Product Identification

Product Name

Potassium silicate

Synonyms

Potassium silicate
Soluble potash glass

CAS

1312-76-1

EINECS

215-199-1

Beilstein/Gmelin

NA

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Clear, colorless, aqueous solution.

Boiling Point

>100

Vapor Pressure

<17

Density

1.39 g/cm3 (20 C)

Usage

As binder (eg, in carbon electrodes, lead pencils, protective coatings, insol pigments), detergent.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Mucosal if no respiratory compromise is present, dilute immediately with milk or water; no more than 8 ounces in adults and 4 ounces in children. Gastric ipecac contraindicated. Consider insertion of a small, flexible nasogastric or orogastric tube to suction gastric contents after recent large ingestions; the risk of further mucosal injury must be weighed against potential benefits.

Inhalation

Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with beta2 agonist and corticosteroid aerosols.

Skin

Remove contaminated clothes. Irrigate exposed skin with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes or longer, depending on concentration, amount and duration of exposure to the chemical. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persist.

Eyes

Home irrigation - exposed eyes should be irrigated with copious amounts of water for at least 30 minutes. An examination should always be performed. Ophthalmologic consultation should be obtained. Medical facility: irrigate with sterile 0.9% Saline for at least an hour or until the cul-de-sacs are free of particulate matter and returned to neutrality (confirm with pH paper).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep in a cool, dry location. Keep container tightly sealed.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Stridor, dyspnea, upper airway injury, and pulmonary edema, especially following inhalation of vaporized caustics, may occur.

Skin

Severe skin irritation and/or burns may occur.

Eyes

Can cause eye irritation. Symptoms include stinging, tearing, redness, and swelling of eyes.

Ingestion

Burns of the esophagus and less commonly the stomach may occur after caustic ingestion; the absence of oral mucosal injury does not reliably exclude esophageal burns. Patients with stridor, drooling or vomiting are more likely to have esophageal burns.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Goggles or a face shield should be used in handling these alkaline products, & the granules should be added slowly to the soln when dissolving. Sol silicates.

Respirators

If overexposure has been determined or documented, a NIOSH/MSHA jointly approved air supplied respirator is advised in absence of proper environmental control. OSHA NIOSH/MSHA respirators under specified conditions.

Exposure Effects

Symptoms of exposure to this material through breathing, swallowing, and/or passage of the material through the skin may include: irritation (nose, throat, airways).

Poison Class

4

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Use agent most appropriate to extinguish fire.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Small Spill - Absorb liquid on vermiculite, floor absorbent or other absorbent material. Flush area with water. Large Spill - Persons not wearing protective equipment should be excluded from area of spill until clean-up has been completed. Stop spill at source, dike area of spill to prevent spreading, pump liquid to salvage tank. Remaining liquid may be taken up on sand, clay, earth, floor absorbent, or other absorbent material and shoveled into containers. Spills of this material are very slippery. Flush area with water.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Stable.

Incompatibilities

Strong oxidizing agents.

Decomposition

No data.