What is the classification system used for organic peroxides by the US National Fire Protection Association?
The U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a hazard classification system for typical organic peroxide formulations. The NFPA classification system describes the fire and explosion hazards of these formulations in their normal shipping and storage containers that have been approved by the Transport Canada or the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT). If a formulation is transferred to a different container, the given hazard classification may no longer apply. See the NFPA 432 “Code for the Storage of Organic Peroxide Formulations” (2002) for details. In general: • Class I formulations are capable of deflagration but not detonation. • Class II formulations burn very rapidly and are a severe reactivity hazard. • Class III formulations burn rapidly and have a moderate ractivity hazard. • Class IV formulations burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and have a minimal reactivity hazard. • Class V formulations burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles
