Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Oxidizer
University of Kansas Medical Center
Safe Operating Procedure
OXIDIZER
Purpose/Scope:
The purpose of this safe operating procedure is to guide laboratory staff in the safe handling,
storage and use of oxidizing chemicals. It provides general safety recommendations to reduce the
risk of exposure and accidents.
This procedure applies to all laboratories that use oxidizing chemicals.
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or
ehs@kumc.edu
)
Definition:
An oxidizer means a material that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or enhance the
combustion of other materials.
Examples
Hydrogen peroxide, Sodium nitrate, Potassium permanganate, and other Nitrates, Nitrites,
Perborates, Perchlorates, Permanganates, etc.
Hazards
Hazardous in case of skin contact, eye contact, ingestion and inhalation. Possibly corrosive to
eyes and skin. The amount of tissue damage depends on length of contact. Eye contact can result
in corneal damage or blindness. Skin contact can produce inflammation and blistering.
Inhalation of dust will produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract, characterized by
burning, sneezing and coughing. Severe over-exposure can produce lung damage, choking,
unconsciousness or death. Prolonged exposure may result in skin burns and ulcerations. Overexposure by inhalation may cause respiratory irritation.
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Oxidizer
Routes of Exposure
If any symptoms should occur, seek medical advice.
Eye contact: Immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
Skin contact: Wash with soap and water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Inhalation: Report to fresh air, keep calm and at rest. Seek medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly. DO NOT induce vomiting and seek medical attention.
Handling/Storage:
Handling
Keep away from heat and sources of ignition. Keep away from flammable and combustible
material. Do not ingest or breathe dust. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable
respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical advice immediately and show the container or
the label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as organic
materials, metals, acids.
Storage
Keep container (s) tightly closed and in a cool, well-ventilated area. Separate from acids,
alkalies, reducing agents and combustibles. See NFPA 43A, Code for the Storage of Liquid and
Solid Oxidizers.
Spills and Accidents:
Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container (s). Avoid contact with a combustible
material (wood, paper, oil, clothing etc.). Keep substances damp using water-spray. Do not touch
spilled material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or
confined areas; dike if needed. Ensure eye wash and safety shower locations are known.
Fill out incident report form: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/incident-report-form.html
(Please contact Environment Health and Safety for any questions or concerns, 8-1081 or ehs@kumc.edu )
PPE (personal protective equipment) and Engineering/Ventilation Controls:
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Oxidizer
Engineering/ventilation controls and/or proper work practices should be used to eliminate
hazards. If these alone do not eliminate the hazards present then PPE should be used. PPE is
ineffective if it is not used properly.
PPE
Personal protection: Avoid contact with skin and eyes when handling the product. Use only in
well ventilated areas.
Inhalation: In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
Hands and Skin: wear suitable protective gloves (nitrile), lab coat, etc.
Eyes: Wear safety glasses/goggles.
Engineering/Ventilation Controls
Use only in well ventilated areas.
Work conducted under a certified chemical fume hood is recommended. Please see the
following link for information regarding work with chemical fume hoods:
http://www.kumc.edu/Documents/compliance/safety/2012%20Chemical%20Fume%20Hood%20Plan.pdf
Waste Disposal:
The EHS office is required by Federal Regulations, the EPA, to properly dispose of all hazardous
waste. Once a lab is ready to discard any hazardous materials, please fill out chemical pickup
form located on the EHS website or follow the link below:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-/forms/chemical-pick-up-form.html
Special Precautions for animals:
For any projects involving the use of chemicals or drugs on animals, all researchers must review
and comply with the IACUC Chemical and Drug Hazard Policy. Additionally, the “Section H”
portion within the IACUC protocol form is the designated location for disclosing all hazards
(including chemical and drug use) for research involving animal models. The policy can be
found at: http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/office-of-animal-welfare/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/iacuc-policies.html.
Environment, Health and Safety Safe Operating Procedure: Oxidizer
Resources:
Consult the individual chemical’s MSDS (or SDS) for additional information about the hazards
and proper handling of each specific chemical. If you do not have an MSDS, several can be
found on the following websites:
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html
http://www.fishersci.com/ecomm/servlet/msdssearchhome?showMSDSSearch=Y&storeId=10652
Other Resources:
http://www.kumc.edu/compliance/environment-health-and-safety-office-.html
Keegan, Robert. J. (2011/2012). Hazardous Materials, Substances & Wastes Compliance Guide. Kutztown, PA: Robert J. Keegan.