Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management
Chemical Hygiene Plan
B3. Procedures for Reactive Chemicals
The most complete and reliable reference on chemical reactivity is found in the
current edition of "Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards" by L.
Bretherick, published by Butterworths. Reactivity information is sometimes
given in manufacturers' MSDSs and on labels. Guidelines on which chemicals are
reactive can be found in regulations promulgated by the Department of
Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR and by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
in 40 CFR. Also see NFPA Manual 325M, "Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable
Liquids, Gases, Volatile Solids"; Manual 49, "Hazardous Chemicals
Data"; and Manual 491M, "Manual of Hazardous Chemical
Reactions".
1. A reactive
chemical is one that: a. Is described
as such in Bretherick or the MSDS,
b. Is ranked by
the NFPA as 3 or 4 for reactivity,
c. Is identified by the DOT as:
- An oxidizer,
- An organic peroxide, or
- An explosive, Class A, B, or C.
d. Fits the EPA definition of reactive in 40 CFR 261.23,
e. Fits the OSHA definition of
unstable in 29 CFR 1910.1450, or
f. Is known or found to be
reactive with other substances.
2. Handle reactive chemicals with all proper safety precautions, including segregation in storage and prohibition on mixing even small quantities with other chemicals without prior approval and appropriate personal protection and precautions.
Section B4