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Chemical Hygiene Program

Recommended Site Specific Procedures

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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 section.

Securing of gas cylinders

Not applicable.

Decontamination procedures

Personnel:   Immediately flush contaminated area with copious amounts of water after contact with oxidizing chemicals.  Remove any jewelry to facilitate removal of chemicals.

Area:   Carefully clean work area after use.  Paper towels or similar materials contaminated with strong oxidizing chemicals may pose a fire risk. 

Designated area

Not applicable.

Emergency procedure

Emergency procedures address response actions to fires, explosions, spills, or injury to staff.  Utilize the information available in the “Emergency 13” flip chart.  The following emergency phone numbers should be utilized to initiate an emergency response:

All emergencies:               x13 (Security)

Chemical Exposures:          x5-1164 (UHS)

Industrial Hygiene Unit:      x5-3241

Hazardous Waste Unit:       x5-2056

Radiation Safety:              x5-3781

Eye Protection

Eye protection in the form of safety glasses or goggles 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 mot pass the rigorous tests for industrial safety glasses.)  Adequate safety glasses must meet the requirements of the Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and 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 of any person may be exposed to oxidizing chemicals, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes shall be provided within 50 feet 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 EH&S for fume hood requirements.

Glove (dry) box

Not applicable.

Gloves

Gloves should be worn when handling oxidizing chemicals.  The selection of glove materials should be made according to the MSDS and the recommendations of the glove manufacturers.

Hazard assessment

Hazard assessment should address proper use and handling techniques, fire safety, storage, and waste disposal issues.

EHS Notification

EH&S must be notified prior to the 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 within 100 feet where oxidizing chemicals are used.

Signs and labels

All oxidizing chemicals must be clearly labelled with the correct chemical name and hazard warnings.  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 chemical 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 EH&S 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 chemical.  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 the 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 Security (x13) for assistance.

Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct safety personnel when they arrive.

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 hazardous Waste Unit if you generate wastes contaminated by oxidizers.  Do not let contaminated wastes remain in the laboratory overnight unless proper containers are provided.  Questions regarding waste pick up should be directed to the Hazardous Waste Management Unit (x5-2056).  This office can also assist you in minimizing waste generation.

** THIS LIST IS PROVIDED AS A GUIDE AND IS NOT ALL INCLUSIVE.  CAREFULLY REVIEW MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET BEFORE WORKING WITH CHEMICALS.

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 11/20/2003. Disclaimer