What are basic safe practices for working with oxidizing liquids and solids?
Following these basic safe practices will help protect you from the hazards of oxidizing materials:- Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for all of the materials used in your work.
- Know the hazards (fire/explosion, health, corrosivity, chemical reactivity) of the materials used in your work.
- Know which materials you work with are oxidizing materials.
- Store oxidizing materials in suitable labelled containers, in a cool, dry place, and according to any other conditions that may be required.
- Avoid or eliminate ignition sources (sparks, smoking, flames, hot surfaces) when working with oxidizing materials.
- Store, handle and use oxidizing materials in well-ventilated areas away from combustible and other incompatible materials.
- Handle containers safely to avoid damaging them.
- Dispense oxidizing materials carefully, using compatible equipment and containers.
- Keep containers closed when not in use.
- Keep only the smallest amounts possible (not more than one day's supply) in the work area.
- Do not return contaminated or unused oxidizers back to the original container.
- Practice good housekeeping, personal cleanliness and proper equipment maintenance.
- Handle and dispose of oxidizing wastes safely.
- Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for each of the jobs you do.
- Know how to handle emergencies (fires, spills, personal injury) involving the oxidizing materials you work with.
- Follow the health and safety rules that apply to your job.