Flaming good sense
Page 20
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SODIUM CHLORATE should be stored away from ignition sources, flammable solvents and combustible materials to avoid the danger of contamination or fire.
This is the advice given in one of three publications issued by the Health and Safety Executive.
Although non-combustible and relatively stable under normal conditions, sodium chlorate can decompose in a fire, liberating oxygen and increasing the rate of burning and flame temperature, with possible catastrophe. One of the publications cites a number of instances where sodium chlorate has exploded or even detonated when fire has broken out.
Since there is the danger of an explosion when sodium Oliorate, widely used as weed killer, is involved the fire brigade should be told of the areas of the site where storage and prodessing of the chemical is carried out. Consideration should also be given to the fitting of sprinkler systems in those areas.
The publications, Storage and Use of Sodium Chlorate, The Fire and Explosion at the Braehead Container Depot, Renfrew, January 4 1977, and The Fire and Explosion at River Road, Barking, Essex, January 21, 1980 are available from HM Stationery Office.