Potentially explosive peroxides can form if some chemicals which are kept beyond their expiration date. A special team must remotely open every expired peroxide former individually. This "High Hazard Team" work is dangerous and costly.
Disposal Requirements
- Dispose of before the expiration date.
- Label container with manufacture expiration or date received and
- Label container with date opened
- Type "Peroxide Former" or "PFC" in comments section on WASTe Tag
There is a $100 (minimum) recharge for each PFC that is disposed of beyond the expiration date, exceeding 20 ppm, or for containers not labeled.
To turn in expired PFC provide a P39 Recharge From at pick up with your containers.
Principal Investigators and lab managers should be aware of the storage and handling requirements of all peroxide forming chemicals.
Peroxide forming chemicals (PFC) are materials that may form potentially explosive organic peroxides, these are not classified under GHS, but are of significant concern. Many of these chemicals are common solvents and care must be taken for solutions containing them. A common practice is the addition of stabilizers (e.g. hydroquinone and BHT) that inhibit the chain reaction of peroxide formation.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan covers more information about the safe handling of peroxide forms on pages 24 - 27.
General Guidance:
- Stored in airtight containers in a dark, cool, and dry place
- Label with the date received and the date opened
- Purchase minimal quantities
- Dispose of prior to expiration, 1 year from opening, or with peroxides formation < 20 ppm.
- Avoid evaporation or distillation (distillation defeats the stabilizer added to the solvent)
- Keep tightly sealed to avoid evaporation
- Regularly inspect container for exterior contamination or crystallization
- Never return unused quantities back to original container
- Clean spills immediately
Do Not handle PFC containers if :
- greater than two years past the expiration date
- date of the container is unknown
- If crystallization is present in or on the exterior of a container
- Secure container and contact the EH&S Hotline at 310-825-9797 for disposal.
