CAUSTIC SODA SOLUTION

TM 9-1300-275/2

3-3.4 Preparation and Use.

b. A 10-percent solution is usually enough for

WARNING

decontamination. It is prepared by mixing 10 pounds of

Do not use DS-2 near open flames.

caustic soda with 12 gallons of water. A 5-percent

solution is recommended for decontamination of fabrics,

3-3.4.1 DS-2 is a ready-to-use preparation that does not

leather, and canvas. Prepare it by mixing 5 pounds of

require any mixing. It is effective from -25 . to 125 .

the soda with 12 gallons of water.

3-3.4.2 This is a general-purpose decontaminant that is

c. When mixing, add the caustic soda to the water

effective against all toxic agents; however, it requires

(not water to caustic soda) to prevent boiling and

relatively large quantities to neutralize the agent

splattering because of excessive heat formed when

(approx. 2.4 gal/lb of G-series agent; 1.2 gal/lb of V-

dissolving the caustic.

series agent; 6 gal/lb of blister agent). It reacts against

3-4.4.2 Use.

G-series and blister agents to reduce their hazards

a. Caustic soda solution destroys G-agents

effectively within 5 minutes. Only one application is

immediately to 5 minutes after contact.

required on contaminated surfaces. After 30 minutes,

b. It decontaminates choking and blood agents

flush the decontaminated surface thoroughly with water.

after a 30-minute contact time.

3-5 HTH-HTB SOLUTION (High-Test Hypochlorite).

3-4 CAUSTIC SODA SOLUTION

3-5.1 Composition.

3-4.1 Composition.

High-test hypochlorite is also known as high-test bleach

This is a white solid that dissolves easily in water. The

and is a stable, water-soluble solid. It is usually in

chemical name is sodium hydroxide (NaOH); it is also

granular or tablet form. This chemical contains at least

known as lye or sodium hydrate.

70-percent calcium hypochlorite. It is similar to STB

3-4.2 Packaging and Storage.

(supertropical bleach) but has more chlorine and is,

Sodium hydroxide is stable when stored in tightly sealed

therefore, more corrosive.

metal drums.

It will absorb moisture and carbon

dioxide, and corrode aluminum, tin, or zinc. While not a

3-5.2 Packaging and Storage.

fire hazard, it liberates considerable heat when mixed

HTH-HTB is packaged in 5-pound cans and 100-pound

with water.

drums. It is fairly stable but decomposes when heated.

HTH-HTB loses its chlorine content rapidly when open.

3-4.3 Safety Precautions.

Therefore, it should be sealed and stored in a cool, dry

3-4.3.1 Detection. Caustic soda is a white solid in the

place. When moist, it corrodes metals, and destroys

form of flakes, powder, beads, or lumps that dissolve

most fabrics. When dry, it causes oils, grease, and DS-

easily in water.

2 to burn.

3-4.3.2 Protection. During handling, wear a protective

mask, rubber gloves, and rubber apron.

3-5.3 Safety Precautions.

3-4.3.3 Decontamination. Flush with large amounts of

3-5.3.1 Detection. HTH-HTB is a white tablet or

water.

granular solid with a chlorine odor.

3-4.3.4 First-Aid. Caustic soda is a very caustic alkali

3-5.3.2 Protection. Wear a protective mask, apron,

which, on contact, burns the skin and eyes. Wash it off

boots, and rubber gloves when handling this solution.

the skin immediately with water followed by a 2-percent

3-5.3.3 Decontamination. Flush off with large quantities

solution of acetic acid. Flush it out of the eyes with

of water.

large amounts of water, and seek medical aid

3-5.3.4 First-Aid. If HTH-HTB comes in contact with

immediately.

the skin or clothing, flush the area with a large amount

of water.

3-4.4 Preparation and Use.

3-4.4.1 Preparation.

3-5.4 Preparation and Use.

a. Water solutions of caustic soda are effective in

3-5.4.1 A 10-percent solution or slurry is recommended.

most concentrations. Normally, the more concentrated

Mix 10 pounds of HTH-HTB with 12 gallons of water for

the solution, the faster the decontamination.

Hot

the solution and 50 pounds of HTH-HTB with 6 gallons

solutions decontaminate faster than cold ones.

of water for slurry.

3-5.4.2 This solution is used to decontaminate blister

agents (H, HD, and HT) and V-agents.