Nitrocellulose is a flammable and explosive substance derived from cellulose that is used in paints, coatings, and other applications. The document provides guidance on safely handling, storing, and disposing of nitrocellulose, including keeping it wet to reduce sensitivity, using grounded tools, bonding and grounding containers, storing in original packaging away from heat and sunlight, and properly disposing of any residues. Safety precautions are necessary due to nitrocellulose being flammable when wet and explosive when dry.

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Nitrocellulose
Safe Handling
8/24/2022
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2. Thrive 2025 | For Internal Use Only | Company Confidential
What is Nitrocellulose?
• Cellulose (natural polymer) that has been nitrated (NO2 groups)
• Greater than 12.5% nitrogen – guncotton
• 10-12.5% nitrogen – additive for wood coating, paint, protective coatings
• Highly flammable, easily ignited by flame, spark, friction, static, etc.
• Commonly wetted with alcohol or water to reduce sensitivity to
friction and impact
• Forms
• Dry
• Wetted
• In Solution (Laquer)

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Nitrocellulose
• What are the hazards?
• Explosive when dry and sufficiently nitrated
• Highly flammable when wet
• Considered a flammable liquid when in solution
• Reactive with amines – will cause a fire!

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Nitrocellulose – Wet vs Dry

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Safety Cautions
• Nitrocellulose should NEVER be:
• Dried out
• Wetted with dioctyl phthalate,
toluene, or plasticizer (only with
isopropyl alcohol)
• Where possible, use in solution only!
• Comply with bulk storage
requirements (venting, integrity
testing, etc.)

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Safe Handling
• Only bring into the plant when
needed for the batch
• Protected from impact, shock,
and friction
• Keep bags closed, do not allow
to dry out
• Bond and ground to the LINER
• Use only grounded tools
• Wear wrist strap

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Safe Storage
• Do not drag containers
• Use only SD liners
• Do not store in direct sunlight
• First in – first out
• Do not store over 12 months
• Storage rooms to have infrared or fixed
temperature/rate of rise detectors
• Storage rooms to have 1.5 hour rated fire doors,
2 hour rated fire walls, and 14.3 L/min/m2 (0.35
gpm/ft2) sprinkler system

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Safe Storage
• Store only in the original
package
• Store separately from other
materials
• Nitroshed = A lot of extra fire
protection
• Do not open containers in
the storage area
• Container should always be
kept tightly sealed to prevent
any evaporation
• Dry nitrocellulose becomes
sensitive to shock and friction

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Clean up and Disposal
• Spark resistant, SD, and grounded equipment
• Liquify residue prior to disposal as hazardous industrial
waste
• Rags used to wipe drumps / equipment thoroughly
wetted and disposed of in water-filled hazardous waste
drum
• Plastic containers / liners with residue to be misted with
water and sealed, disposed of as special waste in a
closed metal drum
• Storage areas and areas where nitrocellulose is handled
to be periodically washed down with water. Water to be
collected and disposed of as non-hazardous waste