SODIUM CHLORATE

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3046, 31 August 1933, Page 5

SODIUM CHLORATE

PRECAUTIONS NEOESSAEf? DANGER FROM FIRE. As the season when the fight againstragwort must be taken up again fe* rapidly approaching the following itfformation is given concerning the precautions necessary when handling: sodium chlorate:— Workers Using Chlorate. Workers using chlorate should wear 1 as little clothing as possible, and this; should be of water-proof materials with gum-boots, all of which can he easily washed free from any chlorate after spraying is finished for the day. If ordinary clothing becomes sst*urated with sodium chlorate solution,, it is not sufficient merely to steep the garments In water, or to wash them in the ordinary way, as experience has shown that this may merely distributer the chlorate more widely, and increase the danger of fire. The clothing mustbe thoroughly rinsed in a succession of waters, and is best accomplished by immersion in running water—especially with thick woollen clothing. During spraying, some of the solution is liable to become spilt or sprayed on to the workers’ clothing, impregnating the cloth with chlorate. When the water evaporates, the chlorate is distributed amongst the fibred of cloth, which is liable to burst into"' flames when a spark, a blow, or friction is applied at any one spot—impregnated clothes may catch fire wherr such clothes are being dried near Stfire. Care of Implements. All wooden portions of implements* etc., used in handling the sodium: chlorate or solution should be kept waterproof by paint in order to facilitate washing down with water. If any cheap combustible material,* such as bags, casks, dry fodder, etc.* becomes contaminated by chlorate, the best method of disposal is to burn the contaminated articles at once, otherwise they will always be a source ofdanger. Sodium chlorate when mixed with 1 combustible substances has the unusual property of making them stf much more inflammable that these substances burst into flames, or explode on contact with a spark, or when heated, or by a sudden blow, or by friction in the same way as a match is ignited. Transport of Sodium Chlorate. The difficulties of transporting sodium chlorate are increased by the fact that it cannot be contained in combustible baggings, casks, or barrels without danger. It should be packed in tinned iron receptacles only within iron containers, on the railway, since-, a leakage on to a wooden truck floor' would be dangerous and difficult td* entirely remedy. When the original iron drum isopened, only metal, porcelain, glass* or enamelled vessels should be used for holding the chlorate or solution. Galvanised zinc vessels or zinc-lined' vessels are unsuitable. All containers which have held chlorate should, when empty be thoroughly washed out. ‘ h ■; If a receptacle containing sodiufiS chlorate is damaged and the contendsreleased, the utmost care must be exercised to ensure that all the chlorate is gathered up. Water must not be' used to remove chlorate in such cases* as the resultant solution, when dried* is highly inflammable and explosive. Regulations. It is an offence against the Explosives Act to mix chlorates with other substances with the intention of making an explosive. It is an offence against the Postal' Regulations to send a dangerous substance such as this through the mails, the penalty being two years’ imprisonment, or a fine of £SO, or both. In future sodium chlorate will not be accepted for conveyance by rail unless it is contained in the original iron drum in which it was imported. In the case of consignments? of sodium chlorate—in quantities of less than one drum, and not contained? in the original drum—they must be securely packed in tinned iron containers . Potassium Chlorate (K Cl 03) and' Sodium Chlorate (Na Cl 03) are half brothers; the former is used in tho manufacture of matches, fireworks* and explosives so that it those using the latter also to be careful in its handling.