pec

8 Potentially Explosive Chemicals D. Specific Storage and Testing Guidelines for Peroxide Forming Chemicals About Peroxide Forming Chemicals Oxygenated organic compounds may become dangerous upon prolonged storage due to the formation of explosive peroxides. Peroxides may form in freshly distilled, undistilled, and unstabilized ethers within less than two weeks. Exposure to light and air enhances the formation of the peroxides. Ethers react with oxygen to form unstable peroxides. Contaminated ethers may detonate when peroxides are concentrated by evaporation, distillation, or the chemical is exposed to shock or friction. Tips and Tricks • Purchase small containers and empty quickly • Store in amber bottles or in a dark location • Purchase inhibited chemical or add an inhibitor such as BHT • Mark peroxide formers with date received • Regularly test peroxides formers Labels are available from Chemistry Stores, EH&S or ESH. Testing Schedule for Peroxide Forming Chemicals Persons using a peroxide forming chemical should manage it according to the recommendations in Table 1. Table 1 Testing and Disposal Requirements for Peroxidizable Chemicals (See Appendix 1 for Chemical List) Status of Container Testing & Disposal Requirement Opened Test every 6 months; dispose of any chemicals with > or equal to 100 ppm peroxides. Unopened Test on or before expiration date and every 6 months thereafter; dispose of any chemicals with > or equal to 100 ppm peroxides. IMPORTANT! Dispose of any chemicals found to have a peroxide concentration greater than or equal to 100 parts per million. Suggestions: Store perioxide forming chemicals under nitrogren if possible. It is recommended that a regular semi-annual testing schedule be set for peroxidizable chemicals (e.g. test all peroxidizable chemicals on January 1 st and July 1 st ).