Water-Reactive Substances
Water reactive materials can be defined as dangerous substances when wet. This is because the materials undergo a chemical reaction with water. The reaction may lead to release of gases which may either be flammable or present a toxic hazard which may be dangerous to health. During the reaction, the energy released during the reaction can cause explosion and eventually combustion. Since these materials are very dangerous, proper precaution should be put into account when planning for storage, handling and transportation of these water-reactive materials.
Precautions during storage
Certain precautions should be put in place in order to ensure that the water reactive materials are safely stored. For instance, they should be kept free from water contact. This is because when such materials react with water, the result might impact negatively both to people and the environment. For instance, toxic gases produced during the reaction may lead to health complications. It is therefore prudent that the materials be stored in a cool dry area away from other chemicals.
Precautions during handling
The water-reactive materials should be handled with care. For instance, it is recommended that the people handling the materials put on water safety goggles, gloves, lab coat. They should also ensure that they have closed toe shoes. The people should also ensure that they wash their hands and the work station immediately after work.
Precautions during transportation
During transportation, the materials should be kept free from water contact. If possible, they should be transported while in a fumed hood is the possibility of the gases forming in the reaction is high.
One incidence of water-reactive incidence was when I placed potassium in a closed room. The reaction was very vigorous with production of hydrogen gas. This gas is very dangerous especially when inhaled. Therefore environmental consideration which ought to be taken into consideration is to ensure that the reaction is carried out in a fumed chamber or an open place.
References
Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS). (2010). Guidelines for Safe Storage and Handling of Reactive Materials.U.S.A: John Wiley & Sons.
