Facilities and Campus Services EHS/RMS 3101 Science Circle CPISB Room 102B Anchorage, AK 99508 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 # Chemical Class # Chemical Class # Bromine Hypochlorites Perborates Bromates Inorganic Peroxides Perchlorates Chlorates Iodates Perchloric Acid Chlorinated Isocyanurates Iodine Periodates Chlorine Ketone Peroxides Permangantes Chromates Liquid Air Peroxides Dichromates Nitrates Peroxyacids Fluorides 1 Nitric Acid Persulfates Fluorine Nitrites Hydroperoxides Organic Tetranitro Compounds 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 NFPA Class 2 Aluminum Nitrate Calcium Chlorate Ammonium Persulfate Calcium Hypochlorite (Concentration < 50 % by weight) Barium Peroxide Chromic Acid (Chromium Trioxide) Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions ( 8 27.5 % by weight) 1,3-Dichloro-5,5 -Dimethylhydantoin Magnesium Nitrate Hydrogen Peroxide (Concentration 27.5 52 % by weight) Nitric Acid (Concentration 40%) Magnesium Perchlorate Perchloric Acid Solution (Concentration < 50 % by weight) Nitric Acid (Concentration > 40 % < 86 %) Potassium Dichromate Potassium Permanganate Potassium Nitrate Sodium Permanganate Silver Nitrate Sodium Chlorite (Concentration < 40 % by weight) Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate Dihydrate Sodium Perchlorate Sodium Dichromate Sodium Perchlorate Monohydrate Sodium Nitrate Sodium Peroxide Sodium Nitrite Sodium Perborate Sodium Perborate Monohydrate Sodium Persulfate Strontium Nitrate Strontium Peroxide Trichloroisocyanurate Zinc Peroxide
NFPA Class 3 NFPA Class 4 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 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) Use appropriate eye protection for the handling and use of any solid or liquid oxidizer. b) Use the recommended gloves for the handling and use of any solid or liquid oxidizer. c) Use a chemical fume hood when running reactions. 2. Labeling of Oxidizing Solution Containers
a) Label containers of Oxidizing Solutions with: 1) Date Prepared 2) Name of owner or responsible party (PI) 3) Concentration of Solution. 3. Handling, Storage and Use a) Storage of oxidizers should be in a cool dark place avoiding sunlight and heat. b) Keep containers tightly closed and segregated from all other incompatible chemicals. c) Minimize the quantities of strong oxidizers stored in laboratories. d) 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. 4. Disposal a) Do not dispose of oxidizing chemicals into the normal trash with other combustible materials, as this may result in a fire. b) 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