Showing 1-1 of 1 Responses

Hydrogen peroxide storage

Submitted by sat on 09 April 2019

Answer reviewed 26 February 2023

Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a dark, cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from all incompatible substances. It is good practice to keep minimal stocks and replace as required.

Hydrogen peroxide decomposes exothermically to release oxygen gas and water according to the equation:

2H2O2(aq) → 2H2O(l) + O2(g)

Although the temperature of a refrigerator may slow the decomposition, there are other factors to consider. At room temperature, hydrogen peroxide is generally relatively stable and the rate of decomposition for hydrogen peroxide (20-50%), is approximately 0.5% per year1, so even after storage for a couple of years at room temperature, the concentration will only decrease slightly.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions of concentration 20% and above are classified as a Dangerous Goods Class 5.1 (Oxidising agent) with a subsidiary class 8 (Corrosive). There are therefore several incompatibilities to consider when deciding upon the most appropriate storage. The relevant Safety Data Sheets contain details for safe handling and storage and list several chemical incompatibilities, including with some chemicals classified as Dangerous Goods class 5.1.1.

Hydrogen peroxide solutions of concentrations 3% and 6% are below the threshold for classification as dangerous goods. However, they still have oxidising properties.

Hydrogen peroxide has been identified as a chemical of security concern.2 It is therefore important to keep it stored securely to prevent unauthorized access.

In the school setting

Factors to consider

Storage instructions according to the H2O2 concentration

Considerations regarding storage of hydrogen peroxide in a refrigerator

Considerations regarding storage of hydrogen peroxide in a 5.1 cupboard

Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (20-50%)

References

1 ChemSupply Australia website, (2023), Safety Data Sheet: Hydrogen peroxide 20-50%, Please search the product information page on the website for the current SDS for Hydrogen peroxide 20-50%, https://shop.chemsupply.com.au/

2 ‘Chemical Security’, Australian Government Australian National Security website: https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/chemical-security-subsite/Files/chem... 

3 Science ASSIST. 2018. Chemical Management Handbook Edition 3. Science ASSIST websitehttps://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4193/chemical-management-handbook-au...

4 ChemSupply Australia website, (2023), Safety Data Sheet: Hydrogen peroxide 6%, Please search the product information page on the website for the current SDS for Hydrogen peroxide 6%, https://shop.chemsupply.com.au/

5 ChemSupply Australia website, (2023), Safety Data Sheet: Hydrogen peroxide 3%, Please search the product information page on the website for the current SDS for Hydrogen peroxide 3%, https://shop.chemsupply.com.au/

6 Environmental Health & Safety, University of Washington. 2018. Hydrogen peroxide SOP, University of Washington website, https://www.ehs.washington.edu/resource/hydrogen-peroxide-sop-684

‘Hydrogen Peroxide, 30%, Reagent, 100mL’, Flinn Scientific website, https://www.flinnsci.com/hydrogen-peroxide-30-reagent-100-ml/h0037/

8 Science ASSIST. 2018. AIS Refrigerators and freezers in science, Science ASSIST website: https://assist.asta.edu.au/resource/4278/ais-refrigerators-and-freezers-... 

9 ‘Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Safety and Handling Guidelines’, USP technologies website, https://www.h2o2.com/technical-library/default.aspx?pid=66