An oxidizer is a chemical that supplies oxygen or otherwise causes or intensifies the burning of other materials, such as peroxides, nitrates and chlorates.
An oxidizer is a substance that can cause or intensify the combustion of other materials, usually by giving up oxygen. Oxidizers don't always burn themselves, but when they contact fuels, organic materials or other incompatible chemicals, they can start fires, make fires burn hotter and faster, or cause explosions. Common workplace oxidizers include hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, sodium hypochlorite, potassium permanganate, chlorates, perchlorates and compressed oxygen.
A water treatment plant stores sodium hypochlorite in a dedicated, bermed area away from acids and organic materials. When a contractor proposes storing absorbent pads and fuel containers nearby, the safety manager blocks it because of the fire and reaction risk.
Most oxidizers aren't flammable themselves, but they make other materials burn more easily and intensely, which can be just as dangerous.
OX in the white special hazards section indicates the material is an oxidizer.
No. Oxidizers should be physically separated from flammable and combustible materials, typically in different cabinets or areas, to prevent fires and violent reactions.
Part of SafetyIQ's EHS glossary: plain-English definitions of workplace health and safety terms.
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