SOAP INGREDIENTS: SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA/LYE)

Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)

• Lye is corrosive – it will burn skin, stain fabric, strip wood surfaces, can cause blindness and can be fatal if swallowed
• MIX LYE INTO WATER (not water into lye, which creates a caustic volcano)
• Use a Soap Lye Calculator: http://soapcalc.net/calc/SoapCalcWP.asp
• Lye water splashed on fabric will eat through clothing and burn skin, creating painful sores
• Spilled lye water on yourself: remove clothing, wash under cold running water for 15mins+
• Wipe benches down with vinegar to remove lye dust when cleaning up
• ALWAYS wear safety goggles!!! Face shield is even better
• ALWAYS wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeved clothing, pants and enclosed shoes
• ALWAYS mix lye into water in a VENTILATED area and don’t breathe in fumes
• ALWAYS cover your bench with lots of newspaper and/or cardboard
• UNSURE about a lye burn? GO TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY