Oxidizers

Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating, or those that promote combustion. Strong oxidizers are capable of forming explosive mixtures when mixed with combustible, organic or easily oxidized materials.

This class of chemicals includes:

• Peroxides
• Chlorates
• Perchlorates
• Nitrates
• Permanganates

• Handling of oxidizers should be performed in a chemical fume hood.
• Keep work area clear of heat, unnecessary organic chemicals, reducing agents, and

       flammable or combustible material.

• When dispensing oxidizers, DO NOT return excess chemicals to the original container. Impurities may be introduced into the container which may cause a fire, explosion or other unwanted event or contamination.
• The need for safety shielding should be reviewed and utilized 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 (18 inches or less).
•  All materials contaminated with oxidizing chemicals pose a fire hazard and should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

NOTE: The use of certain concentrations of perchloric acid must be performed in a fume hood equipped with washdown facilities.

• Store oxidizers away from sources of heat, in a cool dry location.
• Segregate oxidizers from all other chemicals in the laboratory. Oxidizers shall be separated completely from flammable materials. Oxidizing gases must be separated by flammable gases by a minimum of 20 feet or by a rated firewall.
• Minimize the quantities of strong oxidizers stored in the laboratory.
• Containers of liquid oxidizers should be stored in unbreakable secondary containment tubs or trays separate from materials with other hazard classifications.