OSHA's HazCom standard. A 1% solution runs around pH 8.3. The concerns on a sodium bicarbonate MSDS or SDS come down to nuisance dust at high concentrations and minor eye irritation. No special PPE beyond dust control is usually needed.
Sodium chloride (NaCl, table salt): A safety data sheet for sodium chloride classifies it as minimally hazardous. It's essentially non-toxic by ingestion at normal concentrations; the main industrial concern is inhaling fine dust. OSHA treats it under the general particulates standard, and a sodium chloride SDS lists eye irritation as the primary acute hazard. Workers handling bulk NaCl in food or water treatment often see it filed next to a sodium carbonate safety data sheet in plants that run several treatment chemicals.
The gap between NaOH and these other sodium compounds is large from a regulatory standpoint. NaOH triggers specific PPE, emergency eyewash, and possible exposure monitoring. Sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride don't. Mixing up these SDSs during training is a real mistake, and it happens in facilities where several similar-looking white solids sit near each other.
If your facility runs HCl alongside NaOH for pH control, see our HCl safety data sheet article, which covers the matching hazards of strong acids.
To build a hazard communication program that manages all your chemical SDSs, OSHA's own HazCom page is the best place to start.
What OSHA standards apply to sodium hydroxide in the workplace?
Several OSHA standards intersect when NaOH is in a workplace, and the SDS is only one piece of the compliance picture.
29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication): The SDS requirement lives here. Employers must keep SDSs for all hazardous chemicals, make them reachable to employees on every shift, and train workers on chemical hazards and how to read the sheets. [2]
29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 (Air Contaminants): This is where the legally enforceable 2 mg/m³ ceiling PEL for NaOH sits. [5]
29 CFR 1910.132 and 1910.138 (PPE and Hand Protection): Employers must assess PPE hazards, document the assessment, provide the right PPE at no cost, and train workers on its use. [7]
29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection): If engineering controls don't bring exposures below the ceiling, a written respiratory protection program is required. [8]
29 CFR 1910.151 (Medical Services and First Aid): Requires first aid within reasonable proximity of the worksite. OSHA reads this to include access to emergency eyewash and shower where corrosive chemicals are present.
General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)): Even where a specific standard doesn't explicitly cover a hazard, OSHA can cite employers for recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious harm. Inadequate emergency eyewash near NaOH use is a textbook General Duty Clause case.
For workers under OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR 1926), the parallel HazCom rule is 29 CFR 1926.59, which adopts the same GHS and SDS framework.
Hazard Communication ranks among OSHA's top 10 most-cited standards nearly every year, including failures to keep SDSs accessible. [10] A chemical exposure incident that proper SDS access and training would have prevented creates both regulatory liability and workers' compensation exposure. On documenting such incidents, see our incident report guide.
How should workers be trained to use a sodium hydroxide SDS?
Dropping a binder of SDSs in the break room and calling it HazCom training doesn't meet the standard. 29 CFR 1910.1200(h) requires training at the time of initial assignment to work with a hazardous chemical and whenever a new hazard shows up. [2]
For NaOH specifically, real training covers:
- How to find the SDS (physical binder location, electronic system login, or both)
- What the GHS hazard symbols on the NaOH label mean, especially the corrosion pictogram
- The health hazards in plain language: burns tissue, eye damage can be permanent, respiratory irritant
- What PPE goes on before handling, and the correct donning and doffing order
- Where the emergency eyewash station is, how to activate it, and how long to flush
- What to do in a spill: who to call, where the spill kit is, evacuation route
- Who the competent person or safety contact is for questions
Training records have to be kept. OSHA doesn't mandate a specific form for HazCom records, but you need to show who was trained, on what date, and who delivered it. For a small business, a sign-in sheet with the training topic works fine.
New hires who will handle NaOH get trained before the first exposure. Not during the first week, not at the next scheduled safety meeting. Before.
If you need a written hazard communication program that ties together SDS management, chemical inventory, labeling, and training records, the SafetyFolio safety program generator can produce a compliant written program built around your actual chemical inventory.
What should you do if the sodium hydroxide SDS is missing or outdated?
This comes up more than it should. A chemical has sat in the facility for years, the SDS got lost, or the one on file is a pre-GHS MSDS that doesn't meet the current format.
Step one: Call the manufacturer or distributor. Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g), chemical manufacturers and importers must provide a compliant SDS with the first shipment of a hazardous chemical and with any shipment after the SDS is updated. Call your supplier and they're legally obligated to give you a current SDS. [2]
Step two: Check the manufacturer's website. Most large chemical suppliers (Sigma-Aldrich, Brenntag, Univar, and others) run SDS portals where you can download the current version as a free PDF. For NaOH there are plenty of compliant GHS SDSs online from major suppliers.
Step three: If you can't reach the manufacturer, use the CAS number (NaOH is 1310-73-2) to search third-party SDS databases. Verify the sheet came from a legitimate manufacturer before you rely on it.
Step four: Until you have a compliant SDS, treat the chemical as an uncontrolled hazard. Restrict access, use maximum PPE for any handling you truly can't avoid, and get the SDS resolved before normal operations resume.
Do not make up or alter an SDS. Providing false or misleading hazard information violates 29 CFR 1910.1200 and can bring serious citations and penalties.
What are the storage and compatibility rules for sodium hydroxide?
Section 7 (Handling and Storage) and Section 10 (Stability/Reactivity) of the NaOH SDS hold the storage rules. They matter because bad NaOH storage has caused chemical reactions and fires in small businesses.
Sodium hydroxide should be stored:
- In a dry location. NaOH is highly hygroscopic, pulling moisture out of the air fast. Wet solid NaOH generates heat and can wreck its container.
- Away from acids. The neutralization reaction is exothermic and potentially violent if large quantities of concentrated acid meet concentrated NaOH.
- Away from metals, especially aluminum, zinc, and tin. NaOH reacts with these to produce hydrogen gas, which is flammable and can build up in an enclosed storage area.
- In tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) works. Avoid glass for large quantities (thermal stress risk) and any metal container that will corrode.
- Away from flammable materials. NaOH itself doesn't burn, but the hydrogen it can generate against metals does.
Temperature and ventilation: keep NaOH storage areas cool and well-ventilated. Most SDSs list no specific temperature maximum, but hot, humid storage speeds up moisture absorption and container breakdown.
In facilities where NaOH sits alongside sodium carbonate or sodium chloride (common in water treatment plants), segregation between those three is a low concern since they're compatible. The priority never changes: NaOH away from acids and reactive metals, first and always.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number for sodium hydroxide on the SDS?
The CAS number for sodium hydroxide is 1310-73-2. It appears in Section 1 and Section 3 of the SDS and is the most reliable way to search for the correct sheet, look up regulatory status, and confirm you're working with NaOH rather than a related compound like sodium carbonate (CAS 497-19-8) or sodium bicarbonate (CAS 144-55-8).
Is sodium hydroxide considered a hazardous chemical under OSHA?
Yes. Sodium hydroxide is a hazardous chemical under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200. GHS classifies it as a skin corrosive (Category 1A) that also causes serious eye damage (Category 1). Employers must keep a current SDS, label containers properly, and train workers on the hazards before first use.
What is the OSHA permissible exposure limit for sodium hydroxide?
OSHA's PEL for sodium hydroxide is 2 mg/m³ as a ceiling value, set under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1. A ceiling limit means exposure should never exceed that concentration, not even briefly. NIOSH and ACGIH both set the same 2 mg/m³ ceiling in their recommended limits, though those aren't legally enforceable on their own.
What gloves does the sodium hydroxide SDS recommend?
Most NaOH SDSs specify chemical-resistant gloves, commonly neoprene or rubber. Natural rubber gloves can handle dilute solutions. For concentrated solutions or extended contact, neoprene or butyl rubber gives better breakthrough resistance. Always check the specific glove manufacturer's chemical resistance data for the NaOH concentration and expected contact time in your operation.
How long do you flush eyes after sodium hydroxide exposure?
The sodium hydroxide SDS specifies 20 to 30 minutes of continuous eye flushing with water after any contact. That's far longer than for most irritants because NaOH causes liquefactive necrosis that keeps going after the source is gone. Call emergency services immediately and get an ophthalmological evaluation even if symptoms seem mild once flushing stops.
What is the difference between an MSDS and SDS for sodium hydroxide?
An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older format, with variable sections and no fixed layout. An SDS follows the GHS-aligned 16-section format required by OSHA's revised HazCom standard. OSHA required manufacturers to update to the 16-section SDS by June 2015. You should have a current 16-section GHS SDS for NaOH. An older MSDS may still be in use if no updated version exists, but request a current SDS from the manufacturer.
Does the sodium hydroxide SDS cover solutions as well as solid NaOH?
Manufacturers usually issue separate SDSs for solid NaOH and for aqueous solutions at different concentrations (for example, 50% caustic soda solution). Hazard classifications are similar, but physical properties and specific exposure controls differ. Make sure the SDS on file matches the actual form and concentration of NaOH your facility receives and uses.
How does the sodium carbonate SDS differ from the sodium hydroxide SDS?
Sodium carbonate (soda ash) is much less hazardous. Its SDS shows skin and eye irritation, not corrosion. A 1% solution runs around pH 11.6 versus 13 or higher for NaOH. PPE is lighter: safety glasses rather than chemical splash goggles for routine handling. There is no specific OSHA PEL for sodium carbonate; it falls under the general particulates limit of 15 mg/m³ total dust.
What is the reportable quantity for a sodium hydroxide spill under CERCLA?
The CERCLA reportable quantity (RQ) for sodium hydroxide is 1,000 pounds. If a spill releases 1,000 pounds or more to the environment (including storm drains or waterways), you must report it to the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. This obligation appears in Section 15 (Regulatory Information) of a compliant NaOH SDS.
Can I download a sodium hydroxide SDS for free?
Yes. Major chemical suppliers publish their SDSs on their websites at no cost. Search for the manufacturer or supplier name plus 'sodium hydroxide SDS,' or use the CAS number 1310-73-2. OSHA also keeps chemical resources at osha.gov. Always use an SDS from the actual manufacturer of the product you have, since formulations and impurity profiles vary.
Does my small business need an emergency eyewash station if we use sodium hydroxide?
Yes. OSHA's enforcement guidance and the General Duty Clause both support requiring emergency eyewash and drench shower facilities where corrosives like NaOH are used. The industry standard is ANSI Z358.1, which calls for the eyewash to be reachable within 10 seconds of the exposure area and able to deliver at least 15 minutes of continuous flushing at a tepid temperature.
What is the sodium hydroxide SDS guidance for disposal?
Section 13 of the NaOH SDS states that disposal must comply with federal, state, and local regulations. For small quantities of dilute NaOH solution, neutralizing to pH 6 to 8 before drain disposal is often allowed under local sewer use ordinances, but you must verify with your local publicly owned treatment works (POTW). Solid NaOH waste and concentrated solutions may require a licensed hazardous waste contractor.
How often should I update the sodium hydroxide SDS?
Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(5), manufacturers must update the SDS within 3 months of learning significant new information about hazards or protective measures, then provide it with the next shipment. As an employer, replace your on-file SDS whenever you receive an updated version. Best practice is to confirm you have the current version each time a new shipment arrives.
Sources
- OSHA, Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances: NaOH is listed among chemicals warranting attention under OSHA's hazard communication framework
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication Standard: Employers must maintain SDSs accessible during all shifts and train workers before first chemical exposure; manufacturers must provide SDS with first shipment and after updates
- CDC NIOSH, Sodium Hydroxide: Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Documentation: NaOH causes liquefactive necrosis on skin contact; first aid for ingestion does not include inducing vomiting; IDLH is 10 mg/m³
- CDC NIOSH, Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards: Sodium Hydroxide: NIOSH REL is 2 mg/m³ as a 15-minute ceiling; IDLH is 10 mg/m³; eye and skin contact cause severe burns
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1 Air Contaminants: OSHA PEL for sodium hydroxide is 2 mg/m³ as a ceiling value, established in 1971
- CDC NIOSH, Occupational Chemical Database: Air monitoring is used to confirm airborne NaOH exposures stay below the ceiling limit
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment General Requirements: Employers must assess PPE hazards, document the assessment, provide PPE at no cost to workers, and train them on proper use; 1910.132(h) prohibits requiring workers to pay for required PPE
- OSHA, 29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection Standard: A written respiratory protection program is required when engineering controls alone do not maintain exposures below permissible limits
- EPA, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA): CERCLA reportable quantity for sodium hydroxide is 1,000 pounds; releases above the RQ must be reported to the National Response Center
- OSHA, Top 10 Most Cited Standards: Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) is consistently among the top-cited OSHA standards, including failures to maintain accessible SDSs
- ACGIH, Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices (TLV-BEI) Booklet: ACGIH TLV-C for sodium hydroxide is 2 mg/m³ as a ceiling value