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Chemical collection and stock control for UK schools, universities and hospitals

Barium nitrate (CAS 10022-31-8): storage and disposal

Barium nitrate is an oxidiser, classified as able to intensify fire, harmful if swallowed and harmful if inhaled. Schools, colleges and universities hold it as a white solid, often for flame test and demonstration work, and it carries UN number 1446. It is a stock that gets stored badly by accident, because it looks like any other white nitrate and is easily put on the wrong shelf.

CAS number
10022-31-8
Form
Solid
Storage class
Oxidiser
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Oxidising pictogramOxidising
  • Harmful or irritant pictogramHarmful or irritant

What to do this week

  1. Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
  2. Check it is stored as oxidiser stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
  3. If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.

Safe storage in a school or lab

Because it is an oxidiser it should be in its own labelled oxidiser space, on non-combustible shelving where possible. The conflicts worth checking on a real shelf are flammable stock, acids, alkalis, corrosives and the locked cabinet of harmful stock, all of which should be kept at a distance. In a prep room the common error is a jar of barium nitrate between two other nitrates on a general chemical shelf with a cardboard liner beneath. Remove the liner and give it a labelled place. The jar should be dated on arrival and the cap kept tight after each use.

How to tell it has deteriorated

The salt itself changes very little with age, so the container and its surroundings tell the story. General oxidiser checks apply: caking, a damp appearance, staining of the shelf, corroded caps and contamination with paper or organic dust. The last of these matters most, since an oxidiser that has picked up paper or dust from a tray or a shelf liner is a worse prospect than clean stock. Look also for a faded label, a cap with white crust and a jar that has no date of receipt. Anything that looks contaminated should be set apart and labelled rather than returned to use.

How it must be disposed of

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a oxidising laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

Oxidiser grouping decides everything about how the jar is packed: it stays away from flammable stock, acids, alkalis, corrosives and organic material in the lab pack, which is why it helps to keep it in a separate group at the store. The usual entry is 16 05 06*, with 16 05 07* for a discarded inorganic chemical outside a laboratory pack. Tell the collection team if the jar has taken in dust or paper, or if the cap is stuck. It does not go into a sink, a drain, general waste or a skip, and no one should try to treat it first.

Waste codes and transport details for Barium nitrate
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded inorganic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 07*
Hazardous wasteYes

The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.

Do not store with

  • FlammableOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • AcidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • AlkaliSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • ToxicToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • CorrosiveCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.

Named chemicals to keep apart

  • Acetic acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • AcetoneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Ammonia solutionSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • EthanolOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • FormalinToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • HexaneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Hydrochloric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Mercury(II) chlorideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
Show 9 more
  • MethanolOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Nitric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Potassium hydroxideSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • Sodium cyanideToxic and oxidising stock are stored apart. A reaction could release toxic vapours.
  • Sodium hydroxideSome oxidisers react strongly with alkalis, and ammonia based stock is especially at risk.
  • Sulfuric acidMany oxidisers release toxic gas or become unstable in contact with acid.
  • Thionyl chlorideCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.
  • TolueneOxidisers can ignite flammable materials or make a fire far more intense.
  • Zinc chlorideCorrosive stock can react with oxidisers, releasing heat or fumes.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: solid.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.

Where it is commonly held

Hazard statements

  • H272 May intensify fire; oxidiser.
  • H302 Harmful if swallowed.
  • H332 Harmful if inhaled.
Precautionary statements
  • P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
  • P220 Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.
  • P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264+P265 Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301+P316 IF SWALLOWED: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P301+P317 IF SWALLOWED: Get medical help.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P317 Get medical help.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P330 Rinse mouth.
  • P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P370+P378 In case of fire: Use suitable extinguishing media to extinguish.
  • P405 Store locked up.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

What should barium nitrate not be shelved beside?

Flammable stock, acids, alkalis, corrosives and organic material. It is an oxidiser that can intensify fire, so keep it on non-combustible shelving in its own space, and remove cardboard or wooden liners from under the jar.

Does barium nitrate show when it is old?

It gives few visible signs. Check the container for caking, damp, crust on the cap and contamination from paper or dust. A jar with no date of receipt or a faded label should be treated as old stock.

Can part-used jars be collected?

Yes. Give the form and the amount left, keep the cap tight and the jar upright, and say if there is any caking or contamination. Part-used jars are packed in the oxidiser group in the same way as full ones.

Guidance only. Check your own risk assessment and your supplier's safety data sheet.

Hazard data source: PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula BaN2O6. EC number 233-020-5.

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