Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide

North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
Technical Data Sheet

Introduction
As an active member of the North American Peroxide Producers Safety Committee, Solvay
Chemicals, Inc. actively participated in the development of these bulk storage standards. These
guidelines are minimum standards that all of the hydrogen peroxide producers endorse. It is vitally
important that any potential new hydrogen peroxide facility design be accomplished in conjunction
with Solvay Chemicals in order to cover all of the unique design parameters for hydrogen peroxide.
All new delivery locations for Solvay Chemicals MUST be inspected and approved prior to the first
delivery of bulk hydrogen peroxide. Solvay Chemicals has additional detailed technical information
that can aid in the safe design of bulk hydrogen peroxide equipment. For copies of this technical
information regarding hydrogen peroxide, call 1-800-SOLVAY-C or 800-765-8292.

Minimum Recommended Safety Standards for Storage and

Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
These MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SAFETY STANDARDS have been developed by all of the
North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers to assist their customers in the safe storage and
handling of hydrogen peroxide.
Users of hydrogen peroxide are urged to comply with these standards and to review periodically
their practices to ensure that they remain in compliance.
Under the Responsible Care® initiative, the North American Hydrogen Peroxide producers are
available to assist in understanding and meeting these MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SAFETY
STANDARDS.

Pre-Delivery
The customer site must be inspected by a producer representative prior to the first delivery of
hydrogen peroxide.
All persons handling hydrogen peroxide must be properly trained in its hazards. Producers' safety
materials are available to assist in this effort.
If hydrogen peroxide is diluted at the customer site for bulk storage, a dilution water sample must be
analyzed and approved by the supplier.

TDS HH-704 Revised 1-25-04

Copyright 2004, Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
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Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
Technical Data Sheet

Unloading Area
A source of water must be available close to the unloading area for safety purposes.
A safety shower and eyewash fountain must be located close to the unloading area.
The storage tank must be properly identified by a label explaining the hazards of hydrogen peroxide,
including a National Fire Prevention Association placard for fire fighting purposes.
The fill lines must also be identified as containing hydrogen peroxide.
No combustible materials should be stored close to the hydrogen peroxide storage or unloading
area.
Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn if exposure to hydrogen peroxide is
possible. Splash-proof chemical goggles, rubber boots and gloves, or other chemical-resistant
materials should be worn. Leather gloves and boots must be forbidden because contact with
hydrogen peroxide can cause a fire. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet for further information.

Storage Tank Design

Hydrogen peroxide storage tanks should be located outside with suitable containment provided.
For most grades of hydrogen peroxide, storage tanks should be made of high-purity aluminum,
stainless steel 304, 304L, 316, or 316L. The storage tanks must be properly passivated before
putting into hydrogen peroxide service. To ensure compatibility, check with your hydrogen peroxide
supplier.
The storage tanks should be operated at atmospheric pressure.
A continuous vent and properly sized emergency relief valve should be installed on all hydrogen
peroxide tanks. Refer to producer recommendations.
Local level indication should be installed on all hydrogen peroxide storage tanks. Temperature
monitoring systems should be installed on all tanks containing greater than 60% hydrogen peroxide.

Equipment
Hydrogen peroxide must be handled with dedicated equipment made of proper materials. Refer to
producer recommendations.
Hydrogen peroxide systems should be designed to avoid entrapment, thus preventing excess
pressure buildup from oxygen evolution. For example, plug or ball valves should be properly vented
per manufacturers' recommendations.
Systems must be designed to prevent backflow of process or water systems into hydrogen peroxide
tanks or containers.
Proposed design changes to hydrogen peroxide storage and handling systems should be reviewed
with the hydrogen peroxide producer.

TDS HH-704 Revised 1-25-04

Copyright 2004, Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Page 2/4 www.solvaychemicals.us 1.800.765.8292
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
Technical Data Sheet

Transfer of hydrogen peroxide should not be done by tank pressurization. Pumps or gravity flow
should be used.
Hydrogen peroxide must not be returned to the storage container other than by closed system
centrifugal pump recycle line.
If you store hydrogen peroxide drums on pallets, wooden pallets should not be used. Refer to NFPA
430.
Use water to respond to all incidents, e.g., fires, spills, leaks, etc., involving hydrogen peroxide.

Storage and Handling

• Store hydrogen peroxide in the original vented container, upright, in a cool, ventilated area
where it is protected from damage, or in bulk storage tanks made from approved alloys of
aluminum or stainless steel.
• Do not store other chemicals, fuels, or combustible materials near hydrogen peroxide.
• Never return unused hydrogen peroxide to the storage container.
• When empty, rinse all peroxide containers thoroughly with clean water before discarding.
• Use only approved materials for pumps, piping, and hoses.

Safety
• Persons working with hydrogen peroxide should be familiar with personal protective equipment,
first aid measures and the proper safety and handling procedures. Consult the Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) for appropriate information.
• Prevent accidental decomposition by keeping the product free of contaminants.
• Prevent fires by avoiding accidental spills. Water is the preferred method for extinguishing fires
in which hydrogen peroxide is present.
• Spills and leaks should be contained, diluted with copious amounts of water and disposed of in
compliance with local regulations.
• Hydrogen peroxide storage or handling areas should be equipped with a safety shower, an
eyewash station, and a water hose.

TDS HH-704 Revised 1-25-04

Copyright 2004, Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Page 3/4 www.solvaychemicals.us 1.800.765.8292
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety North American Hydrogen Peroxide Producers Safety
Standard: Storage and Handling of Hydrogen Peroxide
Technical Data Sheet

First Aid
In case of product splashing into the eyes and face, treat eyes first.
• Eye contact: Flush eyes immediately with water for at least 15 minutes. Call a physician.
• Skin contact: Immediately flush skin with water while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.
Call a physician if irritation persists.
• Inhalation: Remove the victim from the contaminated area to fresh air. Call a physician in case
of respiratory symptoms.
• Ingestion: Consult with a physician immediately in all cases. DO NOT induce vomiting. If
victim is conscious, rinse mouth with fresh water.
Danger: Hydrogen Peroxide solutions are strong oxidizers and corrosive to the eyes, mucous
membranes and skin. Consult the MSDS for the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to
wear when handling hydrogen peroxide. In case of contact with the eyes, skin or clothing, flush
with large amounts of water for 15 minutes. In case of ingestion, rinse mouth with water, but do not
induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention. Product
in contact with combustible materials may cause fires.
Before using, read Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for this chemical.
Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
24 hour Emergency Phone Number - 1-800-424-9300 (CHEMTREC®)
To our actual knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate as of the date of this
document. However, neither Solvay Chemicals, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any warranty,
express or implied, or accepts any liability in connection with this information or its use. This
information is for use by technically skilled persons at their own discretion and risk and does not
relate to the use of this product in combination with any other substance or any other process. This
is not a license under any patent or other proprietary right. The user alone must finally determine
suitability of any information or material for any contemplated use, the manner of use and whether
any patents are infringed.

TDS HH-704 Revised 1-25-04

Copyright 2004, Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Page 4/4 www.solvaychemicals.us 1.800.765.8292