Why should organic peroxides be kept under control?

First of all, it must be defined what is meant by organic peroxides: they are compounds characterised by the presence of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to each other -O-O- and can be considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide by replacing one or both hydrogen atoms with organic radicals. 

Their peculiarity is that they are particularly sensitive to normal or high temperatures, so much so that they can cause dangerous explosions. It is therefore essential to pay great attention to their conservation from a thermal point of view: heat, rubbing, knocks or contact with other elements must be strictly avoided in order not to incur the generation of harmful and flammable gases or vapours or self-ignition.

It is no coincidence that storage should be in a cool, well-ventilated place, isolated from heat sources and avoiding direct sunlight: the storage temperature should be below 30°C.

Furthermore, organic peroxides fall within the category of corrosive substances, which means that they are capable of irreversibly destroying or damaging other substances with which they come into contact.

This requires care in the provision of appropriate protective equipment so that the worker is protected: goggles, gloves and a protective mask are essential.

Basic requirements for storage areas

Haste is bad advice: before choosing which of our products best matches your needs, check whether you are meeting the minimum requirements in your storage environments.

• Use dedicated areas for storage to avoid any possibility of contamination
• Build the storage structure using materials and construction methods in accordance with current regulations
• Equip the area with suitable electrical installations
• Equip the area with the necessary temperature monitoring systems; then install audible and visual alarms
• Equip the area with appropriate fire detection and extinguishing systems (water sprays, sprinkles, flooding system)
• Building containment tanks and collection systems for any extinguishing water
• Warehouses must be closed and access restricted to authorised personnel. Clearly identify the area with No Smoking signs and do not use naked flames.

For the storage of flammable substances, fireproof safety cabinets must be used in accordance with the standard, displaying the dangers of the products and/or chemical agents contained therein by means of appropriate signs. 

Information and signs to be placed on cabinets and shelves

The following must be placed at each cabinet or shelf:

The list of products contained, with hazard statements and the date of update of the list

• The location reference of the relevant safety data sheets
• Signage indicating specific dangers

Arrangement of chemical agents inside cabinets and shelves

Labour Security System provides several solutions, specifically designed to guarantee security and protection whatever the laboratory product to be housed inside the cabinet.

We as a company are doing our part, now it's your turn! Here are some rules that should always be observed when storing agents:

• Corrosive, caustic and irritant agents are below eye level
• The lower shelves hold the largest containers and the most dangerous substances
• Containers are not piled on top of each other and do not overload the shelf
• Any special instructions given in the safety data sheet are observed
• Mutual incompatibilities are respected
• Be protected from direct sunlight and other heat sources