At Chemi we value safety and compliance as a top priority. South Africa’s Ministry of Employment and Labour replaced the antiquated Hazardous Chemical Substances rule from 1995 with the new rule of Hazardous Chemical Agents (HCA) in March 2021. Anyone working with potentially dangerous chemicals on the job, including full-time employees, independent contractors, manufacturers, importers, and suppliers, is subject to this major revision.
Employers are now required by law to take precautions to control the release of harmful chemical agents, provide workers with the right PPE, monitor air quality to make sure exposure levels don’t go beyond certain limits, and follow all other health and safety regulations. Also, to be in compliance, you have to do what the regulation says in terms of training and education. We ensure complete chemical safety compliance in manufacturing by implementing rigorous safety protocols, conducting regular inspections, providing comprehensive training to employees, utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment, maintaining thorough documentation, and staying updated on relevant regulations.
Chemi is a well-established bulk chemicals supplier in South Africa. We are also well known for being the best methylene chloride suppliers, as well as providing top quality phosphoric acid for sale. Get in touch with our team today.
The Importance of Properly Storing Hazardous Items
As a broad category, hazardous materials include many different types of compounds, such as chemicals, gases, flammable liquids, corrosives, and many more. To reduce the likelihood of accidents and guarantee the safety of both employees and the environment, it is essential to store chemicals correctly. This can only be accomplished by first classifying compounds according to their unique characteristics and danger levels.
Liquids and solids that can catch fire must be stored in cool, dry places that have good ventilation and are shielded from direct sunlight, oxidising agents, strong acids, and heat. For maximum protection, choose designated storage spaces that have enough ventilation and fire suppression systems.
Extra care is required when dealing with corrosive compounds. Their corrosive nature requires special storage containers or cabinets made of materials that can withstand them. To avoid the buildup of dangerous vapours, it is crucial to be separated from reactive compounds and to have sufficient ventilation.
Because of their particular toxicity, oxidising agents must be kept in rooms with good ventilation, away from any combustibles, reducing agents, or organic substances. Keep away from direct sunshine and other heat sources as well. It is crucial to use the right storage containers and make sure there is enough ventilation in these situations.
Keep toxic compounds in a safe, well-ventilated place, away from other chemicals, food, and PPE, because of the inherent risks of these substances. To ensure the safety of staff and to prevent unauthorised access, locked cabinets or locations with restricted access are required.
Particular precautions must be taken when storing compressed gases. Keep them in dry, well-ventilated places out of direct sunlight and away from anything that could catch fire. The proper use of restraints to keep cylinders from toppling over or being damaged is of the utmost importance. Proper organisation and safety also require specific cages or storage spaces for each type of gas, with the labels plainly visible.
Chemicals that react with water must be kept away from any sources of water and moisture. To avoid reactions caused by ambient moisture, it is crucial to use containers that are water-resistant and have a tight seal.
Store substances that can create peroxide in a cold, dark place, away from sources of heat, light, and ignition. To avoid the potentially harmful buildup of unstable peroxides, it is essential to use suitable inhibitors or stabilisers and closely track the expiration date of these compounds.
Extreme caution is required while dealing with explosive materials. Specialised explosive storage rooms or containers that can endure explosions are required for their storage. To avoid disastrous results caused by unauthorised handling, it is crucial that you adhere strictly to storage standards and guidelines and implement stringent access control methods.
Storage Procedures for Dangerous Goods
- Start by learning about the unique dangers posed by the materials you work with, and then sort them into appropriate categories. Group them according to their chemical characteristics, toxicity, and reactivity.
- Design of storage facilities: Make sure the storage facility you choose or build yourself is up to code and acceptable for your hazardous chemicals. Think about things like air circulation, temperature regulation, spill containment, and fire alarms.
- Using the right labels and signage: Make sure that any containers or spaces that contain hazardous compounds are clearly labelled with their respective danger levels. To alert workers and rescue workers of any hazards, use the proper warning signs and symbols.
- Compatibility: To avoid any possible interactions, keep various hazardous substances in separate containers. It is important to avoid storing compounds that are incompatible with each other.
- Spill prevention and control: The use of secondary containment systems and other spill containment methods can greatly reduce the likelihood of inadvertent discharges. Always have the right spill response kits on hand and make sure your staff knows how to use them.
- Fire safety: Install sprinklers, alarms, and fire extinguishers according to the materials stored, as well as any other necessary fire suppression equipment. Make sure these systems are in top shape by inspecting and maintaining them on a regular basis.
- Educate and teach staff thoroughly on how to handle and store dangerous chemicals safely. Verify that they are familiar with the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency, how to correctly use protective gear, and can handle any unique dangers posed by the materials they work with.
