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ORGANIC PEROXIDES Organic Peroxides – Their Safe Handling and Use

Organic Peroxides Their Safe Handling and Use

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The purpose of this bulletin is toprovide information on the safehandling and use of organic peroxides.Chemically, organic peroxides arecompounds characterized by the pres-ence of an oxygen-oxygen linkage inthe molecular structure. Organic peroxides are sensitive to heatand contamination, since these condi-tions will cleave the oxy-oxy bonds toform free radicals.

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  • ORGANIC PEROXIDES

    Organic Peroxides Their Safe Handling and Use

    ryancolor

  • The purpose of this bulletin is toprovide information on the safehandling and use of organic peroxides.

    Chemically, organic peroxides arecompounds characterized by the pres-ence of an oxygen-oxygen linkage inthe molecular structure.

    Organic peroxides are sensitive to heatand contamination, since these condi-tions will cleave the oxy-oxy bonds toform free radicals.

    Since organic peroxides are reactivechemicals, they can be dangerous ifmistreated or mishandled.

    In case of Emergency call Chemtrec: 800-424-9300

    For Medical Assistance call R.M.P.C.C.: 303-623-5716(Rocky Mt. Poison Control Center)

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    SECTION PAGE

    1 Introduction 2

    2 Safety Guidelines/Sources of Hazard 3

    3 Hazard Information 4

    4 Description of Various Product Classes 8

    5 Storage 9

    6 Disposal/Spillage 11

    7 Packaging 12

    8 Transportation 12

    9 First Aid 12

    10 Safety Check List 13

    11 Conclusion 14

    INTRODUCTION1

    A wide variety of organic peroxidesare now offered commercially to meetthe sophisticated needs of polymermanufacturers. Among them areperoxyesters, peroxydicarbonates,dialkyl peroxides, diacyl peroxides,hydroperoxides, peroxyketals andMEK peroxides. Products represent-ing each of these classes are listed inTable 1. (Note: MEK or Ketone perox-ides are a mixture of peroxides andhydroperoxides).

    There are differences in the degreeand type of hazard associated withthese peroxides. A series of tests hasbeen carried out to evaluate proper-ties such as shock sensitivity, heatsensitivity, burning rate, flash pointand storage stability. The results ofthe tests have proven helpful inestablishing safe handling, storageand disposal guidelines, and in devel-oping the packaging and shippingprocedures described in this bulletin.

    SAFETY GUIDELINES/TYPES OF ORGANIC PEROXIDES

    2

    Peroxyesters Peroxydicarbonates Dialkyl Peroxides Diacyl Peroxides Hydroperoxides Peroxyketals Ketone PeroxidesO O O O O ROO OOR

    R-OOC-R R-OC-OO-CO-R R-OO-R R-C-OO-C-R R-OOH R-C-R

    Luperox P Luperox 223-M75S Luperox DI Luperox A98 Luperox TBH70X Luperox 231 Luperox DDM-9(t-Butyl (Di-2-ethylhexyl (Di-t-Butyl peroxide) (Benzoyl peroxide) (t-Butyl hydroperoxide) (1,1-Di(t-Butyl peroxy) (MEKP Solution

    perbenzoate) peroxydicarbonate) 3,3,5-trimethyl in Plasticizer -cyclohexane) 9% Active Oxygen)

    Luperox 26 Luperox 225-M60S Luperox 101 Luperox LP Luperox CU90 Luperox 331M80 Luperox Delta-X9(t-Butyl peroctoate) (Di-sec-Butyl 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis (Lauroyl (Cumene 1,1-Di (MEKP Solution

    peroxydicarbonate) (t-Butyl-peroxy) hexane peroxide) hydroperoxide) (t-Butyl peroxy) in Plasticizer -cyclohexane 9% Active Oxygen)

    Luperox 11M75 Luperox DC Luperox DHD-9(t-Butyl (Dicumyl peroxide) (MEKP Solution

    peroxypivalate) in Plasticizer -9% Active Oxygen)

    Luperox 10M75 Luperox F Luperox 224(t-Butyl peroxy (2,2-bis (t-butyl peroxy) (2,4 Pentanedioneneodecanoate) diisopropylbenzene(s)) Peroxide Solution

    in Plasticizer)

    Table 1 Representative organic peroxides

    2Note: Lupersol DDM-9*, DHD-9*, DDM-30* and Delta X-9* will change to Luperox and drop * during 2001. Formulations will not change.Lupersol and Luperox are registered trademarks of Arkema Inc.

  • 3HAZARDS INFORMATION3

    The major causes of peroxidedecomposition (sources of hazard)are Heat, Fire, Friction, Shock andContamination. Examples of thecommon sources of these include:

    Heat - Sunlight; loss of refrigeration;radiators; heating elements; hotreaction vessels; heating ducts.

    Fire - Open flame; sparks.

    Friction - Mixing; pumping; grinding;traffic over spil lage (which can generate heat).

    Shock - Dropping; impact duringtransportation (which can generateheat).

    Contamination - Metal salts; amines;acids; bases; polymerization acceler-ator; transition metals; persulfates.

    The major safety characteristicsArkema Inc. measures todetermine the relative hazard of anorganic peroxide include: shocksensitivity, the amount of energyreleased during a decomposition,and flash point. Also measured arethe ease of burning, sensitivity to rateof heat rise, thermal stability, selfaccelerating decompostion tempera-ture and ignition or autoignitioncharacteristics.

    STANDARD SAFETY TESTSStandard tests have been developedfor determining the hazard of perox-ides. The following is a list anddescription of these established tests:

    A.SADT (Self AcceleratingDecomposition Temperature)The SADT test establishes thelowest temperature at which aperoxide, in its largest commericalpackage, will undergo self acceler-ating decomposition. The type ofdecomposition and damage poten-tial are measured, and the severityof decomposition is determined.The two parameters having the

    greatest effect on SADT are rate ofdecomposition and heat loss fromthe package. Figure 1 illustrates theimpact of the SADT.

    B.Shock SensitivityA standard weight is dropped on asmall sample in an impact tester.The height of the fall required for theweight to decompose the productis a measure of its sensitivity toshock. Dry/pure Dibenzoyl peroxide(Luperox A98) is one of the fewcommercially available peroxides toexhibit shock sensitivity in this test.

    C.Flash PointThe standard (closed cup) SETAflash test is now used. It is thetemperature at which the productvapors ignite on contact with anopen flame.

    D.Thermal Stability TestResults are determined by storingperoxide at a constant temperaturefor a specified time. The results ofthis test in terms of weight loss andassay are used as criteria for estab-lishing storage temperature andshelf life requirements.

    Product descriptions and safetydata for representative organicperoxide formulations are given in tables 2 and 3.

    SADT

    ER UTAR EPMET

    TIME

    Increased Assay Loss Zone

    Safe Zone

    RecommendedStorage

    Temperature

    RedZone

    violentdecomposition

    DangerZone

    self heating

    Figure 1

    HAZARD OVERVIEWThe three primary types of hazards to beconcerned with are flammability, heat sensitiv-ity and contamination.The following statements are provided as general discussion for these types of hazards, as they relate to all organic peroxides.

    A.FlammabilityAll organic peroxides will burn vigorously,and once ignited will be difficult to extinguish.The flammability of organic peroxides willalso be affected by the decompositionproducts. When most peroxides begin todecompose they will generate vapors andheat. Such vapors may be flammable andcould be the cause of an explosion.

    B.Heat SensitivityAll organic peroxides are sensitive to heat. Ifa peroxide is heated above a certaintemperature (depending on the specificheat sensitivity of the peroxide itself) therate of decompostion will increase in anuncontrolled manner. This reaction canbecome violent, releasing large volumes ofhot, flammable gasses.The temperature at which this will occurdepends on the volume of the peroxide,the container and the period of time the peroxide remains at that temperature.The self accelerating decompositiontemperature (SADT) test provides ameasure of this hazard.In general, the best way to avoid decom-position due to heat is to scrupulouslyadhere to the recommended storagetemperatures for each product. This isparticularly true for peroxides requiringrefrigerated storage.

    C.ContaminationChemical contamination can acceleratedecomposition of organic peroxides. Care should be taken to avoid all forms of contamination, particularly oxidizing and reducing agents and metal salts especially strong mineral acids. These will initiate a rapid decomposition at normal ambient temperatures, while many heavy metals such as copper, iron,brass, etc. will have a similar effect over alonger period of time.

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    Luperox 223S peroxydicarbonate Liquid NA >97%di-2-ethylhexyl

    Luperox 223M75S peroxydicarbonate Liquid Mixture OMS 75%di-sec-butyl

    Luperox 225S peroxydicarbonate Liquid NA >98%di-sec-butyl

    Luperox 225M60S peroxydicarbonate Liquid Mixture OMS 60%alpha-cumyl peroxy

    Luperox 188M75 neoheptanoate Liquid Mixture OMS 75%alpha-cumyl peroxy

    Luperox 288M75 neoheptanoate Liquid Mixture OMS 75%t-amyl

    Luperox 546M75 peroxyneodecanoate Liquid Mixture OMS 75%Luperox 554M75 t-amyl peroxypivalate Liquid Mixture OMS 75%Luperox 554M50 t-amyl peroxypivalate Liquid Mixture OMS 50%

    2,5 dimethyl 2,5 bis-2-Luperox 256 ethyl hexanoyl peroxy

    hexane Liquid NA >90%Luperox DEC Didecanoyl peroxide Solid NA >98.5%

    t-butyl peroxy 2-ethylLuperox 26 hexanoate Liquid NA >97%

    t-butyl peroxy 2-ethylLuperox 26M50 hexanoate Liquid Mixture OMS 50%

    t-butyl peroxy 2-ethylLuperox 26P50 hexanoate Liquid Mixture Phthalate 50%

    1,1 Di(t-butylperoxy) Luperox M33 cyclohexane & t-butyl Liquid Mixture OMS 65%

    peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate

    Table 3 Arkema Inc. Refrigerated Products

    Data referenced from NFPA 432 Code for the storage oforganic peroxide formulations; 1997 edition.

    OMS odorless mineral spiritsSADT Self Accelerating Decompostion Temperature

    Note: Lupersol DDM-9*, DDM-30*, DHD-9* and Delta X-9*trade names are scheduled to change to those indicated inthe table during 2001. PRODUCT FORMULATIONS WILLNOT CHANGE.

    REMARKS

    Luperox 223 M75S Possible phase separation below 0F(18C). (C)

    Luperox 11 M75 Freezes at -2F (-19C). Thawing at storage temperature returns to original form.

    NOTES:

    Rapid decomposition gives gasses which may spontaneously ignite in air.

    Phase separation and crystallization of solutions - to return homogenous solution, let stand at recommended storage temperature, with occasional mixing or shaking.

    6

  • Max. Storage NFPA Code NFPA Code NFPA Code NFPA Code Temp 704 Health 704 Flamm. Reactivity 432 StorageF (C) SADT Hazard ID. Hazard ID. Hazard ID. Class

    32 F [0 C] 66 C [1# bag] NE NE NE NE

    0 F [-18 C] 25 C [7# ctn] NE NE NE NE

    50 F [10 C] 45 C [35# ctn] 0 3 2 III (55 gal.)

    50 F [10 C] 45 C [35# ctn] NE NE NE NE32 F [0 C]

    NOT

  • Included below is information aboutspecific product classes, i.e., salientpoints about certain organic perox-ides in these groups as they relateto these hazards as discussed insection 3.

    PEROXIDE CLASSES

    A.DIACYL PEROXIDESDry benzoyl peroxide (Luperox

    A98) is shock and friction sensi-tive. Except for Luperox A98,commercial diacyl peroxides areformulated to be non-shock ornon-friction sensitive and must behandled and stored properly.Examples include the wetted andpaste forms of benzoyl peroxide.Wet forms of benzoyl peroxideshould not be allowed to dry out.

    B.PEROXYESTERSPeroxyesters are quite stable attheir recommended storagetemperatures. The recom-mended temperatures for thosematerials requiring refrigeratedstorage should be strictlyadhered to ( consult Arkema Inc.s Peroxyesters ProductBulletin).

    Some peroxyesters (such asLuperox P) can freeze. Frozenmaterials can be thawed by plac-ing in storage at recommendedtemperature.

    C.PEROXYDICARBONATESPeroxydicarbonates are thermallyunstable compounds. At theirrecommended storage tempera-tures however they are notexpected to decompose. Abovethe recommended storagetemperatures, decomposition willoccur, and in some cases violentdecomposition.

    D.DIALKYL PEROXIDESMost Dialkyl peroxides have rela-tively high flash points, but onceignited, will burn vigorously andare diff icult to extinguish.However, Di-t-Butyl Peroxide andDi-t-Amyl Peroxide have a lowflash point and their vapors arehighly flammable; thus, they mustbe handled as a flammable liquidas well as an organic peroxide.Specific handling and use infor-mation are available upon requestfrom Arkema Inc.

    E. KETONE PEROXIDESKetone peroxides are corrosive toeyes and irritants to skin. As agroup, the ketone peroxides aresubject to decomposition throughchemical action and are particu-larly sensitive to metallic salts.They are widely used as roomtemperature catalysts for curingpolyester resins which containaccelerators such as cobaltnaphthenate and cobalt/tertiaryamine combinations.

    Direct mixtures of the peroxideand the accelerator may decom-pose with violence and everyeffort should be made to elimi-nate any possibil ity of directcontact. Because of the widerange of contaminants which caninteract with ketone peroxides,good housekeeping practicesshould be strictly maintained.Methyl Ethyl Peroxides shouldnever be diluted with Acetone.

    F. PEROXYKETALSPeroxyketals are extremely sensi-tive to acid contamination whichcauses rapid decompositionreleasing flammable vapors whichmay self ignite.

    G.HYDROPEROXIDESHydroperoxides are generallycorrosive to skin and eyes.Commercial formulations ofHydroperoxides as supplied byArkema Inc. are not shocksensitive. Pure t-butyl hydroperoxideand 2,5-dihyroperoxy-2,5-dimethylhexane are considered too shocksensitive for commercial handling.Hydroperoxides, in particularcumene hydroperoxide, ( LuperoxCU90) are sensitive to contamina-tion. Contact with incompatiblematerials (such as strong acidsand strong oxidizers) can lead to aviolent decomposition.

    HAZARD OVERVIEW BY PEROXIDE FAMILY4

    8

  • In general, one of the most impor-tant factors to observe whenworking with organic peroxides isthe required storage temperature.Exposure to a temperature that canlead to an accelerated decomposi-tion may result in the generation offlammable gasses and, in somecases, spontaneous ignit ion.Proper storage is critical to the safehandling of organic peroxides,particularly those requir ingcontrolled temperature storage.Ventilation is important because aircirculation around peroxides storedat low temperatures reduces thechance of localized hot spots thatcan cause decomposition.

    Organic peroxide inventory shouldbe rotated to avoid shelf life prob-lems. Only minimal quantities ofperoxide should be kept in theimmediate processing area. Freezeror refrigerated facilities should beprovided for intermediate storage ofcontrolled temperature products.

    Note: It should be kept in mind thatrefrigerated storage facilities areused to maintain low temperatureperoxides at the required storagetemperature and not for coolinglow temperature peroxides to therequired temperature. AlthoughNOT recommended by ArkemaInc., if only a portion of materialthat is removed from refrigeratedstorage is used, the remainder mustbe cooled to a temperature at, orsomewhat below, the requiredtemperature before being placedback into the refrigerated storagefacilities. Failure to follow this proce-dure could result in a seriousdecomposition in the refrigeratedstorage area.

    Basic GuidelinesAll peroxide storage facilities shouldbe designed along the followingbasic guidelines:

    1. Comply with Federal, State andLocal requirements. ConsultNFPA 432 for organic peroxidestorage guidelines.

    2. Located in an isolated area.

    3. Used only for the storage oforganic peroxides.

    4. Should be of fireproof construction.

    5. Electrical equipment should beexplosion proof:

    Storage Areas = Class IDivision II Group D

    Process Areas = Class IDivision I Group D

    6. Free of all combustible material.

    7. Prevent exposure to sunlight.

    8. Posted signs Organic PeroxideStorage and No Smoking.

    9. For controlled temperatureperoxides, emergency back uprefrigeration should be installed.

    10. For controlled temperature per-oxides, emergency sources ofdry ice should be locally available.

    Large quantities of organic peroxidesshould ideally be stored in speciallydesigned buildings of non-combustible construction.Detached buildings are the mostcommon and preferred facilities forstoring large quantities. Three basic

    types of buildings are used depend-ing on the storage requirement ofthe peroxide and the amount thatwill be stored, plus local fire codes,insurance regulations and other laws.

    A.Uncontrolled TemperatureStorage

    Products stored in this type ofbuilding do not normally requirestorage temperatures outside ofthe normal ambient range (100Fmax.) to maintain assay, preventself accelerating decompositionand freezing. Uncontrolledtemperature storage howevershould not exceed 100F.Depending on climate, buildingscan be insulated, ventilated and/ordouble walled. (See Figure 2)

    B.Refrigerated Storage FacilitiesProducts stored in this type offacility require lower than normalambient temperatures to preserveassay and to prevent self acceler-ating decomposition, e.g. chesttype freezers.

    C.Walk In Refrigerated StorageBuildingThis type of facility is suitable forstoring large quantities of perox-ide which require refrigeratedconditions, e.g. Peroxydicarbo-nates. (See Figure 3)

    STORAGE5

    Figure 2

    9

    Door

    Air OutAir

    In

    Air In

    Plywood

    Plyw

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    Corrugated Alum. Roong

    Sun Shield on East, South & West Surfaces

    Corru

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  • Organic Peroxide Diamond on each exterior wall.

    Safety release door opens with pressure.

    Flammable Storage-Keep Fire Away and No Smoking placards on outside of building.

    Temperature recorder and temperature alarm system (visual andaudio). Metal portions of building should be grounded.

    Explosion-proof electrical equipment (Outside and Inside).

    Refrigeration units; Main and emergency backup systems (fluorocarbon type), located outside or away from building.

    For low-temperature peroxide storage (i.e. Lupersol 223S, Luperox

    10M75) a liquid nitrogen fire protection system is recommended.

    Interior and exterior walls should be made of corrosion resistantdesign. Minimum insulation should be 3 inches of urethane for walls,ceiling and floor.

    Weather-proof covering and sun-shield over top of building.

    Inside evaporators; Main and emergency backup systems.

    Corrugated fiberglass on walls, pallets on floor, and spacing betweenrows of cartons; for air circulation.

    STORAGE5

    Figure 3 Walk-In Type Storage Unit

    Refrigerated storage building and key requirements, inside and out.

    Refrigerated Storage Building

    ORGANIC PEROXIDE

    10

  • SPILLAGE AND DISPOSAL6

    Organic peroxide spills must betaken care of immediately. Spillscan normally be handled by spread-ing an inert absorbent materialdirectly on the spill, sweeping thearea and placing the sweepings inpolyethylene bags for disposal. Thesweepings should be wetted downwith water and disposed of immedi-ately by an approved disposalmethod (see below). When all thematerial has been picked up, washdown the spill area with surfactantand water to remove any traces ofperoxide. Allow for sufficient ventila-tion to aid in the removal of fumesthat may be present.

    The following is the recommendedmethod for disposal of organicperoxides.

    DILUTION AND INCINERATIONDue to current environmental regula-tions, this method is quickly becomingthe most preferred for liquid peroxidedisposal. Dilution of peroxide to no

    more than 1% active oxygen, or nomore than 10% by weight (whicheveris lower) in a satisfactory solvent is recommended. Fuel Oil #2 ornon-flammable-polymerizablehydrocarbons (which are readilysoluble with the peroxide) are themost widely used solvents. Inciner-ation can be accomplished aftersatisfactory mixing. Incineration hasthe advantage of providing rapidand complete decomposition alongwith the elimination of decomposi-tion products. This method is notgenerally recommended for disposalof solid peroxides due to limitedsolubility of solid peroxides withhydrocarbons.

    Incineration must be performed inaccordance with all applicableFederal, State and Local regulations.In general, an outside disposalcompany is used to perform this service.

    11

  • PACKAGING7 TRANSPORTATION8

    The containers in which organicperoxides are packaged include poly-ethylene bottles and jars, polyethylenelined bags and fiber drums andspecially coated steel drums.

    Polyethylene is the preferred materialsince it is relatively inert and is flexibleenough to withstand normal pressurebuildup. Examples of typical containersare shown below.

    Transportation regulations for organicperoxide formulations are located in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); 49 CFR 173.225.

    Certain peroxides require refrigeratedtransportation as specified in 49 CFR173.21(f)(3).

    FIRST AID9

    Care should be exercised by allpersonnel handling organic peroxides.Acute hazards of organic peroxidesmay include skin/eye irritation, skin/eye corrositivity, and skin sensitization. Refer to MSDS or labelfor specific product health effects andfirst aid information.

    For immediate medical assistancecontact the Rocky Mountain PoisonControl Center at 303-623-5716.

    12

  • The following check list is provided asa summary in an attempt to avoidproblems in the storage, handling oruse of organic peroxides. The list is abasic safety and information guide, asit pertains to all organic peroxides.

    1. Different classes of organic perox-ides have their own particularcharacteristics, specifications andhandling requirements. These areidentified on the product labels anddescribed in the appropriate productbulletins and MSDS. The productlabel is designed to indicate recom-mended storage temperature, specificproduct hazard characteristics, specialhandling information and appropriatefirst aid instructions. Product bulletinsprovide chemical composition data,sales specifications (including shelf life),physical properties, and safety infor-mation, such as storage temperatureand SADT (Tables 2 and 3).

    2. One of the most important factorsto observe when working with anorganic peroxide is the recommendedstorage temperature. Exposure to atemperature that can lead to an acceler-ated decomposition may result in thegeneration of flammable gasses, and insome cases spontaneous ignition.

    3. Refer to NFPA 432 for storageguidelines. Proper storage is critical tothe safe handling of organic peroxides,both those normally stored at ambienttemperatures and those requiringcontrolled temperature storage.Ventilation is important because aircirculation around peroxides stored atlow temperatures reduces the chanceof localized hot spots that could causedecomposition.

    4. Storage areas for peroxides shouldhave explosion proof electrical equip-ment.

    5. Organic peroxide inventoriesshould be rotated to avoid shelf lifeproblems.

    6. Any observable gassing or distor-tion of the container, should be treatedvery carefully. Visible gassing of

    organic peroxide containers may be anindication of imminent, possibly violentdecomposition.

    7. Only minimal quantities of perox-ides should be kept in the immediateprocessing area.

    8. Avoid contact with incompatiblematerials, such as oxidizers, reducingagents, promoters, acids or bases.

    9. The safe use of organic peroxidesdemands that good housekeepingprocedures be meticulously practiced.

    10. Heat, flame, contamination, shock,friction and static electricity are poten-tial hazards when an organic peroxideis being charged to a reaction. Careshould be taken to eliminate or mini-mize all of these.

    11. Contamination can be avoided byusing proper equipment and propermaterials of construction. Polymericmaterials that may be soluble inorganic peroxide solutions should notbe used as reaction vessels.Compatible materials of constructioninclude stainless steel 304 or 316(preferred), HDPE, polytetrafluorothy-lene and glass linings. Do not usecopper, brass or iron.

    12. Foreign materials, such as iron ordirt, should be avoided when chargingperoxides.

    13. Pumps used for organic peroxidesmust be dedicated use to avoidpotential contamination.

    14. Static buildup can be minimized byproper grounding and by keeping freefall distances to a minimum, especiallywhen working with static sensitiveinitiators, such as dry benzoyl perox-ide, and di-t-butyl peroxide.

    15. Friction caused by pumpingincreases the temperature of thepumped solutions. Extra care shouldbe exercised when peroxide solutionsare being re-circulated to avoidtemperatures above SADT.

    16. When peroxide samples are usedin analytical work, care should be exer-

    cised to avoid any contamination.Clean, dry plastic or glass containersshould be used to transfer peroxidesamples. Dry ice should be availableto cool samples in an emergency.Direct heat should never be applied toorganic peroxides.

    17. As a rule, dilution of pure peroxideswith compatible solvents will increasethe safety characteristics of the perox-ides.

    18. Any spilled organic peroxidesshould be attended to immediately.Spills can normally be handled byspreading an inert absorbentsubstance directly on the spill, wettingwith water, sweeping the area andthen placing the sweepings in polyeth-ylene bags for appropriate disposal.

    19. Where spills occur, allow for suffi-cient ventilation to aid in the removal offumes that may be present.

    20. In disposing of organic peroxides,or the absorbent material that hasbeen used to remove spills, extremecare should be exercised. The wettedabsorbent material should be placed ina plastic bag and then incinerated.Federal, State and Local laws andenvironmental regulations must beobserved in choosing a disposalmethod.

    21. The procedure for disposal ofempty peroxide containers mustinclude a thorough draining andshould include rinsing with water ora compatible solvent in particular forrefrigerated products. In accor-dance with Federal, State and localregulation, these can then be sentto an approved disposal site orincineration site.

    22. Drum containers must always bethoroughly flushed and drained beforebeing sent to a reconditioner.

    23. Cutting torches should never be used on empty peroxide drums.Flammable vapors may be present.

    SAFETY CHECK LIST10

    13

  • A thorough understanding of thesafety characteristics of organicperoxides is necessary in order toprevent accidents and to permit safeoperations. The recommendationsmade in this Bulletin are presented asa service to aid in the safe handling,storage and disposal of organicperoxides. The safety tests describedherein were used to establish safehandling procedures, packaging andshipping procedures for all organicperoxides. These guidelines aresuggested to aid users of organicperoxide initiators.

    Available Safety Films

    1. Handle With CareDiscusses the hazards of peroxidesstorage and handling and offersrecommended procedures.

    2. Keep It Cool and Keep It CleanConsiders hazards and preventa-tive measures relative to MEKperoxide use in unsaturated polyester applications.

    Other Information Sources

    National Fire Protection Association(NFPA) www.nfpa.org1-800-344-3555NFPA 432 Code for the Storage of Organic Peroxide Formulations.

    The Society of The Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) Organic Peroxide Producers Safety Division (OPPSD)www.plasticsindustry.org1-202-974-5200

    Safety and Handling of OrganicPeroxides: A Guide (Publication#AS-109)

    Responsible Care

    Arkema Inc. is committed tothe ACCs Responsible Care andProduct Stewardship initiatives.

    CONCLUSION11

    14

    VISIT US ON THE WEBwww.Arkema-Inc.com

  • SAFE USE AND HANDLING OF AMBIENT ORGANIC PEROXIDE INITIATORS12

    1. Know the storage temperature and do not exceed it.

    2. Know the SADT Danger Temperature and respect it.

    3. Leave room for cool air circulation in storage area; follow the 2 foot rule.

    4. Equip storage area properly.

    5. Have fire extinguishers available.

    6. Rotate inventory: First In, First Out.

    7. Take only the amount that will be used.

    8. Do NOT return unused initiator to storage buildings.

    9. Rinse and slash containers prior to disposal.

    10. Immediately clean up spills and dispose of them properly.

    11. Protect your eyes and skin.

    12. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

    13. Initiator in large vessels should be diluted.

    14. Know your plants emergency procedures.

    Above all, when it comes to storing, handling and using organic peroxide initiators,Dont Lose Your Cool!

    For additional information consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

    Arkema Inc. Fine Chemicals Group Organic Peroxides

    2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 90103

    Phones: (800) 558-5575 Fax: (215) 419-7413 24-Hour Emergency (800) 424-9300

    www.Arkema-Inc.com

    15

    ryancolor

  • Arkema Inc. 2000 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 1-800-558-5575 Fax: 215-419-5671 www.Arkema-Inc.comQC-1230 1M 1/01 LITHO IN U.S.A.

    2007 Arkema Inc. All rights reserved.IMPORTANT: The statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof. Since the conditions and methods

    of use of the product and of the information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema expressly disclaims any and all liability as to any results obtained or arisingfrom any use of the product or reliance on such information; NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY

    OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE CONCERNING THE GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates only to the specific product designated and may not be applicable when such product is used in combination with other materials or in anyprocess. The user should thoroughly test any application before commercialization. Nothing contained herein should be taken as an inducement to infringe any patent and the user

    is advised to take appropriate steps to be assured that any proposed use of the product will not result in patent infringement.

    Luperox, Lupersol, are registered trademarks of Arkema Inc.

    Responsible Care is a registered trademark of the American Chemistry Council

    Arkema Inc. is committed to the ACCs Responsible Care andProduct Stewardship initiatives.

    RESPONSIBLE CARE

    In Case of Emergency CallCHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300

    For Medical Assistance Call R.M.P.C.C. at 1-303-623-5716