Standard Operating Procedure
Settlement Class: Strong Oxidizing Agents
NH4ClO4, NH4MnO4, BaO2, Br2, Ca(ClO3)2, Ca(ClO)2, ClF3, CrO3,
H2Cr2O7, C14H10O4, F2, H2O2, MgO2, N2O3, O2, HClO4, KBrO3, KClO3,
K2O2, C3H7NO3, NaClO3, NaClO, NaClO4, Na2O2
Print a copy and insert into your
Laboratory Safety Manual and Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Date SOP was written: / 12/5/2012
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor: / 1/13/2013
Principal Investigator: / Richmond Sarpong
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager: / Rebecca Murphy
Lab Phone: / 510-643-2485
Office Phone: / 510-643-6312
Emergency Contact: / Richmond Sarpong, 626-644-2407
(Name and Phone Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP: / Latimer Hall: 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842, 847, 849, 907
(Building/Room Number)
Type of SOP: Process Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Class
Purpose
This is a chemical class SOP. Some uses of the chemicals in this class require specific SOPs. Chemical-specific SDSs and all relevant SOPs must be reviewed prior to use of any chemical in this class.
The following strong oxidizing agents are listed in the Settlement Agreement:
Chemical Name Formula / CAS# / Chemical Name/Formula / CAS#Ammonium perchlorate NH4ClO4 / 7790-98-9 / Ammonium permanganate KMNO4 / 13446-10-1
Barium peroxide BaO2 / 1304-29-6 / Bromine Br2 / 7726-95-6
Calcium chlorate CaClO3 / 10043-53-4 / Calcium hypochlorite CaClO / 7778-54-3
Chlorine trifluoride ClF3 / 7790-91-2 / Chromium anhydride CrO3 / 1333-82-0
Chromic acid H2Cr2O7 / 1308-38-9 / Dibenzoyl peroxide C14H10O4 / 94-36-0
Fluorine F2 / 7782-41-4 / Hydrogen peroxide H2O2 / 7722-84-1
Magnesium peroxide MgO2 / 1335-26-8 / Nitrogen trioxide N2O3 / 10544-73-7
Oxygen O2 / 7782-44-7 / Perchloric acid HClO4 / 7601-80-3
Potassium bromate KBrO3 / 7758-01-2 / Potassium chlorate KClO3 / 3811-04-9
Potassium peroxide K2O2 / 17014-71-0 / Propyl nitrate C3H7NO3 / 627-13-4
Sodium chlorate NaClO3 / 7775-09-9 / Sodium Chlorite NaClO / 7758-19-2
Sodium perchlorate NaClO4 / 7601-89-0 / Sodium peroxide Na2O2 / 1212-60-6
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Strong oxidizing agents generally create a hazard when combined with other materials. There are four categories of strong oxidizers, divided by the severity of risk when mixed with other compounds:
1. A material that may increase the burn rate of another material.
2. A material that will moderately increase the burn rate.
3. A material that will cause a severe increase in burn rate.
4. A material that has the potential to lead to an explosive oxidation with combined with other materials.
Class 1. Generally, it is the anionic component of a salt that causes the oxidation. Examples in class 1 are metal salts of chromates and dicromates, chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, peroxides, and perborates. Perchloric acid (below 70% conc.) and hydrogen peroxide (8-27% conc.) are prominent examples of non-salts in this class.
Class 2. Salts in class two are those of hypochlorite, permanganate, and peroxide. Non-salts in this class are chromium trioxide, hydrogen peroxide (27-52%), halane, and nitric acid (>70%).
Class 3. Common class 3 oxidizers are ammonium dichromate, potassium chlorate, hydrogen peroxide (55-91%), calcium hypochlorite, sodium chlorate, perchloric acid (60-72%), sodium chlorite (>40%), and potassium bromate.
Class 4. Materials in class 4 include ammonium perchlorate, ammonium permanganate, guanidine nitrate, hydrogen peroxide (>92%), perchloric acid (>72%), and potassium superoxide.
Common groups of strong oxidizing agents:
Class 1: Metal salts of chromates and dicromates, chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, peroxides, and perborates. Non-salts such as Perchloric acid (below 70% conc.) and hydrogen peroxide (8-27% conc.).
Class 2: Salts of hypochlorite, permanganate, and peroxide. Non-salts such as chromium trioxide, hydrogen peroxide (27-52%), halane, and nitric acid (>70%).
Class 3: Ammonium dichromate, potassium chlorate, hydrogen peroxide (55-91%), calcium hypochlorite, sodium chlorate, perchloric acid (60-72%), sodium chlorite (>40%), and potassium bromate.
Class 4: Ammonium perchlorate, ammonium permanganate, guanidine nitrate, hydrogen peroxide (>92%), perchloric acid (>72%), and potassium superoxide.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
NOTE: Lab-specific information on PPE selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Engineering Controls
NOTE: Lab-specific information on engineering controls may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Work with strong oxidizing agents should be conducted in a fume hood unless other controls are designated in the lab-specific Protocol/Procedure section. Sash height should be kept low to avoid escaping fumes and provide a physical barrier.
Perchloric acid has a notorious history of causing unanticipated explosions. Perchloric acid can form explosive salts almost anywhere, including in the exhaust ducts of fume hoods and even laboratory benches where other materials have been spilled in the past. Many perchlorate salts are shock sensitive and can lay dormant for very long periods.
For these reasons, it is imperative that perchloric acid only be used is a perchloric acid designated fume hood that is not used for any other function. Spills should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned up. This fume hood shall be prominently marked as for use ONLY with perchloric acid and no other materials. EH&S should be contacted for proper signage and approvals. Keep in mind that only a new fume hood can be designated for perchloric acid use.
Respiratory protection
NOTE: Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement.
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
· As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).
· When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will be exceeded.
· Regulations require the use of a respirator.
· An employer requires the use of a respirator.
· There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL)
· As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
Hand Protection
Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
NOTE: Lab-specific and chemical-specific information on glove selection may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section. Refer to glove selection from the link below:
For glove selection, go to: http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hs/63-laboratory-safety/94-glove-selection-and-usage.html
Eye Protection
Tightly fitting safety goggles. Use face shield (8-inch minimum) when appropriate (not protected by fume hood sash for example). Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU) or ANSI Z87.1.
Skin and Body Protection
Long pants, closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes, cotton-based clothing/attire, and lab coat must be worn for protecting against chemical hazards.
Hygiene Measures
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
First Aid Procedures
Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
If inhaled
Move person into fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Take off contaminated clothing immediately. Wash off with soap and plenty of water for 15 minutes. Take victim immediately to hospital. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting the upper and lower eyelids. Get medical aid immediately.
If swallowed
Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
NOTE: Lab-specific information on handling and storage may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Working alone
Certain extremely hazardous operations should not be performed if the PI or Lab Safety Contact(s) are not present. Never work alone with extremely hazardous materials/operations. See the Protocol/Procedure section below for specific prohibitions (if any) on working alone.
Precautions for safe handling
Depending on the level of reactivity of the oxidizing agent, care must be taken to insure that the proper procedural requirements are in place as the agent is being used.
Conditions for safe storage
Do not store near combustible materials or other chemicals that are easily oxidized. Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Store protected from moisture.
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 911
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Help contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area. Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Large (>1 L) – Dial 911 and 510-642-9090 for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency shower for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water from the emergency eyewash station for 15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. Seek medical attention. Notify supervisor and EH&S immediately. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Medical Emergency Dial 911
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays – Dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency – Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Go to the Occupational Health Facility (Tang Health Center). After hours go to the nearest emergency room. Note: All needle stick/puncture exposures must be reported to EH&S within 8 hours. Follow up with a call to 510-642-9090 to report the incident.
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
NOTE: Lab-specific information on decontamination/waste disposal may be included in the Protocol/Procedure section.
Wearing proper PPE, please decontaminate equipment and bench tops using soap and water. Please dispose of the spent reducing agents and disposables contaminated with reductants as hazardous waste.
General hazardous waste disposal guidelines:
Label Waste
Strong oxidizing agent waste should be placed in a chemically compatible container with a sealed lid and clearly labeled. Label all containers with the label provided at http://ehs.berkeley.edu/hm/279-new-hazardous-waste-program-hwp.html. See the EH&S Fact Sheet, “Hazardous Waste Management” for general instructions on procedures for disposing of hazardous waste.
Dispose of Waste
§ Dispose of regularly generated chemical waste within 6 months
§ Call EH&S for questions
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
SDS can be accessed online at http://ucmsds.com
Oxidizing Agents] 1 Date: 1/2/2013
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)
· Prior to conducting any work with strong oxidizing agents, designated personnel must provide training to his/her laboratory personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with the substance(s), work area decontamination, and emergency procedures.
· The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the SDS provided by the manufacturer.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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Oxidizing Agents 8 Date: 1/2/2013