Safety And Health Services Chemical Storage Guidance 1 .
Safety and Health ServicesChemical storage guidance1.Contents1.Contents . 12.Scope. 33.Responsibilities . 34.General Chemical Storage Principles . 45.Hazard Classification and signage for stores. . 55.16.7.Chemical Hazard Information . 55.2Hazard Warning Signs . 55.2.1General warning. . 65.2.2Flammable Materials. 65.2.3Explosive substances . 75.2.4Oxidising substances . 75.2.5Corrosive substances . 75.2.6Toxic substances . 85.2.7Harmful or irritant substances . 85.2.8Cryogenic liquids . 85.2.9Potentially explosive atmosphere . 8Chemical incompatibility and instability . 96.1Chemical incompatibility . 96.2Energetic and air/water reactive chemicals . 10Types of store. . 117.1General work bench storage. 117.2Flammable cabinets. 117.3Acid storage within laboratories and workshops . 117.4Cold storage . 127.5Workshop storage . 127.6External bulk stores . 12Page 1 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
7.7Waste storage . 138.Ventilation . 139.Monitoring . 1410. Inspection . 1411. Emergency arrangements . 1411.1Fire . 1411.2First aid . 1511.3Spills . 1512. Appendix One - Regulated substances. 1612.1Additional regulatory requirements for controlled drugs and drugprecursors. 1612.2Additional regulatory requirements for explosive substances. . 1812.3Biocides/pesticides/fertilisers . 18Page 2 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
2.ScopeThis document provides guidance on the safe storage of hazardous chemicals withinthe University to ensure both the health and safety of staff, students and otherindividuals who may be affected by the storage of hazardous substances within theUniversity and compliance with current regulatory requirements.The guidance is appropriate for all individuals who may handle or are responsible forthe use and storage of hazardous substances. It applies to all areas where suchsubstances may be stored including delivery stores, laboratories, workshops, siteservices cleaning cupboards and external compounds.Hazardous substances are defined as any substance classified as hazardous by thefollowing regulations: EC regulation 1272/2008 Classification, labelling and Packaging of Substancesand Mixtures.The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable PressureEquipment Regulations 2004Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum gases Regulations 1972The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2005 (as amended0Dangerous Substances and Explosive atmospheres Regulations 2002The guidance does not include advice on the storage of compressed gas cylinders orcryogenic gases.3.ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of Heads of Schools/Services, line managers and designatedresponsible persons are detailed within the University’s Hazardous ChemicalManagement Policy, section 9 h.po.pdf ).In summary, Heads of Schools/Services must ensure that arrangements are in placeto assess and manage the risks posed by the storage of hazardous chemicals withintheir School/Service and ensure appropriate security measures are in place toprevent unauthorised access to regulated substances. As part of the School/Servicesafety management system, Heads of School/Service must monitor the effectivenessof these arrangements and ensure action is taken to resolve problems where there isevidence to indicate chemical storage measures are unsatisfactory. If aSchools/Service has a centralised chemical store, the Head of School/Service mustappoint a named responsible person to manage the facility. The responsible personmust ensure a risk assessment of the store has been carried out, measures in placeto prevent exposure to the risks identified, appropriate hazard warning signs andemergency provisions are in place.Page 3 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
Line managers are responsible for ensuring all hazardous chemical storage forwhich they are responsible has been assessed with regards the risks posed by thechemicals stored, the assessment should consider the type of storage that isrequired, the impact should a fire occur and whether the location presents anyincreased risk to the health and safety of persons working within or near to thestorage area. Suitable control measures must be implemented to prevent or reducethe risks identified by the risk assessment. Line managers must ensure that specificstorage arrangements for substances that are potentially unstable or may degradeduring prolonged storage are identified and put in place. This must includeestablishing designated shelf lives for these substances, ensuring a robust systemfor stock control and a suitable, documented inspection regime is in place.Staff and students must comply with the safety and security measures that apply tothe storage of hazardous chemicals within their workplace and report any defects inequipment, personal protective equipment and chemical storage facilities.4.General Chemical Storage PrinciplesApplying some general principles can help ensure hazardous chemicals are stored ina safe manner. It is good practice to limit the amounts purchased to that required forforeseeable work and to minimise the quantities stored. The disposal of unusedchemicals can cost significantly more than any perceived savings made when buyingin bulk quantities that are unlikely to be used.It is advisable to segregate incompatible chemicals and separate substances wherepossible according to their hazard classification.Exposure to heat or direct sunlight may lead to the deterioration of containers as wellas degradation of the contents, therefore containers should be stored away fromdirect sunlight or heat sources.Storage should include measures to prevent or mitigate spills, leaks or breakagessuch as: Using secondary containment to contain spills or leaks. Containment shouldaccount for 110% the volume of the largest container e.g. if the largest containerholds 1L then containment should hold at least 1.1L. For some substances suchas oils and solvents this is a legal requirement.Consider appropriate storage positions - avoid storing bottles on the floor wherethey may be damaged or knocked over. Locate large containers on lower shelvesand avoid stacking containers on top of each other.Where there is a need to store decanted solutions, ensure the containers areappropriate for the chemicals they are to contain and are well sealed. Do notoverfill containers and allow enough free head space to account for anyexpansion of the contents and prevent over pressurising of the container.Page 4 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
Use appropriate carriers or trolleys to transfer items between storage and point ofuse.The safe management of hazardous chemicals includes providing appropriateinformation to users about the hazards posed by these substances. Thereforecontainer labels should be intact and clearly indicate the nature of the chemicalhazard. Safety data sheets contain relevant information regarding safe use,precautionary measures to take and suitable storage recommendations; theseshould be kept up to date and made readily available to users. It is prudent to rotatestocks to ensure oldest containers are used and removed from the store first andprevent stockpiling of old containers.5.Hazard Classification and signage for stores.5.1Chemical Hazard InformationInformation about the hazards posed by chemical materials is available from anumber of sources including: Safety Data Sheets: suppliers are required by law to provide up to date hazardinformation for their products which have been classified as hazardous to supply.Safety data sheets must include information about the properties of a substance,the hazards posed, handling, storage, disposal and transport instructions andemergency information including exposure control measures. Container labels: Suppliers must label a substance according to theClassification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation EC 1272/2008. Containerlabels should contain the supplier contact information, the approved or tradename of the substance, the nominal quantity supplied and all relevant hazardstatements, pictograms, signal words and precautionary statements.Trade and supplier websitesEuropean Chemical Agency (ECHA) Classification and labelling online micals/cl-inventory). 5.2Hazard Warning SignsWork areas and dedicated chemical stores should display signs to indicate thenature of the hazard present. Signs should conform to the requirements of the Healthand Safety (Signs & Signals) Regulations 1996 or the relevant Classification,Labelling and Packaging Regulation pictogram. To avoid confusion, where severaldifferent chemical hazards are present a general warning sign or signage indicatingPage 5 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
the primary chemical hazard may be used.5.2.1 General warning.General warning of a hazard.5.2.2 Flammable MaterialsHighly Flammable liquids (flash point 32oC)Flammable Liquids with flash point of 32oC - 55oCHighly Flammable Solids (readily catch fire after brief contact with asource of ignition)Page 6 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
5.2.3 Explosive substancesSubstances manufactured and supplied for use as explosivesSubstances classified under the UN Dangerous Goods List asexplosive.Substances which may explode under the effect of flame or aresensitive to shocks or friction.5.2.4 Oxidising substancesSubstances that give rise to exothermic reaction in contact withother substances and may cause or enhance the combustion ofother materials.5.2.5 Corrosive substancesAcidic SubstancesAlkaline and related substancesCaustic substancesSubstances which may damage or destroy other materials includingliving tissue, metals and organic compounds.Page 7 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
5.2.6 Toxic substancesSubstances which if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skinmay cause serious adverse health effects.5.2.7 Harmful or irritant substancesSubstances which if inhaled, ingested or in contact with skin maycause adverse health effects.Substances which may cause reversible damage to biological tissueThere is no specific yellow warning sign for these substances, anappropriate alternative from those listed or the CLP red diamondpictogram may be used.5.2.8 Cryogenic liquidsLiquids with normal boiling point below -90oC, which are gases atnormal working temperature and pressure.5.2.9 Potentially explosive atmosphereArea contains a mixture of air and one or more dangeroussubstances in the form of a gas, vapour, mist or dust in which, afterPage 8 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
ignition has occurred, combustion spreads to the entire unburnedmixture.6.Chemical incompatibility and instability6.1Chemical incompatibilityA wide variety of chemicals react dangerously when mixed with certain othersubstances. Significant incompatibilities are described on the supplier’s safety datasheet therefore these should be consulted when carrying out a chemical riskassessment and planning the most appropriate storage conditions for a chemical.Further information regarding specific chemical incompatibility is available inBretherick's Handbook of Reactive Chemical Hazards, Academic 80123725639To avoid accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals, substance should be stored insecurely closed containers which are specifically designed for the purpose andclearly labelled. Corrosive Liquids are best stored in corrosion resistant secondarycontainment cabinets, trays or containers that can retain spills. It is good practice toseparate chemicals according to their hazard class and segregate away fromincompatible chemicals by using storage cabinets, secondary containment ordistance.In general:FlammableInorganicOrganicAlkalis mmableliquidsInorganicacidsOrganicacidsPage 9 of 19ΧΧΧΧΧΧSafety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
Alkalis &basesOxidisingchemicals6.2ΧΧΧΧΧEnergetic and air/water reactive chemicalsPotentially unstable chemicals will have special storage considerations and mayhave a designated shelf life after which they have the potential to become unsafee.g. some ethers can form explosive peroxides when stored for prolonged periods.These details will be outlined within the supplier’s safety data sheet. Where thesesubstances are stored a suitable chemical risk assessment must be completed andinclude appropriate measures to reduce the risk of these substances becomingunsafe. The risk assessment should inform the development of a safe system ofwork for managing the storage of these substances.Measures for managing these types of substances may include: Avoid storing energetic and reactive substances in areas of elevatedtemperatures and away from direct sunlight.Consider limiting the amount of these substances purchased to the minimumquantity required for foreseeable work within the designated shelf life.Ensure containers are clearly labelled with the date of receipt, opening and useby date.Substances that must be kept wetted or in a desensitised form to ensure stabilitymay decompose exothermically if they are allowed to dry out. These substancesshould be regularly inspected for signs of drying (e.g. around bottle stoppers andcaps and within the bottle) and the checks documented. Any leaks of spillsshould be dealt with immediately.Substances that require an inhibitor or stabiliser to prevent contact with air shouldbe regularly checked to ensure the quantity of inhibitor does not fall below aneffective level.Some common solvents are peroxide forming substances e.g Methyl-tert-Butylether. These should be stored in airtight containers, in a dark, cool, dry place.Where appropriate the container head space may be purged with an inert gas.The contents should be periodically tested for the presence of peroxides –disposable kits are available from most laboratory suppliers (e.g. Quantofix orMerckoquant strips). These substances should be disposed of at the end of theirdesignated shelf life. Examples of these solvents and guidance on managingthem safely is available from:Page 10 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
rning-center/peroxideformation.html7.Types of store.7.1General work bench storageIt is advisable to limit bench reagent bottles to the minimum required for the day’swork, however flammable solvents should be limited to 500ml or less and be keptaway from ignition sources.Low hazard chemicals may be stored on dedicated shelving within the work area andcontainers should be clearly labelled with the contents, user and hazard. This type ofstorage is best reserved for working stocks of reagents rather than as a substitute fordedicated chemical storage areas.7.2Flammable cabinets.A limit of 50 litres highly flammable/flammable substances may be kept in anoperational room within appropriate flammable cabinets. These cabinets must be ofmetal design and provide 30 minutes fire resistance. Ideally, newly purchasedcabinets should conform to BS EN 14470-1:2004 Safety storage cabinets forflammable liquids. In order to contain spills and breakages, the cabinets should beequipped with corrosion resistant trays or lipped shelves. Old cabinets that havebecome significantly corroded and rusty should be replaced.The impact of large volumes of flammable solvents within a work room in the eventof a fire must be considered, therefore cabinets should be positioned away fromdoors and fire evacuation routes to ensure people can evacuate safely. Thepresence of flammable storage should be indicated on room hazard plans andrecorded in the building fire risk assessment.7.3Acid storage within laboratories and workshopsStrong acids should be stored in a well ventilated space to prevent the build-up ofcorrosive vapours, if storing within a lab or workshop consider using a suitable acidresistant cabinet. Storage shelves should be acid resistant and be capable ofcontaining spills – secondary containment should be used where reasonablypracticable. It is not good practice to store acids on high level shelves.Page 11 of 19Safety and Health ServicesChemical Storage GuidanceVersion 2.3
7.4Cold storageRefrigerators used for the controlled temperature storage of chemicals must bededicated and clearly labelled for that purpose and never used to store food orbeverages. If there is a need to store flammable materials the refrigerator must beintrinsically safe (of non
Page 4 of 19 Safety and Health Services Chemical Storage Guidance Version 2.3 Line managers are responsible for ensuring all hazardous chemical storage for which they are responsible has been assessed with regards the risks posed by the
Chemical Formulas and Equations continued How Are Chemical Formulas Used to Write Chemical Equations? Scientists use chemical equations to describe reac-tions. A chemical equation uses chemical symbols and formulas as a short way to show what happens in a chemical reaction. A chemical equation shows that atoms are only rearranged in a chemical .
Levenspiel (2004, p. iii) has given a concise and apt description of chemical reaction engineering (CRE): Chemical reaction engineering is that engineering activity concerned with the ex-ploitation of chemical reactions on a commercial scale. Its goal is the successful design and operation of chemical reactors, and probably more than any other ac-File Size: 344KBPage Count: 56Explore further(PDF) Chemical Reaction Engineering, 3rd Edition by Octave .www.academia.edu(PDF) Elements of Chemical Reaction Engineering Fifth .www.academia.eduIntroduction to Chemical Engineering: Chemical Reaction .ethz.chFundamentals of Chemical Reactor Theory1www.seas.ucla.eduRecommended to you b
The Chemical Safety Program is de-voted to maintaining safety in re-search and teaching laboratories and all University areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored. The Chemical Safety Program: Conducts safety evaluations of chemical research and teaching laboratories Conducts performance testing and inspections of chemical fume
Chemical Equations and Reactions What is a Chemical Equation? A Chemical Equation is a written representation of the process that occurs in a chemical reaction. A chemical equation is written with the Reactants on the left side of an arrow and the Products of the chemical
Word & Chemical Equations Scientists represent chemical reactions in two ways: Word equations – uses chemical names, plus signs, and an arrow to show the reaction. Example: Chemical equations – uses chemical formulas, plus signs, and an arrow to show the reaction.States of matter are also shown in subscripts after each chemical substance. Example:
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Modern Chemistry 1 Chemical Bonding CHAPTER 6 Chemical Bonding SECTION 1 Introduction to Chemical Bonding OBJECTIVES 1. Define Chemical bond. 2. Explain why most atoms form chemical bonds. 3. Describe ionic and covalent bonding. 4. Explain why most chemical bonding is neither purely ionic or purley 5. Classify bonding type according to .
from atoms of all other elements Chemical bonds hold compounds together Chemical bonds may be ionic or covalent NOW, you will learn About chemical changes and how they occur About three types of chemical reactions How the rate of a chemical reaction can be changed KEY CONCEPT Chemical reactions alter arrangements of atoms.
