Proper chemical and dangerous goods storage are just as important as wearing the right safety gear such as eye protection aprons and respiratory protection when working with hazardous materials.
Always keep your dangerous goods stored properly and your dangerous goods storage area tidy and well organized.
It’s important that everyone who has access to any dangerous goods storages is familiar with all the government and local body safety regulations and by-laws as well as being compliant with them.
Understanding the Hazards
It’s almost impossible to list all the potential issues that can develop in a dangerous goods storage area as the number and type of dangerous goods that is used is extensive and constantly changing. Never the less, there are some guidelines that if followed will minimize the risks and avoid serious injury. These things should be taken into consideration:
• Contamination and cross contamination
• Fires and combustibility
• Explosions and ruptures
• Spills and accidents
• Toxic reactions
• Chemical reactions
Considerations before Storing Dangerous Goods
Some Substances Are Incompatible
It’s vital that people who are involved with dangerous goods storage understand that some hazardous substances can interact with others and become very unstable and dangerous so should never be stored together.
Some dangerous goods that should never be stored together
• Acids that can react with hypoclorites and together form chlorine gas
• Urea and diesel which can be explosive
• Nitric acid that when mixed with organic compounds can be explosive
• Acids which react with cyanides forming hydrogen cyanide gas
• Acids which react with alkalis, forming heat
• Organic materials and oxidizing agents causing chemical reactions
Whenever there is any doubt about different dangerous goods and their storage it is vital that the safety sheet that comes with them is checked or supplier is immediately contacted for clarification.
Using Appropriate Dangerous Goods Storage Systems
It’s important to only keep enough dangerous goods in storage for your immediate use and order replacement as required to reduce the chances of complications.
All dangerous goods need to be stored in appropriate containers and in such a way that any spillage or ruptures can be contained within the storage facility without compromising other dangerous goods being in the same storage areas.
Clear Labels
All chemicals, whether dangerous or not need to be clearly labelled and stored so they are easily identified
Restricted Access
Access to dangerous goods storage areas should be restricted to only those who need to be there to carry out their normal work
Proper Containment System
An adequate containment system will help prevent damage and injury
Proper Staff Training
Adequate staff training in all aspects of dangerous good storage and handling as well as emergency evacuation and damage control for all personal in the workplace is necessary.
All employees need to be familiar with all possible situations regarding any dangerous goods stored on or near the workplace and what to do in the event of a spillage or if any dangerous goods in storage are compromised.
Dangerous goods storage is something that needs to be understood by all employees in the work place as it’s inherently risky, although those risks can be managed and reduced to an acceptable level through proper training and understanding of the rules and regulations