Industrial Strength Podcast – Episode 17: Code Red: Bromine Part 2

Episode Overview

In Part 2 of their deep dive into peroxide-forming chemicals (PFCs), the Industrial Strength team—Jeff, Steve, and Randy—shift focus from the chemistry to the practical. This episode explores visual inspections, safe handling, and field testing methods for detecting peroxide buildup in lab and industrial environments. The crew also sets the stage for an upcoming third part packed with explosive case studies.

 

Segment Breakdown & Timestamps

00:29 – 01:42 | Intro & Podcast History

Reintroducing the topic with the signature humor—and realizing this is actually their third multi-part episode.

01:42 – 04:44 | Visual Inspection Basics

Why brown bottles are used, and what peroxide crystal formations might look like—from cotton candy wisps to golf ball-sized ice-like solids.

04:44 – 06:30 | Where to Check for Solids

Learn about common formation areas: bottle bottoms, cap threads, and edges—especially after opening and evaporative exposure.

06:30 – 07:58 | THF Case Study Intro

Previewing a bottle of THF with visible white peroxide solids—described as an “improvised explosive device.”

07:59 – 13:45 | Examples of Crystals & Testing Limits

Detailed visual indicators and why peroxide levels over 80 ppm can be hazardous—even lower for Class A chemicals.

13:45 – 15:01 | Peroxide Testing Tools

Quick reviews of:

• KI paper (yes/no oxidizer test)
• Hydrogen peroxide test strips (for ppm levels)
• Key tips on test strip types and proper storage.

15:05 – 16:42 | Recent Real-World Inspection

Jeff recounts a recent facility event where six 2-year-old bottles of peroxide formers were safely inspected and tested with zero detections.

16:43 – 21:20 | What If Peroxides Are Present?

Neutralization methods: sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, iron(II) sulfate, and dilution tactics to lower concentration for safe handling.

21:23 – 23:39 | Storage, Use, and Neutralization Refresher

Class A peroxides and why they’re rarely seen outside labs. Importance of planning, risk assessment, and not relying on “Shaky Joe” for delicate tasks.

23:41 – 25:25 | Tease for Part 3

Upcoming episode will feature case studies where things went very wrong. Stay tuned for real incident breakdowns and lessons learned.

 

Key Moments & Quotes

• "Peroxide solids turn a bottle of solvent into an IED."
• "Check the cap threads—they dry out fast and that's where solids often start."
• "80 ppm is the rule of thumb, but even 20 ppm in Class A formers can be dangerous."
• "Shaky Joe does not handle the peroxide containers."