Encl. (4) TO COMDTINST 16478.12
First CG District ATON Battery Recovery Site Safety Plan
conditions manifesting themselves over long periods of time.
Conditions resulting from chronic exposures to mercury have
included inflammation of mouth and gums, excessive salivation,
loosening of the teeth, kidney damage, muscle tremors, jerky
gait, spasms of the extremities, personality changes, depression,
irritability and nervousness.
EXPOSURE LIMITS: Occupational exposure limits are based on
requirements for elemental Mercury.
ACGIH TLV:
0.05 mg/M3.
ACGIH STEL:
None (Elemental, non- vapor).
OSHA PEL:
None.
OSHA CEILING:
0.1 mg/M3.
NIOSH REL:
0.05 mg/M3.
IDLH:
28 mg/M3.
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE: Potassium hydroxide (KOW; CHRIS Code:
PTH; UN1814; CAS 1310-58-3) is an electrolyte in primary
batteries. Since potassium hydroxide is in solution in primary
batteries, the presence of this chemical at the site will depend
upon the condition and watertight integrity of the batteries.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Potassium hydroxide is a white odorless and
nonvolatile solid which can be dissolved in water as a colorless
solution. In the primary batteries, potassium hydroxide is in
solution. In solution, potassium hydroxide is corrosive and may
potentially generate explosive hydrogen gas upon contact with
aluminum, tin, lead or zinc. Density of this material in
solution is 12.8 pounds per gallon.
TOXICITY TO HUMANS: Potassium hydroxide is corrosive to bodily
tissues by all routes of exposure. Contact with concentrated
solution may result in severe burns of the skin or eyes.
Breathing concentrated mists in air from a potassium hydroxide
solution may result in irritation of the upper respiratory tract,
inflammation of the lungs, and possibly pneumonitis.
EXPOSURE LIMITS:
The occupational exposure levels are:
ACGIH TLV:
2.0 mg/M3
ACHIH STEL:
None
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