Oxidising Agents – An Overview

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What are Oxidising Agents?

Simply put, oxidizing agents are substances that have the ability to oxidise other substances.

For an overview of hazardous substances read our editorial here.

What are the differences between Oxidising Agents and Organic Peroxides?

Where an oxidising agent is a substance that has the ability to oxidise other substances, an organic peroxide – while still an oxidising agent – doesn’t present the same risks. An oxidising agent is non-combustible and provides the oxygen needed to sustain combustion, whereas an organic peroxide can combust independently. While different, both are classified as hazardous and need to be handled and stored very carefully.

Where are Oxidising Agents most likely to be found?

Common oxidising agents are oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid and potassium nitrate. These substances are used as bleaches, water purifiers, and fertilisers, to name a few.

What are the risks to people and the environment?

While not necessarily combustible in themselves, oxidising substances may react, cause, or contribute to the combustion of other material. The result will inevitably produce heat, gas and/or flames – which in turn can cause considerable damage to both people and the environment around. Further to that, exposure to oxidising agents, particularly without the appropriate PPE, can cause significant harm to a person through ingestion, inhalation or eye contact.

How do I store Oxidising Agents?

Oxidising agents need to be held so they are protected from the risks of heat, friction or contact with other incompatible substances. This can be achieved by segregating and storing them in dedicated storage areas, or within cabinets that are designed for the specific storage of oxidising agents.

Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinets are available in five sizes:

• Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinet - 30L | 04-1200
• Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinet - 60L | 04-1201
• Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinet - 100L | 04-1202
• Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinet - 160L | 04-1203
• Chemshed Oxidising Agent Cabinet - 250L | 04-1204

Due to the risks to people working with or around these substances, it is hugely beneficial to have safety shower and eye-wash equipment in close proximity.

What are the design requirements for cabinets?

Indoor storage cabinets that are specifically for the storage of oxidising agents, need to be built to the specifications as set out in the Australian Standard AS4326-2008 (The storage and handling of oxidising agents), which also applies to New Zealand.

Incompatible substance

Due to their volatility, oxidising agents are suitable for storage with few other substances. Please consult the Hazero segregation chart for specific details.

Chemshed 20-Year Warranty

Storing dangerous goods is a demanding task but the strength and reliability of Chemshed cabinets, mean they are right up to it. To prove our confidence in them, they are backed up with a 20-year Warranty, which will give you the peace of mind that you are purchasing a solution that rises to the storage challenge, like none other. Find out more here.

Creating safer working environments

At Hazero our mission is zero hazards. Our extensive range of quality products will help you store, contain and control and clean-up dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

View our full range of Chemshed Oxidising Agents Cabinets here.

Need help creating a safer working environment? Contact our team today on 0800 688 844 or email us at info@hazero.co.nz. Our team are also available for on-site assessments across New Zealand, click here to request a site visit.

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