You should ALWAYS store persulfates: The Right Chemistry When Handled Right In a cool, dry area with temperatures below 77ºF (25ºC) for best stability. In a well-ventilated space. Away from incompatible materials such as metals, reducing agents, acids, bases (alkalis), halides, salt solutions, organics, ammonia solutions, other oxidizers and cleaners. Arranged according to NFPA Code 430 for oxidizers, including a sprinkler capacity that adheres to the same code. Shipped and stored in the form of white crystalline powder, persulfates are strong, stable oxidants with a long shelf life when stored properly. As a result, they serve in a wide range of roles, such as a polymer initiator, etchant, chemical performance enhancer and environmental remediation agent. You should NEVER store persulfates: At temperatures approaching or above 113ºF (45ºC). Near heating vents, steam pipes, appliances, gas flames, welding sparks or any heat source. Near acids, bases or reducing agents. Near any sources of moisture. It s very important, too, that you never crosscontaminate persulfates by using scoops, cups or stirrers that may have been exposed to other chemicals. Use only dedicated, clean, dry plastic or stainless steel scoops and utensils for transfer. And never grind or dry-mix persulfates in equipment or machines that create frictional heat. The variety of essential uses for persulfates is growing. They are a key component in coatings, plastics, rubber, structural materials, computers, soil remediation, cosmetics, adhesives, oil and gas production, inks and pigments, mining, photography, pulp and paper, textiles, swimming pools and the list goes on. FMC s global network of scientists and technology experts continue to discover new and more specialized uses of persulfates for an ever-expanding variety of customer needs around the world and ceating a range of products with different crystal properties to match specific applications. There are three types of persulfates supplied by FMC: sodium persulfate, ammonium persulfate and potassium persulfate. All are shipped and stored in supersacks (FIBCs) and/or 55 lb. (25kg) bags. To ensure that you and other customers around the world continue to benefit from these and other strong, stable chemistry solutions from FMC, be sure to take your responsibility seriously as a chemical handler and user. A little extra precaution taken each day will go a long way in keeping you and the people around you safe and secure. FMC Corporation 1735 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA www.fmc.com Copyright 2013, FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. Persulfates Always safe when you THINK SAFE

Persulfates Always safe when you THINK SAFE Persulfates are chemical compounds with some of the most powerful oxidant characteristics of any peroxygen. As one of the largest global producers of persulfates, FMC Corporation is a leader in providing persulfate product solutions that meet the exacting standards of customers in diverse markets worldwide. Chemicals: The Vital Ingredient is Respect As we all know, any form of chemistry can be both powerful and benign when shipped, handled and stored safely. Having respect for every chemical you use whether it s the bleach in your laundry room or rubbing alcohol in your medicine cabinet starts with understanding that any chemistry can become either ineffective or dangerous through carelessness. Persulfates are no exception. You don t need to be a chemist to understand persulfates, but you MUST take certain precautions both to maintain the level of product quality that FMC has worked so hard to achieve but also to ensure product safety. The short time you spend reading the safety data sheet and this brochure will be one of the best investments you make in safeguarding your product and your people when storing and handling persulfates. Storing Up Savings and Safety Persulfates can retain active oxygen content within specification for approximately three years if stored under cool and dry conditions. Depending on storage conditions, flow characteristics can be affected after several months and the material may become noticeably caked within a year, so storage stock should be consumed on a First-In, First-Out basis. Preserving or extending product viability and protecting your investment totally depends on the right storage conditions. Even more importantly, avoiding potentially hazardous conditions will prevent possible loss of life and property. The Biggest Hazards Are The Most Avoidable Your focus when storing and handling persulfates should be avoiding the potential of decomposition. Decomposition can be triggered by heat, moisture or contamination. It can be initiated by contact with metals, halides, alkalis, other oxidants, combustibles, organics, reducing agents, ammonia solutions, acids, salt solutions or cleaners. Decomposition is dangerous because it sets off an expanding chemical reaction that feeds on itself. Stored energy in a persulfate is released as heat when it breaks down, causing acid-like odors and noxious fumes. The material begins to flow like lava and will ignite nearby materials. Typical fire extinguishers have no effect on such fires; only large quantities of water will do. Any situation involving decomposition will require you to call emergency responders who must wear full protective rubber clothing, face and head protection, and self-contained breathing apparatus. Fire departments, emergency medical personnel and other responders must be made aware of persulfate properties when called to confront a decomposition incident. All of this can be avoided, however, by storing and handling the product with care and respect, as outlined previously. Don t Take Risks! Wear Personal Protective Equipment It s common sense when handling any chemical. You must wear personal protective equipment. You know the drill: Chemical-type goggles or face mask when any eye contact is possible Approved dust masks when appropriate General purpose neoprene gloves Long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants Shoes with neoprene soles. There s Much More You Should Know This brochure only covers the basics of persulfates safety, but there s much more you should know, such as: The types of materials that are not compatible with persulfates Acceptable hoses, fittings and tanks for use with persulfates How to handle spill clean-ups Where and how to dispose of contaminated or decomposing product What to do in a first-aid emergency due to product exposure Take a moment, right now, to visit www.fmcchemicals.com to learn more.