Types of Hazards
Oxidizers
Oxidizers are substances that supply oxygen chemically or supplement oxygen with other oxidizing gases enabling the support of fire.
Oxidizers
Oxidizers can exist in the form of a solid, liquid, or gas. Some common oxidizers include chlorine, peroxides, and nitrates.
Corrosives
Corrosive hazards are substances that cause the deterioration of other materials. A corrosive may eat through and destroy metal, body tissue, plastics, and other materials. Corrosives can be in the form of solids, liquids, or gases. Corrosives may burn on contact and may cause permanent damage. Danger also exists if corrosives are dispersed into the air.
Corrosivity can be characterized by a substance's pH value. The pH of a chemical is a measure of acidity (corrosive) to alkalinity (base). Chemicals are measured on a scale of 0 to 14 with 7 being neutral (pure water), 0 being highly acidic (hydrochloric acid), and 14 being highly alkaline (caustic soda).
Reactives
A reactive hazard is a substance that will vigorously decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature.
Explosives
Explosives are substances that undergo a very rapid chemical transformation with a violent release of pressure and heat. Some explosives can be detonated by shock, heat, or friction, while others are less volatile and need a booster to detonate.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-8. Which substance will vigorously decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature?
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