CHEMICAL STORAGE GENERAL PRINCIPLES BASIC INFORMATION

• Store minimum quantities

• Control stock, i.e. first-in/first-out, move redundant stock

• Segregate chemicals, e.g. from water, air, incompatible chemicals, sources of heat, ignition sources

• Segregate ‘empties’, e.g. cylinders, sacks, drums, bottles

• Monitor stock, e.g. temperature, pressure, reaction, inhibitor content, degradation of substance, deterioration of packaging or containers/corrosion, leakages, condition of label, expiry date, undesirable by products (e.g. peroxides in ethers)

• Spillage control; bund, spray, blanket, containment. Drain to collection pit

• Decontamination and first-aid provisions, e.g. neutralize/destroy, fire-fighting

• Contain/vent pressure generated to a safe area

• Store in ‘safest’ form, e.g. as pre-polymers, as chemical for generation of requirements (e.g. hypochlorites for chlorine) in dilute form

• Handle solids as prills or pellets rather than powders to minimize the possibility of dust formation

• Split-up stocks into manageable lots, e.g. with reference to fire loading/spillage control. Limit stack heights; generally chemicals should be stored off the ground (e.g. to facilitate cleaning, to keep above any ingress of water in the event of flooding)

• Select correct materials of construction; allow for reduction in resistance due to dilution/concentration, presence of impurities, catalytic effects

• Transport infrequently to minimize stocks for both safety and to reduce costs and environmental hazards arising from the need to dispose of surplus or expired material

• Ensure appropriate levels of security, hazard warning notices, fences, patrols. Control access including vehicles

• Segregate/seal drains

• Appropriate gas/vapour/fume/pressure venting, e.g. flame arrestors, scrubbers, absorbers, stacks

• Ensure adequate natural or forced general ventilation of the storage area

• Provide adequate, safe lighting

• Label (name and number); identify loading/unloading/transfer couplings

• Facilitate sampling (for quality assurance and stock monitoring)

• Provide appropriate fire protection (sprinkler, dry powder, gas)

• Consider spacings from buildings, road, fence

• Ensure adequate access for both normal and emergency purposes with alternative routes

• Protect from vehicle impact, e.g. by bollards

• Assign responsibility for administration, maintenance, cleaning and general housekeeping