8.1  Peroxides and Peroxide Forming Material 
     These two classes of materials are found extensively on the ISU campus, and represent a risk to those who either use them or work in the vicinity of someone who does.  Peroxide forming materials present a danger of explosion and fire caused by shock-sensitivity of the peroxide compounds which can form inside a container.  These compounds generally have expiration dates beyond which they must not be used, but rather are to be declared hazardous waste and replaced if necessary.  The expiration date may be assigned and printed on the container by the manufacturer, or may be related to when the container was first opened.  If two dates are possible, the more conservative date should be used for safety reasons.  Appendix G contains a listing of some of these hazardous materials found at ISU.

8.2  Shock-Sensitive Material 
     Some materials are either shock-sensitive when bought, or more likely, become more shock-sensitive as they become older.  A partial list of these important materials is given in Appendix H.  Be sure to read and follow the label instructions for storage of these materials.  If you discover a shock-sensitive material, do not attempt to move it yourself.  Instead, notify the TSO immediately, and attempt to keep others from handling the container(s).

8.3  Water Reactive Material 
    Some materials react with water to produce a variety of hazards, such as heat, gases, fire, or corrosion. A partial list of these materials is given in Appendix I.  Be aware of what these materials are and notify TSO personnel when they are declared waste.  Special precautions are required to safely store these materials.
 
8.4  Pyrophoric Compounds  
      Some compounds react spontaneously with air, moisture, or other compounds in the air to cause danger to those who either use them or are in the vicinity of those who do.  A partial list of such compounds can be found in Appendix J.  Be aware of what these materials are and notify TSO personnel when they are declared waste.

8.5  Cylindered Gases
     Pressurized gas cylinders present potential hazards of several types.  First, some gases are under tremendous pressure and their accidental release can cause a gas bottle to become a deadly projectile that can penetrate a wall or kill a human being on impact.  Second, the contents of bottles themselves may be toxic and should not be released unless in use under a fume hood or other exhausting device.  Finally, valves can become corroded with age and leak or disintegrate unexpectedly, causing the potential for serious damage to people and property.  If you are unsure about a gas cylinder, no matter what its contents or pressure, contact TSO personnel for assistance.

8.6  Suspected Carcinogen, Mutagen, and Teratogen 
     There are some materials on the ISU campus that have no immediate (acute) effects on human health, but present long term (chronic) risk.  Material Safety Data Sheets should indicate if a material is a suspected carcinogen, mutagen, or teratogen.  Special care should be used when handling these materials.  You can contact the TSO personnel for assistance.
 
 

Technical Safety Office Idaho State University Campus Box 8106 785 S. 8th St. PS Rm 101  Pocatello, ID 83209 Phone: (208) 282-2310 or 282-2311 Fax: (208) 282-4649