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Oxidizer(s) Management and Use Guidelines
This document provides information concerning the handling, storage, use and disposal of those chemicals classified as oxidizers. Oxidizers can
be liquid(s) or solid(s) materials that either readily give off oxygen or react chemically with (oxidize) combustible materials there by increasing the chance
of a fire and or explosion. Oxidizers can chemically react with non combustible chemicals (reducing agents) and result in out of control reactions and or
explosive consequences. These reactions may occur at room temperature or under conditions of elevated temperature (application of heat). The
common chemical classes shown below are considered oxidizing materials. Check the MSDS or SDS regarding oxidizing properties of chemical if there is
any doubt. If after checking the MSDS or SDS you still are not sure get technical advice from the following: Chemical Vendor, UAA CHO, other verifiable
technical sources.
Chemical Classes of Oxidizers
Chemical Class
Bromine
Bromates
Chlorates
Chlorinated Isocyanurates
Chlorine
Chromates
Dichromates
Fluorides
Fluorine
Hydroperoxides
#
Chemical Class
1
Hypochlorites
Inorganic Peroxides
Iodates
Iodine
Ketone Peroxides
Liquid Air
Nitrates
Nitric Acid
Nitrites
Organic Tetranitro Compounds
#
Chemical Class
#
Perborates
Perchlorates
Perchloric Acid
Periodates
Permangantes
Peroxides
Peroxyacids
Persulfates
1
Note:: The column referenced as # refers to the number of compounds in that class (special cases) that are an oxidizer. Most other compounds in
this class are NOT classified as oxidizers.
The National Fire Protection Association has classified oxidizing materials into classifications (1-4) based on their abilities to cause spontaneous
combustion and increase the burn rate.
NFPA Classes of Oxidizers
NFPA Class 1
Slightly increase in the burning rate of combustible materials
Does not cause spontaneous combustion when in contact with combustible materials
NFPA Class 2
Moderate increase in the burning rate of combustible materials
May cause spontaneous combustion when in contact with combustible materials
NFPA Class 3
Severe increase in the burning rate of combustible materials
Will cause sustained & vigorous decomposition if contaminated with combustible material or exposed to sufficient heat
NFPA Class 4
Can explode when in contact with certain contaminates
Can explode if exposed to slight heat, shock, or friction
Will increase the burn rate of combustible materials
Can cause spontaneous ignition of combustible materials
Above information taken from NFPA Code 430 (1995) “Code for the Storage of Liquid and Solid Oxidizers”.
Some examples for each NFPA classification are shown in the table on the next page.
NFPA class 4 oxidizers > NFPA Class 3 oxidizers > NFPA class 2 oxidizers > NFPA class 1 oxidizers.
Examples for NFPA Classes of Oxidizers
NFPA Class 1
Aluminum Nitrate
Ammonium Persulfate
Barium Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions ( 8 – 27.5 % by weight)
Magnesium Nitrate
Nitric Acid (Concentration ≤ 40%)
Perchloric Acid Solution (Concentration < 50 % by weight)
Potassium Dichromate
Potassium Nitrate
Silver Nitrate
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate Dihydrate
Sodium Dichromate
Sodium Nitrate
Sodium Nitrite
Sodium Perborate
Sodium Perborate Monohydrate
Sodium Persulfate
Strontium Nitrate
Strontium Peroxide
Trichloroisocyanurate
Zinc Peroxide
NFPA Class 2
Calcium Chlorate
Calcium Hypochlorite (Concentration < 50 % by weight)
Chromic Acid (Chromium Trioxide)
1,3-Dichloro-5,5’-Dimethylhydantoin
Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentration 27.5 – 52 % by weight)
Magnesium Perchlorate
Nitric Acid (Concentration > 40 % < 86 %)
Potassium Permanganate
Sodium Permanganate
Sodium Chlorite (Concentration < 40 % by weight)
Sodium Perchlorate
Sodium Perchlorate Monohydrate
Sodium Peroxide
NFPA Class 3
Ammonium Dichromate
Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentration > 52 % < 91 % by weight)
Nitric Acid (Concentration > 86 %)
Perchloric Acid Solutions (Concentration > 60 % < 72 % by weight)
Potassium Bromate
Potassium Chlorate Potassium Dichloroisocyanurate
Sodium Chlorate
Sodium Chlorite (Concentration > 40 % by weight)
Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate
NFPA Class 4
Ammonium Perchlorate (Particle size > 15 microns)
Ammonium Permanganate
Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentration > 91 % by weight)
Perchloric Acid Solutions (Concentration > 72.5 % by weight)
Tetranitromethane
Although most oxidizing substances do not burn themselves, they can form flammable or explosive mixtures when in contact with the following
materials.
Organic materials: Carbon containing materials such as paper, wood, flammable and combustible liquids, greases, waxes, and some plastics or textiles.
Inorganic metals: Finely divided metals or biological media in the form of powders.
Other Oxidizable substances: Hydrogen, Hydrazine, Hydrides, Sulfur or Sulfur containing compounds, Phosphorus, silicon, and ammonia or ammonium
compounds.
Chemical Incompatibility: Oxidizers that come in contact with reducing agents, other oxidizers, inorganic acids and water can result in violent explosions
and or fires.
Health hazards from oxidizing materials are compound specific, in that they may be corrosive, toxic. The route of exposure (inhalation, eye or skin contact) will depend
on the form (solid or solution) and intended use.
Oxidizer Work Practices
1.
Personnel Protection
a)
b)
c)
2.
Use appropriate eye protection for the handling and use of any solid or liquid oxidizer.
Use the recommended gloves for the handling and use of any solid or liquid oxidizer.
Use a chemical fume hood when running reactions.
Labeling of Oxidizing Solution Containers
a)
3.
Handling, Storage and Use
a)
b)
c)
d)
4.
Label containers of Oxidizing Solutions with:
1)
Date Prepared
2)
Name of owner or responsible party (PI)
3)
Concentration of Solution.
Storage of oxidizers should be in a cool dark place avoiding sunlight and heat.
Keep containers tightly closed and segregated from all other incompatible chemicals.
Minimize the quantities of strong oxidizers stored in laboratories.
Do not return excess chemicals to the original container as impurities maybe introduced into the container resulting in a fire, explosion or
other unexpected event.
Disposal
a)
b)
Do not dispose of oxidizing chemicals into the normal trash with other combustible materials, as this may result in a fire.
Most oxidizers and their respective solutions are hazardous waste. Do not sink dispose of these items until given the ok from EHS.
LAST UPDATE
7/25/2014 3:54:20 PM