2 employees burned by a package of hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water)

Hydrogen Peroxide Burn

After handling a damaged parcel, 2 employees were transported to the CHU of Nantes for minor burns. "They were treated for first-degree burns and have been discharged from the hospital," indicates the communication service of La Poste. "The product contained in the parcel was a type of chlorine used for cleaning swimming pools"

It was evidently not "a type of chlorine", but rather hydrogen peroxide.

Discovery of Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide was discovered in 1818. It consists of oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Its structural formula is H-O-O-H. It is a powerful oxidant. The breaking of the peroxide bond (O-O) releases two OH radicals which react quickly with other elements. This molecule is unstable.

100% pure H2O2 is not allowed to be sold commercially. It is therefore found in aqueous solution, containing from 3% to 70% H2O2.

This level of dilution will allow it to be assigned to different packaging groups and hazard classes.

If the parcel was a limited quantity (UN2484 or UN2014), it would not allow the 2 employees to identify the danger of the product. Only the "Limited Quantity" label would be visible on the parcel.

Beyond the thresholds of limited quantities, the employees had information related to the different hazard classes on the parcel, itself an approved package:

Fortunately, the employees were wearing their gloves, which helped to limit their injuries. It is also important to ensure the protection category of PPE, based on the level of danger. While the Single Document is supposed to include the various risks and barriers to eliminate or reduce them, purchasing must also be involved.

Let's never forget that the classification, choice of packaging, and labeling are the responsibility of the shipper.

Link: Ouest-France 06/16/21