Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Potassium Bisulphate

Identification

Product Name: Potassium Bisulphate
Chemical Formula: KHSO₄
CAS Number: 7646-93-7
Recommended Use: Used in analytical chemistry, as a food additive (acidity regulator), and in some industrial applications for metal processing and dyeing.
Manufacturer / Supplier: Refer to packaging or purchase invoice for supplier details.
Contact Information: Emergency contact provided on product label.

Hazard Identification

Classification: Causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation, harmful if swallowed.
GHS Label Elements: Exclamation mark pictogram, Signal word: Warning.
Hazard Statements: Causes skin and eye irritation, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, contact with moist skin may result in burns.
Precautionary Statements: Avoid breathing dust, wash thoroughly after handling, use in well-ventilated locations.
Routes of Exposure: Skin, eyes, inhalation, ingestion.
Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system, skin, gastrointestinal tract.

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Substance: Potassium Bisulphate
Chemical Name: Potassium hydrogen sulfate
SYNONYMS: Potassium acid sulfate, Dipotassium sulfate monohydrate
Concentration: 99%-100% Potassium Bisulphate by weight
Impurity Information: Minor inorganic salts (potassium sulfate or potassium pyrosulfate) could be present.

First Aid Measures

Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or persists.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical help if any symptoms continue.
Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air. Provide oxygen if breathing becomes difficult. Get medical help in case of persistent cough or shortness of breath.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, do not induce vomiting. Give small amounts of water if the person is conscious. Call a physician, medical assistance may be needed for cases of ingestion.
Symptoms: May include burning, pain, redness, coughing, abdominal pain, nausea.

Fire-Fighting Measures

Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical powder, foam, or carbon dioxide. Water spray may be used to cool containers.
Specific Hazards: Product itself does not burn, but may release irritating or toxic fumes (sulfur oxides, potassium oxides) under fire conditions.
Advice for Firefighters: Wear complete protective gear including self-contained breathing apparatus. Avoid inhalation of fumes.
Additional Measures: Keep containers cool with water spray. Evacuate area if large fire occurs. Runoff water may be corrosive, avoid contamination of water bodies.

Accidental Release Measures

Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust, ventilate area. Use personal protective equipment. Prevent skin and eye contact.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage. Do not let product enter drains, surface water, or soil. Inform relevant authorities if water pollution occurs.
Methods for Cleaning Up: Collect spilled material using a dust-free method (shovel, vacuum with HEPA filter, dampen to minimize dust). Store in suitable, sealed containers for disposal. Wash residue from surface with plenty of water.
Spill Reporting: Report major spills to emergency services according to local regulations.

Handling and Storage

Handling: Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Prevent the generation and inhalation of dust. Use only in well-ventilated places. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using. Clean up spills promptly to prevent slips and contamination.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed original containers. Keep away from incompatible substances like bases, reducing agents, and water-reactive chemicals. Protect from moisture to reduce lump formation and corrosion.
Incompatibilities: Avoid storage near alkalis and oxidizable materials. Store away from basic substances and sources of water or dampness.

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific exposure limits set for potassium bisulphate; minimize occupational exposure via engineering measures.
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation or enclosed handling processes to keep airborne levels low.
Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if dust forms or ventilation inadequate.
Skin Protection: Wear resistant gloves (nitrile, PVC), lab coats or overalls.
Eye Protection: Use close-fitting goggles or full-face shield.
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling, before breaks, and at end of shift. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: White to colorless crystalline solid or powder.
Odor: Odorless or slightly acidic.
Molecular Weight: 136.17 g/mol.
pH: 1.5–2.5 (5% solution in water).
Melting Point: 197°C (decomposes).
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling.
Solubility: Readily dissolves in water (250g/L at 25°C).
Density: 2.24 g/cm³.
Vapor Pressure: Not volatile at ambient temperatures.
Other Properties: Non-flammable, corrosive solution can form on prolonged exposure to moisture.

Stability and Reactivity

Chemical Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions in dry, well-sealed container. Absorbs moisture, may become lumpy or degrade over time.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts vigorously with strong bases, can evolve heat and sulfur dioxide. Contact with water or moisture produces acidic solutions.
Conditions to Avoid: Humidity, elevated temperatures, contact with bases and oxidizers.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid alkalis, strong reducing agents, organic materials.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Sulfur oxides (SO₂, SO₃), potassium oxide.

Toxicological Information

Acute Toxicity: Oral LD₅₀ (rat): 2340 mg/kg. Not acutely toxic in small amounts, but corrosive effects cause tissue damage.
Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes irritation or burns especially to sensitive or moist skin.
Serious Eye Damage/Irritation: Causes severe eye irritation with potential for permanent injury.
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Not classed as a sensitizer, but inhalation of dust leads to coughing, throat and lung irritation.
Chronic Effects: Prolonged exposure can cause dermatitis or chronic airway irritation. No definitive data on carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.

Ecological Information

Toxicity to Aquatic Life: Harmful in high concentrations. Releases potassium and sulfate ions, may alter water chemistry, acidic runoff may damage aquatic ecosystems.
Mobility in Soil: Soluble in water, leaches easily through soil.
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades into naturally occurring ions, but localized effects from acidity and potassium load can harm plant and animal life.
Bioaccumulative Potential: No bioaccumulation expected.
Other Adverse Effects: Do not allow to enter waterways or soil in large quantities.

Disposal Considerations

Waste Disposal Methods: Collect and dispose of according to national and local regulations. Do not discharge to drains, soil, or surface water.
Contaminated Containers: Empty containers should be rinsed thoroughly before disposal or recycling. Dispose of rinse water safely.
Legislation: Observe all local and national regulations for hazardous waste.

Transport Information

UN Number: Not classified as hazardous for transport under UN model regulations.
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated as a dangerous good for ground, air, or sea transport.
Packing Group: Not applicable.
Proper Shipping Name: Potassium Bisulphate.
Special Precautions: Protect containers from moisture and rough handling. Ensure packaging is secure to prevent leaks or spills during transit.

Regulatory Information

Labeling Requirements: GHS/OSHA-compliant signal word: Warning, hazard pictograms provided on product labeling.
SARA/Title III: Not listed under major hazardous substances.
TSCA: Listed in the US Toxic Substances Control Act inventory.
REACH/CLP: Registered and classified in accordance with European Union regulation, subject to general chemical regulatory controls.
Other Regional Regulations: Product must comply with any additional regional or country-specific chemical legislation.