Chemical Storage

Storage - General Hazardous chemicals must be stored in a specialized storage area with clear and consistent signage displayed. The chemical storage area should be dry and well ventilated. Chemical storage always requires extra consideration: Special building requirements, including room sizes, building materials, locations, etc. Only specific electrical devices can be used in some cases (explosion hazard) Ventilation or thermoregulation Fire suppression equipment may be required

Storage - General Segregated storage Cut-off storage Detached storage Within the same building or area, incompatible materials are separated and kept distant, typically enclosed to avoid any potential contact Cut-off storage Within the same building, incompatible materials are separated by wall or clapboard. Detached storage Materials are stored in different buildings or areas.

Storage Area Features A：Building B：Flammable base detector C：Explosion-proof lighting D：Containers closed E：Secondary containment F：Ventilation G：Ground seepage control H：SDS I：Secure door (Fire rated if flammables) J：Fire Suppression Equipment K：Intrinsically Safe Electrical switch L：Warning System M：Eye/Body Washing

Emergency shower and eye wash Eye washes and showers are installed in areas where chemical exposure risk is higher, such as storage areas or prep areas. In the event an exposure occurs, flushing with water should be done immediately. Showers must be used for clothing/body exposures, with affected clothing removed to reduce exposure risk. Note: It is a good idea to provide a set of emergency clothes which can be used in the event of an exposure and shower.

Note that homemade Eye wash stations are OK, however they should meet ANSI (or equivalent) requirements as noted on next slide Bad examples Photo 1 - Point out that the space around eyewash stations should be clear and unobstructed. Also fountains should be covered/capped to avoid the build up of dust/dirt Photo 2 – flow considerations. If too much pressure water could damage the eye

Basic Principles Proper Flow for 15 min Valve Open in less than 1 sec Stays open Within 10 seconds of hazard Path Same Level Unobstructed Checked weekly Heads Protected from Dust Employees trained on use Well-Lit Area with Signage ANSI/ISEA Z358.1-2014 American National Standard for Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment

Compatibility The most common outcomes are: • Heat or pressure is produced • Fire • Explosion • Formation of toxic gases and vapors • Formation of flammable gases

Compatibility Charts Compatibility Charts are widely available.

Incompatible Materials There should not be any chemical reaction between chemicals and shelves or chemicals and containers i.e. Acids and Metals

Flammables

Flammables Flammable liquids are defined as any liquid having a flashpoint below 37.8oC (Check SDS) Common Flammables include: Glues & Adhesives Primers Thinners Solvent based inks Cleaning solvents

Impact of Temperature Fire Risk Temp. Greater than Ignition Point = Fire The flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which it can vaporize to form an ignitable mixture in air Fire Risk Temp. Greater than Flash Point = High Hazard of Fire Describe flash point and ignition point temperatures and the risk of flammables and that this information is located on the SDS and should be reviewed. Temp. Less than Flash Point = No Hazard

Flammables – Bulk Storage Bulk means greater than 40 Liters; from one or multiple containers Bulk Storage areas should have appropriate protections including: Dedicated storage areas/building Separated from flammable materials, potential ignition sources, etc. Including fire door Ventilation Intrinsically safe electrical installations and lighting Secondary containment Fire suppression equipment Smoke detection/fire alarm system Warning signage No Smoking

Flammables - Bulk Storage POOR PRACTICE Uncontrolled/ designated storage, no secondary containment, unsafe stacking

Flammables – Bulk Storage POOR PRACTICE Looks reasonable, but several high risk items: Exterior wall made of wood (combustible) No containment door Window opens into production area with more flammable material

Flammables - Bulk Storage GOOD PRACTICES Dedicated, contained and segregated storage area Secondary containment Fire suppression

Flammables – Production Areas Storage of flammables in production areas should be limited as much as possible and safety measures should include: Storage of daily usage quantities (or less, if possible) Fire cabinets for any bulk storage Kept clear of heat or ignition sources Appropriate containers Compatible material Labelled

Flammables – Production Areas POOR PRACTICE Storing bulk flammables under production station tables

Flammables – Production Areas POOR PRACTICE Using unlabeled water bottles

Flammables – Production Areas POOR PRACTICE Storage near potential ignition source

Flammables - Production Areas GOOD PRACTICES Proper cabinet Dedicated storage room with fire protections in storage area Proper containers

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