Hi Chris,

From your note, I wasn't sure exactly what your safety concerns are or why these would be less safe than pressure relief devices on flammable liquid containers. All vents, pressure relief devices, and pressure relief valves (there is a difference) are designed for maximum appropriate safety for the specific product or product type.

I'm certain that IBCs of peroxide (and/or of bleach) are required to be vented to prevent over-pressurization and failure of the packaging, and that 20-55 gallon drums are compliant as well. (Although I can't recall if it is required by DOT, but I seem to recall that it is.) Vents, valves, and/or frangible discs must be approved devices and must be maintained in the head space above the liquid. 

OTOH, many volatile flammable liquids are *not* vented, but rather are shipped in airtight metal drums or IBCs to prevent loss of product, fugitive emissions, and buildup of a flammable atmosphere in confined spaces.

Sorry if my perspective is industrial rather than laboratory - I've worked in both, and I know that each has valid, if different concerns based on type and quantity of materials used.
 
Todd Perkins BSc, MBA
Regional Safety Director
Airgas Mid America
p3wt3r**At_Symbol_Here**charter.net


--- On Tue, 9/29/09, Christopher Suznovich  wrote:
> Hydrogen Peroxide and Bleach are
> oxidizers and I would doubt having a
> pressure relief valve on them would be as safe as having
> them on the flammables.

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