Safety data sheet reference · CAS 1310-73-2
Sodium hydroxide SDS
also: sodium hydroxide MSDS · safety data sheet · NaOH · CAS 1310-73-2 · EC 215-185-5 · caustic soda · lye
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
1310-73-2
EC number
215-185-5
CLP Annex VI index
011-002-00-6
Molecular formula
HNaO
Structural formula
NaOH
Molar mass
39.997 g/mol
§ 02 · Hazards identification
Sodium hydroxide harmonised EU classification
CLP Annex VI · Index 011-002-00-6. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.
Precautionary statements
Codes ending in a colon introduce the action that follows — on a label they are printed as combined statements, such as P305+P351+P338.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Sodium hydroxide structure
Sodium hydroxide is an ionic compound — there is no discrete NaOH molecule. The diagram shows the ions the crystal lattice is built from.
Ions of sodium hydroxide · NaOH
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string.
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Sodium hydroxide first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: WATER FLUSH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
Source: NIOSH, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Sodium hydroxide fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 154 Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 154 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
Extinguishing media and tactics
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIREDry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID.
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Sodium hydroxide spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID.
§ 07 · Handling and storage
Sodium hydroxide computed storage compatibility
Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.
⚠ Strong Reducing Agent⚠ Water-Reactive
⛔ Never store with
↔ Keep separate
Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →
§ 08 · Exposure controls
Sodium hydroxide exposure limits (IDLH)
IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
10 mg/m3
NIOSH Pocket Guide — Sodium hydroxide →
IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.
§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties
Sodium hydroxide physical properties
Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.
§ 10 · Stability and reactivity
Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Bases, Strong. Our database documents 36 incompatible and 12 caution reaction-partner groups for sodium hydroxide — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →
36
Incompatible
12
Caution
§ 13 · Disposal considerations
Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.
§ 14 · Transport information
Sodium hydroxide road transport — ADR 2025
UN number
Proper shipping name
SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID
Class · PG
8 · II
Classification code
C6
Transport category
2
ADR labels
8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
2 ADR entries under UN 1824
PG II SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
PG III SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.
MSDS vs SDS
Sodium hydroxide MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "sodium hydroxide MSDS" and a "sodium hydroxide SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
Other bases in our database
Substance profile
What sodium hydroxide is
Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for sodium hydroxide
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about sodium hydroxide
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "sodium hydroxide MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
What GHS pictograms does sodium hydroxide require?
Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), sodium hydroxide carries GHS05 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H314. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.
What should sodium hydroxide never be stored with?
Based on its storage class (Bases), sodium hydroxide must not share storage with: Mineral acids; Organic acids; Oxidizing acids; Water-reactives. Verify against the supplier's SDS sections 7 and 10 before finalising storage.
Where can I download an official sodium hydroxide SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: WATER FLUSH IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. For electric vehicles or equipment, ERG Guide 147 (lithium ion or sodium ion batteries) or ERG Guide 138 (sodium batteries) should also be consulted.
Extinguishing media and tactics
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIREDry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.