safety instructions
Soapmaking requires the mixing of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda, in water to produce a lye solution.
Caustic soda usually comes in two forms; pearl, which has the appearance of sugar like beads, and flakes, which are similar in appearance to Lux soap flakes, but smaller.
There are two important facts to note about caustic soda:
- caustic soda is very strong alkali and can cause severe burns;
- when mixed with water it releases heat causing the mixture to heat up to 80°C or more.
When dry, caustic soda is fairly benign. However, once dissolved in water, it becomes very alkaline or 'caustic'. The moisture on your skin is sometimes enough to cause a single bead or flake of caustic soda to dissolve and result in a small burn.
For this reason it is important to wear covered shoes, long pants, rubber gloves and safety glasses.
- add sodium hydroxide to the water
mixing with water
When mixing caustic soda with water it is absolutely essential to add the caustic soda to the water and not the other way around. Pouring water into a container of caustic soda could cause the water to suddenly become steam resulting in small explosions and splashing.
storage
Keep caustic soda dry in a sealed, properly labelled container, out of reach of children.
Store lye in a sealed plastic container. When allowing lye mixture to cool, place sealed container in a safe place (away from children) and label to ensure it is not mistaken by others.
cleanup of spillages
Spillages of dry caustic soda are best swept up and disposed of properly. Add a cup of vinegar to half a bucket of water and mop area thoroughly.
For spillages of lye, mop up and rinse the area with vinegar and water as above. Rinse thoroughly all brooms, mops, dustpans afterwards.
first aid - caustic soda
Skin: For spillages on the skin, immediately wash contaminated skin with plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse. If swelling, redness, blistering or irritation occurs seek medical advice.
If a skin burn occurs, immediately flood burnt area with plenty of water and cover with a clean, dry dressing. Seek medical advice.
Eyes: Immediately irrigate with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Eyelids to be held open. Remove clothing if contaminated and wash skin. Urgently seek medical assistance.
Swallowed: Immediately rinse mouth with water. Give water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical assistance.