Unloading Caustic Soda Solution

General Guidelines for Tank Cars and Tank Trucks
Caustic soda solution is a very corrosive chemical. Special care must to be taken when working with this chemical. Workers should be thoroughly trained regarding the hazards of caustic soda solution before starting any work involving this chemical. Customers should carefully develop and follow all procedures. Each caustic soda solution user is responsible for design and implementation of a storage and handling system that is suitable for its individual facility.

Dow manufacturing facilities and terminals can deliver 50% caustic soda solution in a fleet of stainless steel or lined tank trucks, insulated and lined tank cars, barges, or marine vessels. Caustic soda solution is classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transport Canada as a Class 8 (corrosive material). The United Nations Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TPG) number is 1824.

Since most shipments are transported in tank trucks and tank cars, only unloading guidelines for tank trucks and tank cars are discussed in this section. For additional information on unloading barges, review Pamphlet 080 "Recommended Practices for Handling Sodium Hydroxide Solution and Potassium Hydroxide Solution (Caustic) Barges." This pamphlet and additional resource materials can be purchased through the Chlorine Institute web site or send your request via fax to (703) 741-6068.

  1. Safety showers and eyewash fountains should be conveniently located, clearly marked and readily accessible to personnel in areas where normal operations or maintenance could expose personnel to caustic soda solution. Safety showers should be located directly above the eyewash fountains. Self-draining and heated safety showers and eyewash stations may be required in freezing conditions. Safety showers and eyewash fountains should be tested frequently for proper operation and especially before work begins in the vicinity. It is recommended that a horn or other such alarm device be installed at the safety shower so that it can be activated to summon help if use of the safety shower and/or eyewash fountain becomes necessary.
  2. All unloading personnel should be suitably clothed and equipped with personal protective equipment. For specific information, see the Personal Protective Equipment section.
  3. Only unloading personnel who have been properly trained in the required safe handling and first aid procedures for caustic soda solution should be assigned to caustic soda solution service.
  4. The unloading track (tank car) or roadway (tank truck) should be level to assure all product is removed.
  5. Once a tank car or tank truck is spotted, but prior to connecting, set the handbrake and chock the wheels.
  6. Follow all appropriate federal or provincial regulations for spotting and unloading tank cars or tank trucks.
  7. Suitable warning signs should be posted in the surrounding unloading area.
  8. Partly unloaded tank cars or tank trucks should be moved with extreme caution. The high density of 50% caustic soda solution, approximately 1.5 times that of water, may cause vessel instability during movement.
  9. The unloader should confirm proper unloading lines which are dedicated to a caustic soda solution storage tank.
  10. Tank cars and tank trucks should be connected, unloaded, and disconnected in daylight, if possible. Adequate lighting should be provided if these operations must be done at night.
  11. Before unloading, personnel should confirm the storage tank is properly vented, the vent line is clear and open, and that the storage tank(s) will hold the entire contents to be unloaded.
  12. Tank cars and tank trucks should be unloaded over an appropriately designed spill containment area.
  13. Wash off all spillage from the tank car or tank truck thoroughly with water before return to Dow. Wash water should be collected and properly disposed.

For specific unloading information, select one of the following topics:
Tank Car Unloading
Tank Truck Unloading

The information contained above is supplemental to the Internet Disclaimer and is not intended to be all-inclusive as it relates to use, handling, storage, disposal and all other described activities. Recipients must make their own determination of suitability and are responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal laws and/or other regulations. This information is offered solely for your consideration and verification and in no event will The Dow Chemical Company be responsible for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use or reliance upon this information or the product to which this information pertains.