Procedures

General

	Always minimize the amount of material involved in the experiment; the smallest amount sufficient to achieve the desired result should be used. Scale-ups should be handled with great care, giving consideration to the reaction vessel size and cooling, heating, stirring and equilibration rates.
	Excessive amounts of highly reactive compounds should not be purchased, synthesized, or stored in the laboratories. The key to safely handling reactive chemicals is to keep them isolated from the substances that initiate their violent reactions.
	Do not work alone. All operations where highly reactive and explosive chemicals are used should be performed during the normal workday or when other employees are available either in the same laboratory or in the immediate area.
	Perform all manipulations of highly reactive or high-energy oxidizers in a chemical fume hood or some other appropriate containment device. (Some factors to be considered in judging the adequacy of the hood include its size in relation to the reaction and required equipment, the ability to fully close the sash, and the composition of the sash.)
	Make sure that the reaction equipment is properly secured. Reaction vessels should be supported from beneath with tripods or lab jacks. Use shields or guards which are clamped or secured.
	If possible use remote controls for controlling the reaction (including cooling, heating and stirring controls). These should be located either outside the hood or at least outside the shield.
	Reactive materials often become less stable after becoming contaminated (such as with metals). Don’t use metal spatula.

Specific procedures

	Handle shock sensitive substances gently, avoid friction, grinding, and all forms of impact. Glass containers that have screw-cap lids or glass stoppers should not be used. Polyethylene bottles that have screw-cap lids may be used. Handle water-sensitive compounds away from water sources. Light-sensitive chemicals should be used in light-tight containers. Handle highly reactive chemicals away from the direct light, open flames, and other sources of heat. Oxidizing agents should only be heated with fiberglass heating mantles or sand baths. Unused peroxides should be discarded as hazardous waste and not be returned to the original container.
	High energy oxidizers, such as perchloric acid, should only be handled in a wash down hood if the oxidizer will volatilize and potentially condense in the ventilation system. Inorganic oxidizers such as perchloric acid can react violently with most organic materials.
	Labels on peroxide forming substances should contain the date the container was received, first opened and the initials of the person who first opened the container. They should be checked for the presence of peroxides before using, and quarterly while in storage (peroxide test strips are available). If peroxides are found, the materials should be decontaminated, if possible, or disposed of. The results of any testing should be placed on the container label. Never distill substances contaminated with peroxides. Peroxide forming substances that have been opened for more than one year should be discarded. Never use a metal spatula with peroxides. Contamination by metals can lead to explosive decompositions.

	Store highly reactive chemicals and high energy oxidizers in closed cabinets segregated from the materials with which they react and, if possible, in secondary containers. You can also store them in the cabinet under a hood. Do not store these substances above eye level or on open shelves.
	Store peroxides and peroxide forming compounds at the lowest possible temperature. If you use a refrigerator make sure it is appropriately designed for the storage of flammable substances. Store light-sensitive compounds in the light-tight containers. Store water-sensitive compounds away from water sources.
	Shock sensitive materials should be discarded after one year if in a sealed container and within six months of opening unless an inhibitor was added by the manufacturer or the manufacturer provides alternative instructions.