Hydrogen peroxide

Health, safety and the environment

2007

Kemira Oyj
Tel. +358 10 86 11 Health, safety
Rescue service
Local rescue number and the environment
Emergency telephone
Refer to local MSDS when handling
This brochure does not replace
Hydrogen peroxide
product instructions and
safety datasheets but should be
seen as complementary.

Cefic storage guidelines

www.cefic.org/files/publications/
guideline.pdf

Kemira Oyj
Pulp & Paper Chemicals
P.O. Box 330
Fi-00101 Helsinki
Tel. +358 10 86 11
Fax +358 10 862 1694
www.kemira.com
Contents

Introduction 3
Properties of hydrogen peroxide 4-5
Storage 6-7
Passivation 9
Safety precautions 10-11
Transport - dangerous goods 13
Delivery by tank lorry 15
Delivery by train 16
How to unload from train 17
Delivery by container 18
How to unload from container 19
The unloading area 20
Equipment at the unloading station 21
Reception of delivery 22
Material recommendations 23
Safety regulations 25
Personal protective clothing 26
How to deal with spillage and leakage 27
Sanitation of discharge 28
Cleaning of equipment 29
Dangerous goods labelling 30
First aid 33-36
Annotations 37

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 1

Introduction

It is important for Kemira to co-ordinate health,

safety and the environment as a natural part
of the company, since these areas always affect
each other both at our and our customers
premises. We also aim to be the leading chemical
supplier to the industry. Consequently, our
work is controlled by a QHES system (quality-
health environment-safety) which is certified
according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and which
also includes internal monitoring of the working
environment.

In working with the environmental management

system we have seen that a very important
part of our environmental influence is through use
of our products at the customers premises. In this
brochure, we wish to provide advice, information
and directions on how to practically handle,
transport and store our products in the correct
manner. Properly used chemicals, in the right
amount and handled in the correct manner, are a
prerequisite for an effective and environmentally
attuned company within the industry.
Responsible Care

We are also involved in the international chemical

industrys Responsible Care program, a system
for continuously developing health, safety and the
environment within production and distribution
as well as product application and readiness
for emergencies. The undertaking also includes
maintaining active communication with both cust-
omers and other interested parties and thereby
improving relations between the chemical industry
and the surrounding world.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 3

 Properties of hydrogen peroxide

General seems small, the amount of oxygen released due

to the decomposition of H202 is by no means neg-
Hydrogen peroxide is a colourless liquid, of the
ligible. This is understandable if you consider
appearance of water, and completely soluble
that on complete decomposition, one volume unit
in water in all concentrations. Although it is non-
of H202 (50 wt-%) produces about 200 volume
combustible, it is known that hydrogen peroxide
units of gas. This must be taken into account when
in concentrations above 16 wt-% is able to ignite
designing and constructing handling and storage
inflammable material such as paper, wood,
facilities as well as transportation. If the pH should
clothes and leather. This is because hydrogen
increase, the solution becomes very unstable
peroxide (H2O2) is a strong oxidising agent. Under
and decomposition also takes place here with
certain circumstances, hydrogen peroxide can
the release of oxygen. This means that an increase
decompose rapidly and even cause a pressure
in pH directly results in a decrease in stability.
explosion. The most common chemical and
physical properties of hydrogen peroxide, which
can be seen in the table below, refer to the
different qualities of H202 which Kemira produces
and sells.

Stability

When hydrogen peroxide is handled correctly, it is

a very stable product: the decrease in the active
oxygen content is usually less than 1 wt-% per
annum at ambient temperatures. Although 1% Leather is damaged and ignited by H202

35% - H202 50% - H202 60% - H202 70% - H202

Solubility in water excellent excellent excellent excellent

Density at 20 C (kg/dm )
o 3
1.132 1.195 1.240 1.288
Boiling point ( C) at 1 atm.
o
108 114 119 125
Freezing point ( C) o
-33 -52 -55 -40
Amount of active oxygen (%) 16.4 23.5 28.2 32.9

4 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Decomposition

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes according Temperature

to the following reaction:
Heat assists the decomposition of hydrogen per-

H2O2 H2O + O2 oxide. As a rough rule of thumb it may be said that

the decomposition rate doubles with each 10C
rise in temperature. Therefore, the recording
H = -2882 kJ/kg 100% H2O2
and monitoring of temperature is very important.

The maximum temperature that may be reached

The rate of decomposition is influenced during a decomposition reaction depends on
by several different factors: the concentration of H202 in the solution.

Catalysts

Various metal ions, metal oxides and pure metals

act as catalyst for the decomposition reaction.
Most metals such as iron, copper, chromium, Hydrogen peroxide in the form of
manganese, nickel and zinc are most active in gas can be explosive if the concentration
ion form. exceeds 26 mol-%.

The noble metals e.g. platinum, palladium, silver At normal pressure a 74 wt-% or higher
and gold, are already active in the form of solid concentration of hydrogen peroxide solution
can produce such a gas mixture.
metal.

The higher the pressure, the lower the limit.

pH-value Hydrogen peroxide solutions with

concentrations above 86 wt-% can explode
In an acid environment, hydrogen peroxide is
upon strong initiation.
very stable. Therefore hydrogen peroxide is
generally stabilised at pH 2-4. However, if the
pH increases, the solution becomes very unstable
and decomposition also takes place here with
the release of oxygen. This means that an increase
in pH directly results in a decrease in stability.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 5

 Storage

Design of storage and pipe systems

Storage tanks should be sited outdoors or in

well ventilated warehouses away from combu-
stible materials or heat sources.

Hydrogen peroxide storage must be located in

a fireproof area. The floors must be made of
concrete and water supplies must be adequate
to flush away all traces of hydrogen peroxide
spills and extinguish any fires.

The buildings, building materials and storage

facilities should of course be adapted to the pro-
perties of the products.

The tanks must be ventilated and equipped

with proper safety valves or bursting discs. The
tanks should be equipped with alarm systems
for alerting the operator of any exceptional
increase in temperature.
Storage tanks for hydrogen peroxide
For safety reasons as much of the pipe system
as possible should be placed outdoors. The
pipes must be easily accessible and the flow
must be free at both ends. Since there is always
a risk of gas formation and the build-up of
inner pressure, the construction must not contain
closed parts in which the hydrogen peroxide
can accmulate without the possibility of gas
release in case of decomposition. The pipe
system should also be designed so that the
liquid cannot flow back from the dosing system
to the storage tanks.

Impurities may decompose hydrogen peroxide

6 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Almost all materials and substances may be seen as
impurities and can cause very rapid decomposition
of hydrogen peroxide. It is therefore especially
important to store in tanks especially designed
for the storage of hydrogen peroxide and made of
appropriate material, see the chapter Recom-
mendations for choice of materials. The storage
tank and the equipment must be handled and
cleaned in accordance with Kemiras instructions.

NEVER
recycle exposed product

All devices must be clearly labelled

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) can decrease the stability

of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore packaging ma-
terial for H2O2 must be impervious to UV radiation.

Kemiras hydrogen peroxide is stabilised for

safe transportation, storage and use.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 7

Passivation
Passivation means that the surface is treated
so that it will not initiate decomposition of
the hydrogen peroxide. All devices for storage
and distribution made of metal and which come
into contact with hydrogen peroxide must be
thoroughly cleaned and passivated before use.
This routine must be repeated after every
repair or other intervention in the device
which might cause damage to the passivation
layer of the metal. Metal surfaces which are
not passivated can cause decomposition of the
hydrogen peroxide.
The following routine should be
followed:
1. Remove dirt and all sharp edges by brushing
or equivalent methods such as polishing.
2. Wash with hot water and cleaning agent.
Use organic, non-foaming detergent for grease
removal.
3. Flush the whole surface thoroughly
with hot water.
4. Oxidise with nitric acid (33-60% HNO3)
for 2-6 hours. Welds can be sprayed and left
damp for 4-6 hours.
5. Flush the whole surface thoroughly with
demineralized water.
6. In order to protect all surfaces from dirt and
dust during transportation and handling,
cover the openings of the pipes with taped
cling film.
Hydrogen peroxide 2007 9
 Safety precautions

The whole storage area must be clean and tidy

in order to avoid contact with substances which
can cause decomposition or fire in the event of
leakage of hydrogen peroxide.

Storage tanks and pipes must always be clearly

labelled. The pipe system must be equipped
with safety valves on those parts where hydrogen
peroxide can be contained between valves.
All ball-valves must have a drilled hole with a
minimum diameter of three millimeters in the ball.

The loading station must be equipped with em-

ergency shower, facilities for flushing with
water, eye shower and telephone for contact with
control room. Installations containing hydrogen
peroxide must be equipped with devices in
order to avoid overpressure. This also applies to
plastic containers and sampling vessels.

Pressure relief devices are necessary

Generally the following safety devices

are recommended for storage tanks: Normal flow direction

Stub pipes for aeration equipped with vent

filters against dust and water splashes.

Safety openings for pressure compensation in

case the hydrogen peroxide should decompose. Drilling

Ball valve with drilled ball

10 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

 Level indicator with maximum and minimum
alarms.
Level indicator in the top part of the tank
for protection against overfilling.
A bottom valve for emptying.
Earthing of metal storage tanks.
Overflow pipe.

Temperature monitoring with an alarm

system which indicates exceeding of the
highest permitted temperature and the
rate of temperature increase (maximum
3C/hour). An increase in temperature When storing 70% or higher concentra-
can indicate the decomposition of H2O2. tions of H2O2, please contact the custo-
Be aware of the influence of the sun and mer service at Kemira for further instruc-
the temparature outside in relation with tions.
the volume of the tank.

Storage and dosing facilities for hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 11

Transport - dangerous goods

Equipment for transport and loading must be For transportation according to

adapted to the requirements for hydrogen peroxide. IMO-regulations
For safe transport with tanks and containers, these
Concentrations 60% H2O2 can be transported
must be equipped with breather device.
in bottomdischarge units.
Aeration valve to avoid pressure differences,
Concentrations >60% H2O2 must be transported
equipped with sintered disc in order not to
in topdischarge only units.
contaminate the hydrogen peroxide.

Safety valve for over pressure with sufficient

vent capacity.
Bursting discs for over pressure.
Dust filter with connection to air-inlet with a
gauze compressed air (for unloading).
Temperature indicator.
For intermodal and road transportation
according to ADR/RID legislation
Concentrations 70% wt-%-H2O2 can be
transported in bottomdischarge units.
Concentrations >70% wt-%-H2O2 must be
transported in topdischarge only units.

Visible labelling.

Dangerous goods information

Transport classes 8-<20 wt % 20-60 wt % >60 wt %

UN no 2984 2014 2015

Class 5.1 5.1 5.1
Label 5.1 5.1 + 8 5.1 + 8
Packaging group III II I

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 13

Delivery by tank lorry and
how to unload from tank lorry

The amount of load that can be carried by tank

lorry is variable depending on the local road
transport regulations. These are stipulating the
maximum total weight allowed for a vehicle and
may vary from one country to another.

When delivering by tank lorry, please contact the

customer service at Kemira for information on the
maximum weight allowed for road transportations
in each country.

When handling hydrogen peroxide, use

personal protective equipment.

Chemical suite or eqvivalent fullbody coverage

approved and resistent to H2O2.
Safety goggles and full face shield
Safety H2O2 resitant boots
Neoprene or PVC gloves

Check

That the whole cargo fits in the storage tank

The condition of the hoses Unloading can be done using compressed air
The water supply to the emergency shower provided by a special type of compressor on the
The concentration of the H2O2 to be delivered tank lorry or by a pump. The pump can be either
with the concentration in the storage tank. from the customer or the transport company.
Check that connection are clearly marked When a pump is used be sure that it is dedicated for
with H2O2 to overcome accidental filling into hydrogen peroxide.
wrong storage facilities used for other products
than H2O2. Our drivers make the connection to the unloading
point and ensure that hoses and connections
Connect are tight. The tank lorries provide their own
unloading hoses that will be flushed with water
The unloading hose to the tank lorrys before placed back on the tank lorry.
product tank.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 15

 Delivery by train

Since no one responsible from Kemira

accompanies delivery by train, it is even more
important to follow the unloading instructions
of the container carefully.

The wagon is unloaded from the top with

an external unloading device, compressor, via
step-tubes.

Tare weight of the wagon

variable depends on the size of the wagon

Tank volume
variable depends on the size of the wagon

Operating pressure
Max 3.0 bar (0.3 MPa)

H2O2 H2O2 H2O2

8-<20 wt % 20-60 wt % >60 wt %

8 8

16 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

How to unload from train

Use personal protective equipment.

Check

That the whole cargo fits in the storage tank

The condition of the hoses
The water supply to the emergency shower
The quality of the compressed air, if used.

Connect

The unloading hose to the storage tank

Compressed air hose

The person who is responsible for unloading

must ensure that hoses and connections are tight.

From the protection shed you can later open the

valve for the air pressure. Ensure that the pressure
does not exceed 3 bar (0.3 MPa).

Check that hoses and connections are tight.

When unloading has finished, i.e. the pressure

manometer indicates zero, the compressed air valve
at the protection shed is first closed and then
the valve at the wagon.

Afterwards the other devices can be disconnected.

Flush the hoses with water and position the hoses
properly and connect the protection plug to avoid
dirt from entering.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 17

 Delivery by container

Since no responsible from Kemira accompanies the

container, it is extremely important to follow the
unloading instructions of the container.

Outlet on UN containers

For H2O2 of 60% concentration

a bottom outlet is used at unloading.
For H2O2 of higher than 60% concentration,
always use a type of container without a
bottom outlet.

Container
20

Tare weight
Ca 4 ton

Gross
Max 34 ton

Tank volume H2O2 H2O2 H2O2

24 m3 8-<20 wt % 20-60 wt % >60 wt %

Compressed air connection

DN50 or claw coupling 1

Bottom discharge
TW80 or 3 Kamloc or 3 BSP screw

8 8
Top discharge
Flanged joint

The size of container to be used may vary from

country to country. Please contact Kemiras
customer service for information on the right size.

18 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

How to unload from container

Use personal protective equipment.

Check

That the whole cargo fits in the storage tank

The condition of the hoses
The water supply to the emergency shower
The quality of the compressed air, if used

Connect

The unloading hose to the storage tank

Compressed air hose if unloading goes with

the use of a compressor.

The person who is responsible for unloading

must ensure that hoses and connections are tight.

From the protection shed you can later open

the valve for the air pressure. Ensure that the
pressure does not exceed 3 bar (0.3 MPa).

Check that hoses and connections are tight.

When unloading has finished, the compressed

air valve at the protection shed is first closed
and then the valve at the wagon. Afterwards,
the other devices can be disconnected.

Make sure that the hoses are empty, connect the

protection plugs to prevent dirt from entering and
position the hoses properly.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 19

 The unloading area

A good unloading station has

Adequate lighting at the unloading station.

Even foundations. It must not

incline laterally.

Emergency shower and eye shower

right next to the site.

Adequately marked and locked

reception pipes.

Water in order to be able to flush

vehicles, equipment and area in the
event of any leakage.

Bear in mind that other chemicals must

not be stored directly adjacent to the
unloading site. Some chemicals may react
violently with the products.

Consider the consequences leakage to the

sewer can have for the internal sewer system.

Do not underestimate the risks when

unloading. Bear in mind that when
a compressor is used pipes and hoses
can break when using too high pressure.

20 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Equipment at the unloading station

Compressed oilfree air or An ideal unloading station

looks

like this
pump for hydrogen peroxide

The amount of air required for unloading must

be adjusted to the delivery vehicles own
technical limits. When a pump is used be sure
that it is dedicated for hydrogen peroxide.

Pipes

The pipes used for unloading of hydrogen

peroxide must be of approved quality.

Protective equipment

Emergency shower and eye shower

Other equipment Protection shed equipped with

Emergency shower and eye shower.

Water connection and flushing hose
Grip for water pipe Water connection

Compressed air device with reducing valve

and a manometer indicating operating pressure.

Grip for water pipe

Window towards the unloading station

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 21

 Reception of delivery

The best way to avoid accidents is to prevent them.

For those of you who are responsible for the

unloading of hydrogen peroxide, this means
careful planning.

The recipient is responsible for handling from

his own connection.

The loading station must be marked with hydrogen

peroxide labels.

The recipients responsibilities

Direct and supervise unloading.

Check that the cargo fits in the reception tank.

Check the water supply to the emergency

shower and the flush pipe.

Check that the pipes and other equipment The air must be oil free and filtered and the pressure may
are clean and fault-free. not exceed 3 bar (0.3 MPa).

Check that the air pressure does not exceed

3 bar (0.3 MPa). Applies where the recipient
handles air.

Accept and sign the consignment note.

Keep the unloading station clean in order to

reduce the risk related to unloading.

22 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Material recommendations

Kemira recommends the following materials with When welding flanges in pipelines, it is better
regard to contact with H2O2. to use butt welded neck flanges than fillet welded
plate flanges.

Material

Welded EN 1.4404 (AISI 316L)

devices EN 1.4432 (AISI 316L)
EN 1.4435 (AISI 316L)
Tanks EN 1.4406 (AISI 304L)
Pipes EN 1.4407 (AISI 304L)

Cast EN 1.4401 (AISI 316)

devices EN 1.4436 (AISI 316)
Pumps EN 1.4301 (AISI 304)
Fillet welded Butt welded
Valves

Packing PTFE
Viton A
Accessories PTFE
PVDF, FEP
Is not recommended! Recommended!
Hoses Reinforced PVC
(For random use) Corrugated metal hose
(AISI 316L)

All installations containing hydrogen peroxide

Laboratory Laboratory crystal
equipment Porcelain must be equipped with devices in order to
PTFE avoid
over

pressure.
This

also applies to plastic
containers and sampling vessels.

Plastic container HDPE

(Applies only to
35% and 50% H2O2)

Sampling vessels Laboratory crystal

HDPE
(Applies only to
35% and 50% H2O2)

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 23

Safety regulations

From an environmental point of view, hydrogen In the event of a fire,

peroxide is a harmless chemical product that
is inflammable, but is a strong oxidizing agent Contact the fire brigade immediately.
which in concentrations higher than 16 wt-%
Move/cool down any tanks near
can self ignite flammable material (e.g. paper,
the fire. Use water/water sprinklers.
wood, clothes and leather).
N.B. No CO2, foam or powder.

Under certain circumstances, hydrogen peroxide
can also cause pressure burst, for example, at
high temperature, over pressure, impurities, UV-
light, contact with organic items, metal oxides
and metal ions.
Keep people away from fire/smoke,
also from the headwind side.
For further information see

When handling hydrogen peroxide, protective Our Safety Datasheet for Hydrogen peroxide.
clothing is an obvious necessity (see Personal
protective clothing).

It is also important to make sure that the

surroundings in which hydrogen peroxide is
handled are clean and free of flammable
material.

Risk of explosion!
Hydrogen peroxide must never come
into contact with other substances.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 25

 Personal protective clothing

Protective clothing is an obvious necessity.

The picture shows an example on how to protect
yourself against injuries.

Personal protective clothing

Protective gloves of nitrile, neoprene,

butyl rubber or polyethylene.
N.B. Do not use leather or cotton
gloves (fire hazard).

Where there is a risk of direct contact/

splashes, protective clothing of chemically
impervious material should be used.
N.B. Do not use leather shoes.

Tight-fitting protective goggles and

a face shield of acid-resisting material.

Where there is insufficient ventilation:

breathing protection gas filter type CO/NO/P3
or ABEK or compressed air device (also PFC).

If boots are used, the trousers

must be outside the boots.

Supplementary equipment

Water for skin- and eye washing must

be available in the immediate vicinity.

Emergency shower
Eye shower or bottles for eye washing

26 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

How to deal with spillage and leakage

Cleaning of spillage

Hydrogen peroxide acts physically like water, which

means that it spreads quickly over large surfaces
and easily sinks down into the earth. Therefore the
spillage should be dammed in as quickly as
possible with sand or earth. Afterwards, it should
be diluted with plenty of water. Hydrogen peroxide
spillage will break down into harmless
components and is not classified as
environmentally dangerous.

Rule of thumb

Hydrogen spillage should not be collected as such.

It should first be diluted with plenty of water
to a 1% solution, which can then be flushed away
into the sewer system or a water stream. To do
this, first contact the relevant local authorities for
permission.

Small spillage (<100 liters)

Flush with plenty of water

For larger spillage and leakage, Warning of risk of splashes
call Rescue service

Larger spillage (>10 m3)

Vacate the area

Call rescue service
Cordon off the area
Wait for rescue personnel
Provide information

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 27

 Sanitation of discharge

Small discharge (<100 liters)

Immediately clean by flushing plenty of water

in scattered streams over the discharge.
(1 liter product spillage requires at least 100
liters of water). For safety reasons the
concentration should be below 1% hydrogen
peroxide and when entering a biological
waste water treatment plant the concen-
tration of hydrogen peroxide should be below
100 mg/l (=0.01%).

Decontamination of
discharge in sewer systems

If the product should enter the sewer system,

keep the cover open in order to let built-up
gas out and flush with plenty of water. Try to
prevent access to the sewer system and
flush with plenty of water. Inform the relevant
authorities about the discharge.

Larger discharge (>10 m3)

Try to prevent any leakage by, for example, Remove ignition sources.
interrupting pumping. Cordon off the area Vacate the risk area!
around the discharge. Dam the discharge in,
If you judge the discharge too
with sand or earth. Cover drains and sewers
great to manage yourself, contact
close at hand with, for example, tarpaulin
Rescue service
and sand. Dilute with plenty of water.

Keep people away from discharge/leakage,

also from the headwind side of the discharge/
leakage.

28 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Cleaning of equipment

Use personal protective equipment. Clean

with water. You can check if washing
has been done properly by checking the
pH-value of the flushing water using
e.g measuring sticks for hydrogen peroxide
concentration <100 mg/l. If the pH-
value is lower than 6, washing should be
repeated.

Washing and flushing water can be released

to the sewer system.

Handling of waste

Questions concerning general handling of

chemical waste can normally be answered
by the local authorities. Hydrogen peroxide
is not classified as environmentally dangerous.

Residual hydrogen peroxide must not be

poured back into the original packaging.

Do not flush empty containers which

are to be returned to the supplier.

Do not use empty containers for

other purposes.

Small amounts (<1 liter) are to be flushed

away with plenty of water.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 29

 Dangerous goods labelling

The vehicles which transport products that are

classified as Hazardous Goods in accordance with
the ADR/RID directions must be labelled in a special H2O2
way. The sender is responsible for entering the 8-<20 wt-%
name, labelling and other information on
hazardous goods correctly on the transport
documents. It is the responsibility of the driver to
ensure that the vehicle is labelled correctly.

This also applies for empty truck tanks and

containers that are not washed.

This is how Hazardous Goods labelling for vehicles

transporting hydrogen peroxide should look.

H2O2
20-60 wt-%

H2O2
>60 wt-%

30 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

 Ligger i ett eget
dokumentgrn flik
 Ligger i ett eget
dokumentgrn flik
First Aid

Splashes in the eyes Ingestion

Important! Flush the eyes immediately with Important! Do not induce vomiting.
plenty of water. Remove contact lenses.
Rinse the mouth with water.
Keep the eyelids wide open and look
Place the injured person in a
in different directions during flushing.
half-sitting position.
Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes
Immediately contact the doctor and
or until a doctor takes over treatment.
if necessary, go to the hospital.
N.B. It is important not to interrupt
flushing too early.

Contact with skin

Go to the emergency shower and flush

with plenty of water.

Immediately take off clothes, shoes, watch

etc. for continued flushing.

Immediately wash contaminated clothes in

order to avoid risk of fire.

Corrosion injuries must be treated by the doctor.

Inhalation

Fresh air. In the case of breathing

difficulties, give respiratory assistance, if
necessary, with oxygen.
N.B. Do not use the mouth to mouth method.

Rest preferably in comfortable, Always consider calling

half-sitting position. Rescue service
Avoid physical strain (increased risk
of effects on lungs).

Call the doctor immediately.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 33

 If you get hydrogen peroxide on you

If an accident has occurred, take

the following action:

Flush immediately with plenty of water.

If possible use the emergency shower.

Immediately take off wet clothes and

continue to flush. Do not forget to take off
watches, rings, shoes, etc.

Continue to flush for 15 minutes

N.B. Corrosion injuries must be treated
by the doctor.

Wash wet clothes immediately in order

to avoid risk of self-ignition.

Irritating to skin (hydrogen peroxide 35 - <50%)

Causes burns (hydrogen peroxide 50 - <70%)

Causes severe burns (hydrogen peroxide 70%)

Where there is contact with the skin, the skin im-

mediately turns white, thereafter redness,
blisters and corrosion wounds can appear. Lengthy
or frequently repeated exposure through
contact with the skin may cause dry and cracked
skin. Health hazards depend on hydrogen
peroxide concentration in product and length of
exposure.

34 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

If you get hydrogen peroxide in your eyes

If an accident has occurred,

take the following action:

Flush the eyes immediately with

plenty of water. Remove contact lenses.

Keep the eyelids wide open and look

in different directions during flushing.

Continue flushing for at least 15 minutes

or until a doctor takes over treatment.
N.B. It is important not to interrupt
flushing too early.

Irritating to eyes
(hydrogen peroxide 5-<8%)

Risk of serious damage to eyes

(hydrogen peroxide 8%)

Contact with eyes causes severe pain, tears

and corrosion injuries. Risk of permanent
damage to the eyes, blindness. The damage
may not become apparent for several
hours or days. Vapour or mist badly irritates
the eyes.

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 35

 If you have inhaled or ingested
hydrogen peroxide

If an accident has occurred, take

the following action:

Immediately remove the injured person

from exposure.

Provide fresh air, heat and rest in comfortable

half-sitting position.

Flush nose and mouth with water.

Artificial respiration if necessary.

N.B. Do not use the mouth to mouth method.

Harmful if swallowed
(hydrogen peroxide 8 - <35%)

Harmful if swallowed, irritating to

respiratory system
(hydrogen peroxide 35 - <50%)

Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed

(hydrogen peroxide 50%)

In the event of spillage or fire, vapour may be

produced which irritates or corrodes the mucous Contact the doctor immediately. If necessary,
membranes of the mouth and throat. The transfer the injured person to hospital.
vapour can also cause coughing and sneezing.

In the event of inhalation of high concentrations,

there is a potential risk of airway catarrh and
liquid suffusion in the lungs (lung oedema).

Ingestion causes severe pain, stomach pains and

corrosion injuries.

Ingested product is quickly decomposed into

oxygen which can cause stretching and the risk
of cracking of the stomach.

36 Hydrogen peroxide 2007

Annotations

Hydrogen peroxide 2007 37

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