Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) and Skilled Labourer - Final Report - Part I - Essential Skills & Employability Skills, Part II - PLAR

9. Class C - Oxidizing Materials

What is an “oxidizer”?
A chemical that causes other materials to burn more intensely or explode by supplying oxygen

Hazard/Danger

Fire &/or explosion risk in presence of Class B material - flammables& combustibles

React violently or explode when contacting

Examples

gas - oxygen, ozone, fluorine
liquid - nitric acid, chromic acid
solids - potassium permanganate, chromates/dichromates

Health Affects of “Oxidizers”

skin - irritation, sensitization, eczema, dermatitis
eyes - burns to mucous membranes & blindness
respiratory - burns to mucous membranes, headache, coughing, intoxication, death from asphyxiation
ingestion - nausea
long term (chronic) - blood & nervous system damage, liver/kidney disease

Protecting Yourself

Be aware of the hazards - read label and MSDS.
Wear all protective clothing and equipment.
Know proper methods of storage, use, disposal.

Storing “Oxidizers”.

Don’t store “oxidizers” with acids, combustibles, flammables, and reducing agents.
Do not store near heat or electrical wiring, in sunlight.