Guide to the safe handling of solvents in a bituminous ... - Aapaq.org

4. Unstable chemicalsMany chemicals (most notably ethers such as THF, dioxane, diethyl andisopropyl ether) are susceptible to decomposition resulting in explosiveproducts. Ethers, liquid paraffins, and olefins form peroxides on exposure toair and light. Since most of these products have been packaged in an airatmosphere, peroxides can form even if the containers have not beenopened.• Discard unopened containers of ethers after one year;• Discard containers of ethers within six months of opening;• Never handle ethers beyond their expiry dates; contact your localwaste disposal coordinator to arrange to have the material stabilisedand removed.The following are common examples of compounds prone to peroxideformation:• Cyclohexene• Dicyclopentadien• Diethyl ether (ether)• Dimethyl ether• Dioxane• Isopropyl ether• Tetrahydrofuran (THF)The label and MSDS will also indicate if a chemical is unstable.5. Explosive chemicalsMany chemicals are susceptible to rapid decomposition or explosion whensubjected to forces such as being struck, vibrated, agitated or heated.Some become increasingly shock sensitive with age. Picric acid becomesshock sensitive and explosive if it dries out.• Refer to the label and the MSDS to determine if a chemical isexplosive;• Write the dates received and opened on all containers of explosive orshock-sensitive chemicals;• Inspect all such containers every month;84