Hazardous materials are either harmful to humans or the environment in general. Some may cause acute health effects, such as burns and convulsions, or chronic health effects such as organ damage and cancers, while others produce harmful physical effects such as fires, sudden release of pressure and explosions. Usual suspects in the list of hazardous materials include corrosive or acid products, flammable liquids and explosives. The safe handling and storage of these goods is imperative to safeguard people working within the facility where the goods are stored, and as was evident with the Beirut explosion on the 4th of August 2020, also to safeguard the lives of those well beyond the walls of the warehouse.
The most common causes for incidents with dangerous goods is due to a lack of awareness about the chemical properties of the stored substance, inappropriate storage temperatures (scorching Autumn sun), inappropriate separation of substances (such as storing next to flammable goods), poor control over ignition sources (such as conducting welding nearby) and exposure to heat (such as from a fire).
Proper handling and storage of potentially dangerous goods first starts with identification and understanding of the material and the risks. Typically, dangerous goods are marked with internationally recognized labelling schemes. Substances may require special storage conditions such as specific safe temperature ranges, segregation and separation from other materials or possible ignition sources, not stored directly under sprinklers or require special firefighting systems. Only once the adequate storage requirements can be met, should dangerous substances be accepted into the warehouse.
Once in the warehouse, careful handling of hazardous goods is critical to avoid damaging packages. Frequent checks on the integrity of the containers should be upheld to identify any leaks or spillages, and perform any needed maintenance or repackaging requirements. In addition, the storage conditions should be carefully controlled and monitored to ensure that the substances do not degrade or become unstable with time.
Where material handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances should be allowed for aisles, loading bays and doors, and there should be no obstructions across or in aisles that could create a hazard. Risk assessments and proper review of the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) would identify if the usage of Ex-Proof (explosion-proof) material handling equipment is required.
Risk assessments, evacuation and emergency plans should also be devised to control emergency situations and contain the damage. Proper training and communication can help staff to recognize the warning signs and risks associated with the substances stored, and learn the steps they should take during an emergency.
Though we cannot always eliminate all the risks involved, there is a lot that warehouse managers can (and should) do to control the safety of their staff and their community.
If you have any doubts or questions on storage of potentially dangerous substances, please contact Span.
