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Oxidizing liquids and solids are hazardous
materials and must be handled properly. Bromine and fluorine are
examples of oxidizers.
Many of the chemicals used to keep swimming pools clean are
oxidizers and corrosives. Oxidizers react chemically by releasing
oxygen when combined with another material. This increases the
chance of a fire or explosion, which may occur spontaneously at room
temperature or with even slight heating. Oxidizing liquids and
solids are hazardous materials and must be handled properly. Bromine
and fluorine are examples of oxidizers.
Corrosive materials, also called acids, can attack and destroy body
tissues on contact. They can also damage or destroy metal. The
degree of damage depends on the specific corrosive chemical and its
concentration. A corrosive chemical begins to cause damage as soon
as it comes into contact with the metal or, in the case of body
tissues, the skin, eyes, mouth, throat, stomach, or respiratory
tract.
Before handling any chemical, you should read the material safety
data sheet (MSDS) or product label for that chemical and understand
the specific effects of that chemical on tissues or metals, what
precautions to take, the procedures to follow in case of a spill,
and first aid in the event of contact with body tissue.
Do
- Read the instructions on the label and follow them
carefully. If you don’t understand something, call your supplier
for help. The instructions may also have a number you can call.
- Store chemicals in a cool, dry, safe place out of direct
sunlight.
- Be sure children and pets cannot get into them or reach
them.
- Store chemicals in their original containers.
- Keep containers tightly closed when you are not using them.
- Use a separate measuring cup of clean plastic or metal for
each chemical.
- Store oxidizers and acids on separate shelves, as oxidizers
release chlorine gas when they come into contact with acids.
- Store liquids below powders and solids.
- Wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and
appropriate clothing, such as an apron or work pants and
suitable footwear.
- When using chemicals, protect them from contact with
moisture. Keep liquids, such as a glass of water or cup of
coffee, at a distance. Even putting a damp scoop back into the
pail could cause a reaction.
- Always add the chemical to the pool water; never add water
to the chemical.
- After handling any chemicals, wash your hands thoroughly
under running water for a couple of minutes.
Do Not
- Do not use the contents of an unlabeled container.
- Do not reuse containers. Wash out the empty container
and dispose of it.
- Do not put a spilled chemical back into its original
container. It may be contaminated.
- Do not mix two or more different chemicals together.
- Do not use wood scoops. Wood is porous and cannot be
cleaned.
- Do not touch an undiluted chemical with your bare hands.
- Do not store any chemicals above the level of your head.
- Do not smoke when using chemicals.
- Do not expose any chemical to heat or fire.
- Do not store oxidizers and corrosives next to each
other.
- Do not store pool chemicals near gasoline, grease,
turpentine, paints, paint thinner, tile cleaners,
fertilizers, herbicides, algaecides, combustible materials,
and similar products. If you store your pool chemicals in a
small shed or storage closet, this is especially important.
- Do not use a dry chemical fire extinguisher to put out a
fire. The chemicals in the fire extinguisher may react with
the pool chemicals. Instead, use large amounts of water. If
you cannot put out the fire immediately, leave the area and
call the fire department.
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