Oxidizing
Chemicals
Standard operating procedures (SOP) are intended to provide you with general guidance on how to safely work with a specific class of chemical or hazard. This SOP is generic in nature. It addresses the use and handling of substances by hazard class only. In some instances multiple SOPs may be applicable for a specific chemical (i.e., both the SOPs for flammable liquids and carcinogens would apply to benzene). If you have questions concerning the applicability of any items listed in this procedure contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (292-1284) or the Principal Investigator of your laboratory. Specific written procedures are the responsibility of the principal investigator. Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating or promote combustion. This class of chemicals includes peroxides, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, and permanganates. Strong oxidizers are capable of forming explosive mixtures when mixed with combustible, organic or easily oxidized materials. Examples of strong oxidizers are listed at the end of this SOP.
Securing of gas cylinders Not applicable
Decontamination procedures
Designated area Not applicable
Emergency procedure Emergency procedures which
address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, injury to staff,
or the development of sign and symptom of overexposure must be developed
The procedures should address as a minimum the following:
Eye protection Eye protection in the form of safety glasses must be worn at all times when handling oxidizing chemicals. Ordinary (street) prescription glasses do not provide adequate protection. (Contrary to popular opinion these glasses cannot pass the rigorous test for industrial safety glasses.) Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and EducationalEyeand Face Protection (ANSI Z.87. 1 1989) and must be equipped with side shields. Safety glasses with side shields do not provide adequate protection from splashes; therefore, when the potential for splash hazard exists other eye protection and/or face protection must be worn.
Eyewash Where the eyes or body of
any person may be exposed to oxidizing chemicals, suitable facilities for
quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within
the work area for immediate emergency use. Bottle type eyewash stations
are not acceptable.
Fume hood The use of certain concentrations
of perchloric acid must be performed in a fume hood equipped with wash
down facilities. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
for fume hood requirements.
Glove (dry) box Not applicable
Gloves Gloves should be worn when
handling oxidizing chemicals. Disposable latex or nitrile gloves provide
adequate protection against accidental hand contact with small quantities
of most laboratory chemicals. Lab workers should contact OEHS for advice
on chemical resistant glove selection when direct or prolonged contact
with hazardous chemicals is anticipated.
Hazard assessment Hazard assessment should
address proper use and handling techniques, fire safety, storage, and waste
disposal issues.
OEHS Notification You should notify the Office
of Environmental Health and Safety prior to the initial use of the following
oxidizers: perchloric acid.
Protective apparel Lab coats, closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing should be worn when handling oxidizing chemicals. Additional protective clothing should be worn if the possibility of skin contact is likely.
Safety shielding Safety shielding is required any time there is a risk of explosion, splash hazard or a highly exothermic reaction. All manipulations of oxidizing chemicals which pose this risk should occur in a fume hood with the sash in the lowest feasible position. Portable shields, which provide protection to all laboratory occupants are acceptable.
Safety shower A safety or drench shower
should be available in a nearby location where the oxidizing chemicals
are used.
Signs and labels Containers: All oxidizing
chemicals must be clearly labelled with the correct chemical name. Handwritten
labels are acceptable; chemical formulas and structural formulas are
not acceptable.
Special storage Oxidizers should be stored in a cool and dry location. Keep oxidizers segregated from all other chemicals in the laboratory. Minimize the quantities of strong oxidizers stored in the laboratory. Never return excess chemicals
to the original container. Small amounts of impurities may be introduced
into the container which may cause a fire or explosion.
Special ventilation The use of certain concentrations of perchloric acid must be performed in a fume hood equipped with wash down facilities. Contact the Office of Environmental Health and Safety for fume hood requirements.
Spill response Anticipate spills by having the appropriate clean up equipment on hand. The appropriate clean up supplies can be determined by consulting the material safety data sheet. This should occur prior to the use of any oxidizing chemicals. Spill control materials for oxidizers are designed to be inert and will not react with the reagent. Never use paper towels or other inappropriate materials which are combustible. The waste materials generated during spill cleanup may pose a flammability risk and should not remain in the laboratory overnight unless it is stored in an appropriate container. In the event of a spill. Alert personnel in the area that a spill has occurred. Do not attempt to handle a large spill of oxidizing chemicals. Vacate the laboratory immediately and call for assistance.
* 911 This is a 24 hour service.
Vacuum protection Evacuated glassware can implode and eject flying glass, and splattered chemicals. Vacuum work involving oxidizing chemicals must be conducted in a fume hood, glove box or isolated in an acceptable manner. Mechanical vacuum pumps must
be protected using cold traps and, where appropriate, filtered to prevent
particulate release. The exhaust for the pumps must be vented into an exhaust
hood.
Waste disposal All materials contaminated with oxidizing chemicals pose a fire hazard and should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Alert the Office of Environmental Health and Safety if you generate wastes contaminated by oxidizers. Do not let contaminated wastes remain in the laboratory overnight unless proper containers are provided.
Examples of strong oxidizers
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