Safety precautions when handling and storing hazardous chemicals (SCP)
psycholog engineeer Daniela Sarbu
April 15, 2020
The storage of the SCP must be done safely, according to the information provided by the manufacturer or distributor through the safety data sheets, labels or other sources, information referring to the properties of the substances. Everyone who has access to the storage space must receive all the information so that they act safely. It is necessary to establish working procedures, to implement a supervisory system to monitor their compliance, to keep up-to-date the storage plan, to draw up and to update the emergency plan of the storage space.
The storage of dangerous chemicals will be done following the scheme of their compatibility. Thus:
Examples of incompatible chemical agents:
• Oxidants with: carbides, nitrides, hydrides, sulfides, alkali metals
• Reducers / deoxidants with: nitrates, chlorates, bromates, oxides, peroxides, fluorine
• Strong acids with strong bases
• Sulfuric acid with: cellulose, perchloric acid, potassium permanganate, chlorate
Examples of unstable substances:
• Products whose prolonged storage may cause decomposition: alkaline starches,
certain diazonium salts
• Slightly oxidizable substances: allylic compounds, vinyl compounds, styrene
• Compounds that react violently to contact with air: phosphorus, hydride
• Quickly polymerizing monomers: vinyl acetate, styrene, acrylonitrile
Examples of substances that react dangerously with:
• Water: alkaline metals, inorganic peroxides, carbides, phosphors
• Hydrochloric acid: sulfides, hypochlorites, cyanides
Technical recommendations for the handling, transport and transfer of hazardous chemicals:
*Containers, containers or packages made of materials compatible with SCP will be used that meet the ADR transport requirements,
*For the discharge of flammable products, all metallic elements will be subjected to an equipotential bond and grounding.
*Transfers will preferably be made using manual or mechanical suction pumps. As far as possible, the transfer through gravity between the containers will be avoided, as there is a risk of exposure. If this type of transfer is used, the can to be emptied will be placed horizontally, on a device or on a fixed or mobile frame equipped with lockable wheels.
*When storing, transferring, retention trays will be fitted so that any accidental leaks can be collected. The amount stored on the retention trays must be less than 20% less than the capacity of the retention tray.
*Sewerage systems, which lead to hazardous chemicals, must be constructed of materials that do not react with those substances.
*It is recommended that the distribution system assemblies be welded
*In the areas where the transfers are carried out, it is advisable to place eye washers or safety showers
*The equipment to be used in the transfer, the distribution of the dangerous chemical substances will be checked periodically, their monitoring will be done through the periodic maintenance plan.
