Mixing chemical reactivity hazard

Introduction Chemical reactivity is the tendency of substances to undergo chemical change. A chemical reactivity hazard is a situation with the potential for an uncontrolled chemical reaction that can result directly or indirectly in serious harm to people, property, or the environment. A chemical reaction can get out of control whenever the reaction environment is not able to safely absorb the energy and products released by the reaction. The possibility of such situations should be anticipated not only in the reaction step of chemical processes but also in storage, mixing, physical processing, purification, waste treatment, environmental control systems, and any other areas where reactive materials are handled or reactive interactions are possible. 

If NO mixing scenarios with undesired consequences are identified that have a reasonable likelihood of occurring during the lifetime of the facility, then it can be concluded that operation of the incinerator does not involve chemical reactivity hazards. In this case, the information in Chapter 4 will not need to be applied. 

Chemical Reactivity - Reactivity with Water. Decomposes slowly but the reaction is not hazardous Reactivity with Common Materials Corrodes metals slowly. If mixed with combustible materials or finely divided metals, mixture can spontaneously ignite or become unstable by friction Stability During Transport Sable Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics Not pertinent Polymerization Not pertinent Inhibitor of Polymerization Not pertinent. 

Materials information includes toxicity, permissible exposure limits, physical properties, reactivity, corrosivity, thermal and chemical and hazardous effects of inadvertent mixing of different materials.Process information consists of 1) process flow diagrams, 2) process chemistry descriptions, 3) maximum amounts of chemicals, 4) safe ranges for temperatures, pressures, flows oi 5) evaluation of the con.sequences of deviations. 

For companies engaged primarily in the bulk storage, handling, and use of chemicals identification and prevention of reactive hazards, including the inadvertent mixing of incompatible substances. 

Expand the existing Responsible Distribution Process to include reactive hazard management as an area of emphasis. At a minimum, ensure that the revisions address storage and handling, including the hazards of inadvertent mixing of incompatible chemicals. 

The Whitehall Leather case demonstrates that reactive hazards other than thermal runaways in reactors-such as inadvertent mixing of incompatible materials-can cause severe reactive incidents. Neither ferrous sulfate nor sodium hydrosulfide is rated by NFPA, and neither compound is an OSHA PSM-listed chemical. 

Chemical incompatibility Type of reactive hazard that occurs when a chemical is mixed or comes in... 

Barium Perchlorate — Fire Hazards Flash Point (deg. F) Not flammable but can aggravate fire intensity Flammable Limits in Air (%) Not flammable Fire Extinguishing Agents Not pertinent Fire Extinguishing Agents Not To Be Used Not pertinent Special Hazards of Combustion Products Not pertinent Behavior in Fire Increases the intensity of fires. Containers may burst or explode Ignition Temperature (deg. F) Not pertinent Electrical Hazard Not pertinent Burning Rate Not pertinent. Chemical Reactivity Reactivity with Water No reaction Reactivity with Common Materials When mixed with combustible materials or finely divided metals, can become an explosive... 

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