☣️ UN 1813 • CLASS 8
Potassium hydroxide, solid
Placard: Corrosive. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
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⚠️ This page is a quick-reference aid. For real incidents: stage upwind, isolate, deny entry, request Hazmat early, and consult the current ERG + SOP/SOG.
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Quick details
UN 1813
Class: 8
Placard type: Corrosive
ERG: Guide 154 (check current ERG)
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind
Chemical & Response Details
| Also known as | Caustic potashPotassium hydrateLyeKOH |
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| Appearance | White to slightly yellow solid (pellets, flakes, or powder). Odorless or slight amine-like odor. Hygroscopic and deliquescent. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (non-combustible solid) |
| Boiling Point | 1327C (2421F) |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (solid) |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts exothermically with water generating heat; may cause splashing or spattering of hot solution |
| Extinguishing | Water fog, CO2, dry chemical; avoid direct water streams on hot material |
| PPE | ⚠️ Level B minimum; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots; face shield with goggles; SCBA required in confined spaces or significant exposure |
| Isolation | ERG 154: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind |
Chemical details are general reference only. Always verify with current SDS, ERG, and SOP/SOG.
Common hazards (high level)
- TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
- Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
- Avoid any skin contact.
- Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
- Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental
- Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive
- Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
- Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
First actions (field-minded)
- CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances.
- For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind
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UN 1813 — Potassium hydroxide, solid HAZMAT RADIO NOTE — UN 1813
Product: Potassium hydroxide, solid
Class 8 / Corrosive / ERG 154
PPE: Level B minimum; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots; face shield with goggles; SCBA required in confined spaces or significant exposure
ISOLATION: ERG 154: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind
ACTION: Stage upwind · Isolate · Deny entry · Request HazmatRADIO
Use for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
=== IC HAZMAT BRIEFING ===
UN 1813 — Potassium hydroxide, solid
Class: 8 | Placard: Corrosive | ERG Guide: 154
Appearance: White to slightly yellow solid (pellets, flakes, or powder). Odorless or slight amine-like odor. Hygroscopic and deliquescent.
Water Reactivity: Reacts exothermically with water generating heat; may cause splashing or spattering of hot solution
Extinguishing: Water fog, CO2, dry chemical; avoid direct water streams on hot material
PPE: Level B minimum; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots; face shield with goggles; SCBA required in confined spaces or significant exposure
Isolation: ERG 154: isolate spill 25m all directions; for large spills isolate 50m and consider evacuation 300m downwind
— Key Hazards —
• TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury
• Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
• Avoid any skin contact.
— First Actions —
• CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
SOURCE: allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1813 | Always use current ERG + SOP/SOGIC BRIEFING
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief. Full chemical + response details.
UN1813 Potassium hydroxide, solid Cls8 ERG154 | allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1813SMS / 160 CHAR
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS. Includes link to full page.
⚠️ Quick-reference only. Always use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions. Page: https://allfirefighter.com/hazmat/un/1813
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FAQ
TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas.
CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
Level B minimum; chemical-resistant suit, gloves, boots; face shield with goggles; SCBA required in confined spaces or significant exposure
No. This is a training/quick-reference aid only. Always consult the current ERG Guide 154 and your department SOP/SOG for incident-specific protective actions.
Sources (high level): DOT/PHMSA marking & class concepts + ERG usage principles. This page does not reproduce ERG guide text—always consult the current ERG for incident-specific protective actions.