SOAP INGREDIENTS: SODIUM HYDROXIDE (CAUSTIC SODA/LYE)
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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