Where the fuel and oxidising materials can be physically separated, caution should be taken as the friction created by moving the oxidising material will also add energy into the product, creating a risk of rapid decomposition.
In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate to establish a physical barrier between the two materials to prevent contamination and a reaction. With advice from the on-site specialist or hazardous materials adviser (HMA), personnel should ensure that there is no potential reactivity between the barrier and the oxidising product or fuel. This option will only be available where inorganic oxidisers are present as organic oxidisers have their fuel within the same molecule as its oxygen source.
Water used in the process of extinguishing a fire or cooling containers of combustible materials can dissolve the oxidiser. This can result in the oxidiser being transported to areas where combustible materials are located, creating the potential for spontaneous combustion to occur in the future, when the water has evaporated.
For guidance regarding fire-water run-off contaminating drains and watercourses, etc., refer to Environmental protection.