Potassium chlorate

Guidance on Safe Use

First-aid measures

Inhalation

Move to fresh air. Seek medical care immediately if toxic symptoms occur.

Skin contact

Wash off immediately with soap and plenty of water. Remove and rinse contaminated clothing immediately with water. If irritation persists, get medical attention.

Eye contact

Rinse immediately with plenty of water, also under the eyelids. If irritation persists get medical attention.

Ingestion

Rinse out the mouth and immediately drink a few glasses of water or milk, but only if the person is fully conscious. Do not induce vomiting! Seek hospital treatment if more than a minimal amount has been swallowed. Risk of methemoglobinemia. Not to be treated with methylthionin.

Fire-fighting measures

Extinguishing media

Extinguish fire with large amounts of water.

Unsuitable extinguishing media

Do not use powder or CO2-type extinguishers! Do not smother the fire with a blanket!

Special exposure hazards

A fire can cause explosion when potassium chlorate is present. A confined container with potassium chlorate can explode if heated above the decomposition temperature (>40OC). Containers near heat sources must be removed immediately or cooled with water.

Accidental release measures

Environmental cleanup procedures

Dam with sand or similar and collect in a plastic or metal container for disposal.  Do not use sawdust, peat, bark or other combustible materials.

Flush with large amounts of water. Contact experts in case of large spillages. Notify appropriate authorities. Waste on the ground must be collected. Solutions should not be drained into sewage systems.

Personal precautions

Personal protective equipment is necessary when taking care of a large spillage. Sources of ignition must be kept away

Handling and storage

Handling

Technical measures:

Use only inert lubricants and packings for pumps, valves and other equipment when handling chlorate or chlorate solution. Exchange lubricants at regular intervals.

Safe handling advice:

Electrical supply and distribution points are to be cleaned periodically from dust.

Avoid contact with the incompatible materials given below (incompatible products).

Keep containers closed when not in use.

Avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Keep away from heat and sources of ignition.

Storage

Precautions for safe handling:

Chlorates should be handled so as to avoid the scattering of dust.

Any operation that may cause dust should be ventilated with a suction fan.

The dust should be collected and disposed of carefully.

Storage conditions:

Store in a cool, dry and fireproof area away from sources of heat and ignition, including friction

and impact.

Keep away from food and beverages.

Big bags:

Store on gravel or crushed stone. Avoid storing in an asphalt-paved area.

The separation between stacks should be at least 8 - 10 m.

Maintain a safe distance from buildings.

Bulk:

Store in permanent bins of non-combustible construction.

Store separately from all other materials.

Safe packaging materials:

Use UN-approved metal drums or plastic lined bags.

Do not reuse big bags. VCI ( Germany only) - Class 5.1A.

Materials to avoid:

Potassium chlorate should be stored separate from organic substances, strong acids, phosphorus, sulphur, sulphides, powdered metals, ammonium salts.

Transport information

Land transport (UN RTDG/ADR/RID)

UN number:

1485

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Chemical name:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Language:

English

SpecialProvisions

Shipping

Remarks

Marine transport (UN RTDG/IMDG)

UN number:

1485

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Chemical name:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Remarks

Air transport (UN RTDG/ICAO/IATA)

UN number:

1485

Shipping information

Proper shipping name and description:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Chemical name:

POTASSIUM CHLORATE

Remarks

SpecialProvisions

Exposure controls / personal protection

Respiratory protection:

Local mechanical ventilation.

Respiratory dust filter in dusty atmosphere.

NO SMOKING!

Hand protection:

Rubber/PVC gloves.

Skin protection:

Gloves, boots, apron of plastic or rubber or protective clothing. Working clothes should be washed daily in water-based laundry systems. Immediately change clothes in any case of contamination of chlorate!

Precaution measures:

Emergency showers or bathtubs filled with water must be available. Impregnated material must be taken care of so that there is no risk of uncontrolled fire.

Eye protection:

Goggles giving complete protection to the eyes. Eyewash bottle with pure water.

Stability and reactivity

Hazardous decomposition:

Potassium chlorate is a strong oxidizing agent and decomposes when heated above 400°C. During decomposition potassium chloride and oxygen are formed.

Conditions to avoid:

High temperatures.

Materials to avoid:

Mixtures with organic material are highly inflammable. Explosions can occur when mixed with combustible materials and subjected to addition of

energy e.g. friction or impact. Textiles, cellulose or leather contaminated with chlorate ignite easily. Strong acids react violently with chlorates producing toxic and explosive gases, e.g. chlorine and chlorine dioxide.

Disposal considerations

Product disposal:

Potassium chlorate is not to be thrown on landfill or in watercourses. Collect in plastic or metal containers. Consult appropriate local authorities to ascertain proper disposal procedure. Contact supplier if technical assistance is needed.

Packaging disposal:

Remove residues before disposal. If recycling is not practicable, dispose of in compliance with local regulations.