CHEMICAL STORAGE AND HANDLING

 

Regulations contain specific handling and storage requirements for chemicals depending upon their hazards.

 

Click on any of the following links for detailed information.

 

·       CONTAINERS

·       PERMITTED QUANTITIES

·       COMPATIBILITY

·       STORAGE PRACTICES

·       STORAGE AREA

·       EMERGENCY EYEWASH

·       COMPRESSED GASES

·       FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Ø    Dispensing

·       TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS (TDG)

 

CONTAINERS

Any container used for storing a hazardous substance must be designed, constructed and maintained to hold the substance adequately. To determine whether the container is adequate, consult the MSDS and information provided by the supplier, and ensure the following: there is a way to detect a leak easily, there’s nothing in the location where the container is stored that would react with the substance, there is spill containment, and the container will not corrode from exposure to the hazardous substance.

 

Where a container is to be reused, it must be cleaned thoroughly. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 36 – 37)

 

PERMITTED QUANTITIES

When a hazardous substance is used in quantities that are sufficient to harm a worker if spilled, ensure only working quantities are available in the work area  (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 41)

 

COMPATIBILITY

Only compatible substances may be stored together. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 39)

 

STORAGE PRACTICES

If incompatible materials are stored in a location where an opportunity for accidental or uncontrolled contact may occur, the incompatible materials shall be segregated and separated by a barrier designed, constructed and maintained to prevent contact between the incompatible materials. (Dangerous Goods Management Regulations 56/95, 7)

 

STORAGE AREA

The area should be protected from weather elements, secured from public entry, prominently identified as an area where waste dangerous goods are stored, contain emergency spill equipment, and have spill containment so spills aren’t released to the environment. There should also be staff who are trained in spill response. (Dangerous Goods Management Regulations 56/95, 8)

 

EMERGENCY EYEWASH

Provide an emergency eyewash (and/or emergency shower, depending upon the circumstances) if there is a risk that a worker’s skin or eyes may be acutely affected by corrosive or hazardous substances. Design, install, inspect, test, maintain, and operate the eyewash in accordance with manufacturers specifications. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 23)

 

COMPRESSED GASES

Containers of compressed gas must be handled properly as follows:

·       Ensure that a valve that is approved for one gas is not used for another.

·       Ensure that hose lines used for conveying oxygen or flammables have threads that comply with ANSI/CGA V-1-1994 ANSI Compressed Gas Association Standard for Compressed Gas Cylinder Valve Outlet and Inlet Connections.

·       Store cylinders in groups by type of gas, keep full and empty cylinders separate, keep cylinders a safe distance from heat, secure cylinders to protect them from falling.

·       Never roll cylinders on their sides, lift with a magnet, or handle roughly.

·       Ensure cylinder is upright, and has a protective cap during transport. (Occupational Safety General Regulations 44/99, 45 - 49)

 

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Dispensing

Flammable liquids must be dispensed from an approved dispensing unit into an approved portable container. (Class I Flammable Liquid Portable Container Regulation 4/72, 3)

 

TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS (TDG)

Employees who ship or receive dangerous goods, or directly supervise a person who ships or receives dangerous goods must have a TDG training certificate and must show it to an inspector immediately on request. (Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulation, 6.8)

 

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