Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Chemical Engineering Forum => Topic started by: David Stirling on June 19, 2018, 05:42:25 AM

Title: Evaluating whether or not vapour from substance is hazardous.
Post by: David Stirling on June 19, 2018, 05:42:25 AM

In my workplace our products are cleaned using a mixture of water and a highly alkaline cleaner as part of the manufacturing process. This cleaner is composed of sodium hydroxide, corrosion inhibitors and chelating agents. A tank is filled with this mixture of water and cleaner and is heated to 60°C where it is maintained. The products are lowered into the liquid then a lid seals the tank. Vapours are given off from the liquid. I am concerned that this vapour is harmful to the workers. My question: Does the sodium hydroxide evaporate with the water? (Therefore being inhaled by the workers)

Title: Re: Evaluating whether or not vapour from substance is hazardous.
Post by: chenbeier on June 19, 2018, 12:01:20 PM

I would refer to the MSDS of the product. NaOH normaly doesn`t evaporate, but probably the other additives.

Title: Re: Evaluating whether or not vapour from substance is hazardous.
Post by: wildfyr on June 19, 2018, 01:11:40 PM

Can you reveal what the product is made from? Is it aluminum by any chance?

Title: Re: Evaluating whether or not vapour from substance is hazardous.
Post by: Borek on June 19, 2018, 03:03:40 PM

While NaOH doesn't evaporate, in my experience many NaOH containing solutions easily produce caustic aerosole that can be quite nasty.

Title: Re: Evaluating whether or not vapour from substance is hazardous.
Post by: David Stirling on June 20, 2018, 11:00:55 AM

The product is called "Spraywash XHD". No it is not aluminium.

Thank you for your posts!