ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
DiBENZOYL PEROXIDE (C6H5C00)2
SYNONYMS
Benzoyl peroxide, benzoic acid peroxide, benzoyl superoxide.
CHARACTERISTICS
A white, free flowing granular powder, which in dry form is
friction and shock sensitive. Is an organic peroxide.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Never use directly with accelerators, promoters, activators or
other reducing agents. May cause explosion. Heating yields toxic
flammable fumes with explosive potential. In dry form is
friction and shock sensitive.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
This substance should be handled in a fume cupboard. It may
cause severe damage to the eyes and is an irritant to the skin.
No information cited on inhalation or ingestion.
HANDLING and GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Use a fume hood.
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Keep away from heat or naked flames.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use a fume hood to minimise exposure to this substance. Wear
protective clothing to avoid skin or eye contact, inhalation or
ingestion. A long sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber
gloves, safety goggles and a face mask as a minimum standard.
TREATMENTS
Skin immediately wash the affected area with soap or mild
detergent and large amounts of water until all evidence of the
chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
hypersensitivity develops seek medical attention.
Eyes wash the affected eye with large amounts of water until
all evidence of the chemical has been removed (approximately 15
minutes). If irritation or pain persist seek immediate medical
attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. Keep
warm and allow to rest. If irritation persists or signs of
toxicity develop seek medical attention.
Ingestion wash out the mouth thoroughly with water and give
water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. Seek immediate medical advice.
STORAGE
Store in a cool, dry atmosphere away from heat or ignition
sources.
DISPOSAL
CAUTION:
Keep your stock low and date each container as received. Never
transfer to glass stoppered containers or screw cap bottles
which can cause dangerous friction. See code 15 for ether
peroxides.
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large heavy face shield and laboratory coat. Work
under a flash proof fume hood and from behind a heavy body
shield.
SPILLS:
Eliminate all sources of ignition.
Liquid peroxide; spills may be absorbed in a large quantity of
vermiculite or sand. Using a soft, plastic scoop, carefully
place the mixture in a plastic container. Spread on a steel pan
or in a deep pit. Ignite from a safe distance with a torch or
fuse. Wash the scoop and container with 20% sodium hydroxide.
Burn the original cartons and bags.
Solid peroxide; spills should be mixed with a large volume of
vermiculite or sand. Cautiously transfer to a deep pit and
ignite from a safe distance with a torch or fuse.
Small quantity; a very small amount of solid or liquid may be
destroyed by adding 10 volumes of 20% sodium hydroxide. after 24
hours, neutralise using litmus paper as an indicator then
discharge to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Absorb or mix in small portions of vermiculite or sand. Wet down
with 10% sodium hydroxide. Scoop up with plastic scoops and
remove to an open incinerator-pit. When dry, ignite from a safe
distance with a torch or fuse.
ENVIRONMENT.
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