The Health and Safety Executive provide storage and handling guidance note CS21 which you can download here and additionally we have collated some key facts and advice for you.

5 storage recommendations under HSE Guidance Note CS21:

1. Keep in original containers
2. Hold within the predetermined temperature limits
3. Keep in dedicated stores
4. Prevent contact/contamination with other materials such as acids, alkalis, amines, accelerators, combustible materials, metals, reducing agents etc.
5. Minimise the quantity at the workplace so that no more is present than is necessary for the job in hand.

Housekeeping:

• Clean-up any spills of organic peroxide promptly and safely according to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
• Be careful not to contaminate anything that can burn
• Only use inert material such as sodium bicarbonate when dealing with spills of organic peroxide, don’t use sawdust or other sweeping material (see Spill Response)
• Properly dispose of unlabelled or contaminated materials containing peroxides
• Promptly remove combustible wastes, including wood, paper and rags, from work areas
• Avoid any build-up of organic peroxide dusts on ledges or other surfaces
• Ensure that all waste containers are compatible with the organic peroxides used and are clearly marked as such and located close to the area they are used in

Substitution or new developments:

Substitution should always be considered, discuss your options with the supplier/manufacturer and review the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) of any possible substitutes and understand the hazards (health, fire, corrosion, and chemical reactivity) associated with them before you make any changes. If substitution isn’t possible you should re-evaluate your current processes to see if any new developments have come to the market that will further improve your safety systems.

Find out more about labelling organic peroxides.