Section 10
Stability and reactivity
Information Elements
- Reactivity;
- Chemical stability;
- Possibility of hazardous reactions;
- Conditions to avoid, including static discharge, shock or vibration;
- Incompatible materials
- Hazardous decomposition products
Most common non-compliances
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Combustion products or thermal decomposition products are disclosed as hazardous decomposition products.
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Information on reactivity is not disclosed.
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Information on reactivity is disclosed as “not available” when data on the product based on its classification is available.
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For flammable products, information on conditions to avoid, such as heat, spark or ignition sources, is not disclosed.
Tips
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Reactivity
Reactivity hazards of the product under normal and anticipated use, handling and storage conditions must be disclosed and the specific test(s) or observational data used to identify those hazards should be disclosed.
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Classifiable reactivity hazards, and information on other important reactivity hazards that do not result in classification should be disclosed.
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Information regarding the nature of the hazardous product (e.g., organic peroxide, oxidizer, self heating) and its ability and conditions under which it may undergo a hazardous chemical change should be disclosed.
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Chemical stability
The chemical stability of the product should be disclosed under normal ambient conditions and anticipated use, handling and storage conditions of temperature and pressure.
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Chemical stability means that the product remains unchanged under the following conditions:
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Normal ambient temperature and pressure; and
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Temperature and pressure conditions while in storage or when being used and handled.
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Inhibitors and stabilizers that are used or may be used to maintain stability should be disclosed.
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Safety issues associated with changes in the physical appearance of the product should be disclosed.
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Possibility of hazardous reactions
Information on the reactions (e.g., polymerization, decomposition) that have been reported or are expected to occur under specified conditions (e.g., acidic conditions or exposure to sunlight) under normal conditions of use, handling or storage, and the consequence(s) of the reaction must be disclosed.
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For example: Decomposes in the presence of acidic conditions (low pH). Releases a large amount of heat.
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Conditions to avoid
Information on conditions to avoid, such as temperature, contact with moisture or air, and exposure to sunlight, including the applicable units of measure, must be disclosed.
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For example:
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“Avoid heat, sparks, ignition sources” or “avoid extremely high temperatures, open flame” if the product is flammable.
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“Avoid storage with strong acids” or “incompatible materials” if the product is a base.
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“Avoid water and moisture” if the product may react with the water and release a toxic gas.
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“Keep away from air or oxygen.”
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The identified conditions to avoid must be consistent with the product’s physical and/or chemical properties.
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Incompatible materials
Classes of chemicals (e.g., acids, fluorides, chlorides) or specific substances that could react to produce a hazardous situation should be disclosed.
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Products that are corrosive to metals, the degree of corrosivity and the affected metals should be disclosed.
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For example, carbon steel reacts explosively with strong oxidizing agents (e.g., perchloric acid), halogens (e.g., chlorine) and reducing agents (e.g., hydroquinone).
