Reactivity Hazard Information

An essential practice for managing chemical reactivity hazards is to gather chemical reactivity data on the chemicals likely to be present at your facility. This can be done based either on a current chemical inventory, or on a list of chemicals expected to be present. In either case, your management system must also include a means of detecting and checking any new or variant chemicals brought onsite for the first time. 

The list in Table 4.2 indicates the basic chemical reactivity hazard information that needs to be known for each substance. This is an extension of the information needed for the Preliminary Screening Method of Chapter 3. The Glossary at the end of of this publication gives definitions for most of the terms used in the table. 

Basic Chemical Reactivity Data to Collect (See Glossary for Definitions) 

Quantitative data (onset temperature, heat of reaction, maximum pressure rise...) may be needed later. 1Also include form, concentration range and diluent, as appropriate. 

Example Chemical Reactivity Data for Ammonium Nitrate 

Forms unstable peroxides Spontaneously combustible Inhibitor required  

Shock or friction sensitive Temperature control required  

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Chemical reactivity hazards information and reactivity data... 

Chemical Reactivity Hazards Information and Reactivity Data... 

Integration of reactive hazard information into process safety information, operating procedures, training, and communication practices. 

Both IChemE (Barton and Rogers, 1997 p. 137) and HSE (2000 p. 42) briefly address operator training in systems that involve reactive hazards. None of the guidelines, however, address the transfer and communication of this information to technical personnel. There is little guidance on integrating reactive hazard information into operating procedures, training, and communication practices. 

The customer requesting production of a chemical provides reactive hazard information (literature reviews, thermal test data, etc.). 

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