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.
Department:
Chemistry
Date SOP was written:
Date SOP was approved by PI/lab
supervisor:
Principal Investigator:
Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab
Manager:
Lab Phone:
12/5/2012
Office Phone:
510-643-6312
Emergency Contact:
Richmond Sarpong, 626-644-2407
(Name and Phone Number)
Latimer Hall: 834, 836, 837, 838, 839, 842,
847, 849, 907
(Building/Room Number)
Location(s) covered by this SOP:
Type of SOP:
Process
1/13/2013
Richmond Sarpong
Rebecca Murphy
510-643-2485
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.
Oxidizing Agents]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
The following strong oxidizing agents are listed in the Settlement Agreement:
Chemical Name Formula
Ammonium perchlorate
NH4ClO4
Barium peroxide BaO2
Calcium chlorate CaClO3
Chlorine trifluoride ClF3
Chromic acid H2Cr2O7
Fluorine F2
Magnesium peroxide MgO2
Oxygen O2
Potassium bromate KBrO3
Potassium peroxide K2O2
Sodium chlorate NaClO3
Sodium perchlorate NaClO4
CAS#
7790-98-9
Chemical Name/Formula
Ammonium permanganate
KMNO4
1304-29-6 Bromine Br2
10043-53-4 Calcium hypochlorite
CaClO
7790-91-2 Chromium anhydride
CrO3
1308-38-9 Dibenzoyl peroxide
C14H10O4
7782-41-4 Hydrogen peroxide H2O2
1335-26-8 Nitrogen trioxide N2O3
7782-44-7 Perchloric acid HClO4
7758-01-2 Potassium chlorate KClO3
17014-71-0 Propyl nitrate C3H7NO3
7775-09-9 Sodium Chlorite NaClO
7601-89-0 Sodium peroxide Na2O2
CAS#
13446-10-1
7726-95-6
7778-54-3
1333-82-0
94-36-0
7722-84-1
10544-73-7
7601-80-3
3811-04-9
627-13-4
7758-19-2
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. Nonsalts 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 (6072%), sodium chlorite (>40%), and potassium bromate.
Oxidizing Agents]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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
Oxidizing Agents]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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 fittested 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-gloveselection-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.
Oxidizing Agents]
4
SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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.
Oxidizing Agents]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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
Oxidizing Agents]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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]
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SOP Template developed by The UC Center for Laboratory Safety
Date: 1/2/2013
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
Identification
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Date: 1/2/2013