The storage of chemical products and their transportation always involve risks in themselves in addition to contact with other materials. storage of chemical products incorrectly or any failure endangers the integrity of the company that stores it and its workers Chemistry WordPress Blog.
For all these reasons, it is essential to be very careful and comply with a series of tips and precautionary rules when storing chemicals as well as working with them. These rules and prevention tips are to guarantee the safety of the personnel and the facilities used. To do this, we will follow the guidelines published in the official state bulletin in Royal Decree 656/2017.
1. Store chemicals classified and separately
It seems logical that the first thing we must take into account when storing chemical products is that it is done separately from the rest of the merchandise. This way we will avoid possible problems in the event of fire, corrosive and toxic spills. In addition, by separating the chemicals you prevent incompatibility of the products.
For effective management in the storage of chemical products you have to classify them by their form (liquid, gas or solid), their behavior and their chemical application. In addition, they should be isolated in an area that is easily accessible in the event of a fire or spill to be able to act quickly and accurately.
2. Be prepared and prevented from spills of chemical products
One of the most important measures during storage of chemical products is to avoid the breakage of containers or any spills that may occur. Avoiding risks is very important when it comes to chemicals.
When we talk about spills, it does not only mean that a container breaks, it also includes splashes or drips that may occur during handling. You have to avoid contact between substances, especially acids with bases.
3. Effective ventilation system
A good ventilation system maintains safety to avoid toxic vapors and maintain a clean, optimal atmosphere for working. It is a basic measure to prevent fires and explosions in the event of a spill.
Along with the appropriate ventilation system, you should always take into account sudden changes in temperature as these can affect the stored chemicals. Both very high and very low temperatures can alter the composition of a chemical product. Therefore, it is special that, along with the ventilation system, it includes a temperature control system. We all know that excessive heat in a liquid can cause it to turn into a gas that can be very flammable and break the container in which it is located.
4. The storage area must be fire resistant
Something basic and essential to be able to store chemical products completely safely is that it is fire resistant. These enclosures must have an approved fire-resistant closure system. The electrical system must be fire-resistant and anti-explosive and have the necessary means against fires.
Not only the storage area must be fire resistant, the containers where the chemical products are located must have all types of protection against fire and be resistant to heat.
5. Training of personnel for storage of chemical products
Personnel who work with chemical products have the obligation to be trained on the behavior of the products they work with, both in transportation and handling. You must know the risks to which you are exposed and have appropriate instructions for action in case of emergency.
Storage staff, in their training plan, will receive storage-specific instructions on:
Properties of the chemicals that are stored, their identification and labeling.
Function and correct use of safety elements and installations and personal protective equipment.
Consequences of incorrect operation or use of safety elements and installations and personal protective equipment.
Danger that may arise from a spill or leak of stored chemical products and actions to be taken.