In industrial manufacturing and processing environments, managing dangerous chemical compounds requires strict safety protocols. Implementing certified chemical oxidizers and reactives storage systems is vital to prevent catastrophic workplace accidents, toxic fumes, and uncontrolled flashovers.
Because oxidizing agents release oxygen during decomposition and reactives decompose violently under environmental stressors, storing them improperly creates severe fire hazards. Understanding how to segregate, ventilate, and temperature-control these materials protects personnel, maintains OSHA compliance, and reduces facility liability.
What are oxidizing materials?
Oxidizing materials can increase the intensity of fires make substances that normally not burn readily become almost instant tinderboxes for mayhem and destruction. The true danger of oxidizing materials is their ability to create spontaneous combustible reactions that can begin without an obvious ignition source.
Oxidizing materials can have an ambiguous provenance to the untrained chemist and there are several misnomers surrounding these volatile catalysts. It’s important to note that not all oxidizers can cause spontaneous ignition and the severity of the ensuing burn rate varies dependent on the classification. Oxidizing materials can come in the form of liquids, solids or gasses.
Regardless of your background in science, you don’t have to be a Nobel Prize wining chemist to understand and appreciate the danger of these substances and the need for adequate protection. Our fire rated flammable chemical storage buildings can handle the complexities of storing such volatile materials. It’s always prudent to remember that nature is amoral, so good intentions seldom matter when it comes to being cognizant of storing chemicals accordingly so dangerous reactions can’t occur.
Here is a list of common oxidizers:
- Aluminum nitrate
- Barium peroxide
- Potassium nitrate
- Silver nitrate
- Calcium chlorate
- Sodium peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide (52 to 91 percent weight)
- Ammonium permanganate
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Proper storage of oxidizing materials
When possible, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety recommends substitution when dealing with oxidizing materials in order to reduce hazards or mitigate risks. Finding a suitable replacement that is as equally powerful can be problematic. If substitution is not feasible, it’s imperative that you consider all your viable storage options.
Oxidizing materials can react negatively with each other and should be stored separately in well ventilated areas. Our chemical fire-rated storage buildings are well equipped to handle the diverse needs of storing oxidizing materials. Moreover, independent storage of oxidizing materials will keep them out of reach from trigger sources and free of an environment that is conducive to dangerous combustions.
With oxidizing gasses, liquids and solids, climate control is everything. The wrong temperature or sudden inversions can provide the perfect ignition source for these volatile compounds. Our steel-welded structures are durable enough to handle the most sensitive of chemicals with affordability in mind.
What are chemical reactives?
Similar to oxidizers, chemical reactive substances can often expedite chemical processes, which lead to the release of large amounts of kinetic energy. These reaction rates often increase rapidly with a rise in temperature, according to the University of Toronto Environmental Health and Safety Department.
What type of reactions occur with the introduction of heat and other catalysts depend entirely on the composition of the reactive substance. Some substances decompose when exposed to heat and others experience detonation if they become contaminated with a foreign substance. Other chemicals, such as acetylene, are unstable by nature and prone to volatile reactions when exposed to less than ideal environmental settings.
Regardless of the dangerous chemical compounds you are handling, our multi-faceted fire rated flammable chemical storage buildings can provide you optimal protection during diverse circumstances and scenarios. Be sure to discuss your needs with a risk management advisor to ensure you are receiving industry leading protection. We also offer differing layers of fire insulation protection to accommodate your needs. You can also rest assured know that our custom engineered lockers meet all OSHA and EPA safety compliance regulations. Contact us today for compliant chemical oxidizers and reactives storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Oxidizers and Reactives Storage
Can oxidizers be stored in the same building as flammable liquids?
No. Oxidizing agents must be segregated from flammable liquids and combustible organic materials by fire-rated walls or placed in separate chemical storage lockers to prevent spontaneous ignition.
What climate control features are needed for reactive chemical storage?
Reactive chemicals typically require precision HVAC systems to maintain stable room temperatures, along with mechanical ventilation systems delivering at least six air changes per hour to purge sensitive vapors.
Are US Hazmat Storage buildings compliant with OSHA and EPA regulations?
Yes. All US Hazmat Storage buildings are engineered to satisfy OSHA 1910.106, NFPA standards, and EPA 40 CFR spill containment requirements.
Protect Your Workplace with Compliant Storage Solutions
Prevent chemical accidents and ensure total facility safety. Request a free quote for custom chemical storage or consult directly with our technical support team:
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