Oxidising chemicals, depending on their strength, can damage your skin and mucous membrane, so you have to handle them carefully. This type of chemical, which includes hydrogen peroxide, sodium perchlorate, and chromic acid, can be found in the workplace. Handling them requires wearing protective clothing, gloves, and goggles. For example, if you’re using oxidising agents in a laboratory, nitrile gloves can provide sufficient protection for your hands to avoid accidental contact.Continue reading this article to find out more about handling oxidising chemicals. But first…What Are Oxidising Chemicals?Oxidising chemicals are chemicals with elements that have high electron affinity. This means that they can readily accept or strip electrons from other substances. As they oxidise other substances, they are reduced. That means both oxidation and reduction reactions happen simultaneously – this is called a redox reaction for short. As one substance gains electrons, the other loses them.Depending on the relative electron affinity, a chemical can be either an oxidising agent or a reducing agent. The oxidising agent may combine with the oxidised substance, such as in the case of a rusting iron, or it may result in a single displacement reaction. This is how redox reactions work:Key TakeawaysOxidising chemicals are dangerousThey have high electron affinityThese chemicals strip electrons away from other substancesOxidation and reduction reactions always happen togetherPPE is necessary when handling oxidising agentsThere are safety protocols when storing and transporting oxidising chemicalsChemical emergencies require both immediate first aid and hospital medical responseDefinition & PropertiesOxidising chemicals are also known as oxidising agents, are toxic to humans and can cause injuries on living tissues. These are chemicals that strip other substances of electrons. When this happens, the other substances’ chemical bonds are broken. Unlike acids and bases, not all oxidising agents are corrosive.Common Examples of Oxidising ChemicalsMany of the really dangerous oxidising agents are found in laboratories and industrial settings.These chemicals include bromine, sodium perchlorate, chlorine gas, chromic acid and dibenzoyl peroxide. However, there are some oxidising agents that are commonly found in households as cleaning agents and medical supplies. These include sodium hypochlorite, which is used as laundry bleach and toilet cleaner. Another common household oxidising chemical is hydrogen peroxide, which is used as wound antiseptic.How Can You Safely Handle Oxidising Chemicals?Depending on the strength, concentration, and type, oxidising agents are dangerous to handle without any protective clothing. They can damage your skin and injure your mucous membranes. Your first line of protection is wearing gloves. Your hands should not come in contact with the oxidising agents, even the residue on the containers.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Aside from disposable nitrile gloves, other types of standard personal protective equipment for handling dangerous chemicals include goggles, a laboratory gown or apron, a facemask, and a face shield. You could also use more advanced PPE depending on the level of danger – in some cases, for example, you may need to wear a hazmat suit with breathing apparatus.What Are the Safe Transportation Methods?Depending on the type of oxidising chemical, regulations (like the European Union ADR) quantity, and intended use, there are different ways of transporting this chemical. For example, hydrogen peroxide intended for rockets is transported in large pressurised tanks. Pure oxygen, on the other hand, may require a similar method of storage and transportation and with temperature control. It’s usually transported in appropriate containers in lorries.How Should You Store Oxidising Chemicals?Oxidising chemicals are relatively unstable. They must be stored on separate shelves, away from other chemicals they may violently react with. Depending on the type of oxidising chemical, some may immediately release gaseous pressure once the container is opened. Most require inert containers, such as those made of glass. The room in which oxidising chemicals are stored must be maintained within a certain temperature range, and the containers must not be exposed to direct sunlight.What Should You Do in a Chemical Emergency?Standard chemistry laboratories and industrial complexes have emergency facilities such as showers and eyewash in case of accidental chemical spills and splashes. Some are also equipped with alarms and sprinklers. During a chemical emergency, the first crucial step is to evacuate people, especially those who require immediate medical attention. First aid can be administered to minor injuries, but more serious ones may need proper medical attention.The Importance of Training & ComplianceWorkers in industrial or chemical plants that use or manufacture dangerous chemicals such as oxidising agents must have proper training, not only in handling the chemicals, but also in responding to emergencies. Spill training at ReAgentRegular training is generally one of the best industrial practices, and is also mandated by law. Complying with regulations and quality standards like ISO 9001 is crucial in ensuring safety at the workplace, especially when dealing with dangerous chemicals.Best Practices for Handling Oxidising ChemicalsSome of the best practices for handling oxidising chemicals include, but are not limited to, the following:Wearing appropriate PPEHaving emergency eyewash and shower facilitiesUsing fume hoods when mixing chemicalsUsing appropriate containersSegregating highly reactive chemicalsHaving regular trainingEstablishing safety protocolsConclusionOxidising chemicals are toxic and very dangerous to humans. Handling them requires wearing protective equipment. There should also be safety training and emergency facilities at the workplace. Even household oxidising agents like bleach must be handled with care. Best industry practices should be implemented and regularly monitored in companies that handle or manufacture oxidising chemicals.
