What should I know about the storage area for oxidizing materials?

What should I know about the storage area for oxidizing materials?

Store oxidizing materials separately away from processing and handling areas and away from other materials. Separate storage can reduce the risk of personal injury and damage in case of fires, spills or leaks. If totally separate storage is not possible, store oxidizing materials away from incompatible materials especially organic or other oxidizable materials (sometimes called reducing materials or reducing agents).
Some oxidizing materials are incompatible or may react with each other, sometimes violently. Do not store them beside each other. Check the reactivity data and storage requirements sections of the MSDS for details about what materials are incompatible with a specific oxidizer.
Walls, floors, shelving, and fittings in storage areas should be constructed of non-combustible materials. Wood impregnated with a fire-retardant material is not fully protected against the increased fire hazard caused by contact with oxidizers. Protect metal construction materials against corrosion by painting them with a compatible coating.
Ensure that floors in areas where oxidizers are stored are watertight, do not have cracks where these materials can lodge. Contain spills or leaks by storing in trays made from compatible materials. For larger containers, such as drums or barrels, provide dikes around storage areas, and sills or ramps at door openings.
Store oxidizer containers at a convenient height for handling, below eye level if possible, to reduce the risk of dropping containers. Avoid overcrowding in storage areas. Do not store containers in out-of-the-way locations where they could be forgotten.
Store containers away from doors. Although it is convenient to place frequently-used materials next to the door, they could cut off the escape route if an emergency occurs.
Store oxidizing materials in areas that are:

• Labelled with suitable warning signs.
• Well-ventilated.
• Supplied with adequate firefighting equipment including sprinklers, where appropriate.
• Supplied with suitable spill clean-up equipment and materials.
• Free of ignition sources.
• Accessible at all times.

Is storage temperature important?

Store oxidizing materials in dry, cool areas, out of direct sunlight and away from steam pipes, boilers or other sources of heat. Follow the chemical supplier's recommendations for storage temperatures. Some dangerously reactive oxidizing materials start to decompose at temperatures only a little above normal room temperatures. The decomposition can lead to an explosion under some conditions. For these oxidizers, ensure that the storage temperature is kept at least 14°C (25°F) below their decomposition temperature. Avoid storing any oxidizer at temperatures above 49°C (120°F).
Storage areas may need alarms that provide a warning when storage temperatures are higher or lower than required.

What are general precautions for storing oxidizing materials?

At all times:

• Allow only trained, authorized people into storage areas.
• Keep the amount of oxidizing materials in storage as small as possible.
• Inspect storage areas regularly for any deficiencies including damaged or leaking containers and poor housekeeping.
• Correct all deficiencies as soon as possible.