POTASSIUM PEROXIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
0 3 1 ox	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	0	Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
	Instability	1	Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special	OX	Possesses oxidizing properties.

A yellow granular solid. Mixtures of potassium peroxide and combustible material readily ignited by friction, heat or contact with moisture. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may cause vigorous decomposition of the material and rupture of the container. Used as a bleach.

• Explosive
• Strong Oxidizing Agent
• Water-Reactive

Reacts exothermically with water (or moisture in the air) to give oxygen and a caustic solution, potassium hydroxide [NFPA 491M].

Behavior in Fire: Increases intensity of fire and can start fires when in contact with organic combustibles (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation causes respiratory irritation. Ingestion causes severe burns of mouth and stomach. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation and caustic burns. (USCG, 1999)

POTASSIUM PEROXIDE is a strong oxidizing agent. Reacts readily with reducing agents, including most organic compounds, to generate heat and products that may be gaseous (causing pressurization of closed containers). The products may themselves be capable of further reactions (such as combustion in the air). A quantity left on a piece of paper in the open air usually starts a fire in the paper spontaneously in a few minutes [Freeman].

• Bases, Strong
• Oxidizing Agents, Strong

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

• Cellulose-Based Absorbents
• Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
• Expanded Polymeric Absorbents

Excerpt from 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash or lime.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)

Excerpt from 144 [Oxidizers (Water-Reactive)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

LARGE SPILL: DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)

Dust mask; goggles or face shield; protective gloves (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

INHALATION: remove from exposure; support respiration.

INGESTION: give large amount of water; do NOT induce vomiting; get medical attention.

EYES: irrigate with large quantities of water for at least 15 min.; get medical attention for caustic burns.

SKIN: flush with water; treat caustic burns. (USCG, 1999)

• DIPOTASSIUM PEROXIDE
• POTASSIUM OXIDE (K2(O2))
• POTASSIUM PEROXIDE
• POTASSIUM SUPEROXIDE