ABC of Safety in the Biological Sciences
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (H2O2)
SYNONYMS
None known.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid skin and eye contact.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour.
Keep away from heat.
Keep away from strong oxidising agents.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
CHARACTERISTICS
Clear, colourless liquid.
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
A strong oxidising agent and very corrosive. It is a severe eye
and mucous membrane irritant. Acute exposure to the eye of the
vapour causes irritation, a liquid splash causes very severe
burns with loss of sight. A liquid splash to the skin will burn
and bleach but there will be no permanent damage. Inhalation of
the vapour will irritate the mucous membranes with coughing and
shortness and breath. Ingestion of the liquid causes localised
burning and severe irritation.
TREATMENTS
Skin remove contaminated clothing and immediately wash the
affected area with large amounts of water until all evidence of
the chemical has been removed (approximately 15 minutes). If
irritation or pain persist seek medical attention.
Eyes immediately 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, or
vision blurs, seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation remove from the area of exposure to fresh air. If
breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration. Keep warm and
allow to rest. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Ingestion rinse the mouth with water and give plenty of water
to drink. Seek immediate medical attention if discomfort or pain
persist.
INCOMPATIBILITY
Hydrogen peroxide is incompatible with: nitric acid exothermic
reaction, hydrochloric acid chlorine is evolved, sulphuric
acid exothermic reaction. In the presence of oxidising agents,
reducing agents or halogens, decomposition of hydrogen peroxide
takes place with the evolution of oxygen. Readily decomposes in
the presence of heat. If the container is tightly sealed an
explosion may result from pressure build up.
STORAGE
Stability is affected by rough surfaces. The inside of any
container used for the storage of hydrogen peroxide must be
smooth. Metal containers are generally unsuitable. Store in a
cool, dry atmosphere. Do not have the container tightly sealed.
HANDLING
Use a fume hood that will keep the level of exposure below the
recommended threshold limit, ie. 1ppm (NH & MRC, Australia). If
the level of exposure is expected to exceed 1ppm then a
respirator is recommended. Wear protective clothing. A long
sleeved laboratory coat or gown, rubber gloves, safety goggles
and a face mask as a minimum standard.
DISPOSAL
WEAR:
Rubber gloves, large face shield and laboratory coat. A body
shield should be available.
SPILLS:
Cover with at least double the volume of sand-soda ash mixture
(90/10). Mix thoroughly and break up any lumps of peroxide..
with a plastic scoop add slowly to a large beaker of sodium
bisulphite solution 93 or 4 litres) with stirring. Neutralise
with dilute sulphuric acid. When settled, decant the sulphate
solution and discharge to the sewer with a large excess of
water. The sand can be used for land fill.
Hydrogen peroxide: spill or packaged lots - dilute and discharge
to the sewer with a large excess of water.
PACKAGE LOTS:
Use the above method for the encrusted, impure peroxide.
Repackage the recovered pure granular peroxide in glass
containers with rubber stoppers.
ENVIRONMENT:
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