If it is planned to store large amounts (>10 tonnes) of chemical substances not only chemical safety assessment and report is required, but also an exposure scenario may be needed.
Large scale storage
Very often warehouses are short of proper chemical management.
Common issues include but are not limited to:
- chemicals stored on passage ways and an absence of vehicle or pedestrian traffic management plan,
- inadequate training provided for warehouse workers,
- gas cylinders not properly secured,
- poorly chosen chemical segregation, e.g. organic acids kept with mineral acids, etc.
The storage of flammable substances presents one of the highest hazard in warehouses because many people may be endangered by it if a direct ignition occurs.
Most often accidents happen due to:
- operating errors (lack of personnel training),
- exposure to heat from nearby flames or heat source,
- poor control of risks,
- poor control of ignition sources,
- inappropriately chosen storage conditions with respect to chemical hazards.
Therefore, risk management is a necessary competence to run a warehouse safely.
If the warehouse serves as a temporary storage for the goods that are in transit, nevertheless, all chemical safety measures must still be followed.
More information on chemical storage in warehouses