UN 1814 — Potassium hydroxide, solution
Placard: Corrosive. ERG Guide 154. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Potassium hydroxide is a highly alkaline and corrosive substance that can cause severe burns to skin and eyes upon contact. It is typically a clear to slightly cloudy colorless liquid with no distinctive odor, but its aqueous solution is viscous and slippery to the touch.
Hazard overview: Inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with potassium hydroxide may cause severe injury, including toxic and corrosive effects. Contact with molten substance can also cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
Response guidance: In case of an emergency, isolate the spill area immediately and evacuate the surrounding area, using water spray to cool containers if necessary. Responders should wear Level B minimum protective gear, including face shield, chemical-resistant gloves and suit, and SCBA for confined spaces or heavy vapor exposure.
UN 1814 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1814
- 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.
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Potassium hydroxide is a clear to slightly cloudy colorless liquid with no distinctive odor, but its aqueous solution is typically viscous and slippery to the touch.
| Also known as | Caustic potash solutionKOH solutionPotassium hydrate solutionLye solution (potassium)Potash lye |
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly cloudy colorless liquid with no distinctive odor. Aqueous solution is typically viscous and slippery to the touch. Highly alkaline and corrosive. |
| Flash Point | Not applicable (aqueous solution, non-flammable) |
| Boiling Point | Approximately 100-140°C (212-284°F) depending on concentration |
| Vapor Density | Not applicable (aqueous solution) |
| Water Reactivity | Miscible with water; dissolution generates significant heat and may cause violent boiling or spattering |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1814
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Responders should wear Level B minimum protective gear, including face shield, chemical-resistant gloves and suit, and SCBA for confined spaces or heavy vapor exposure.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1814 Incident
- 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
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1814 — Potassium hydroxide, solutionUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.