How to Determine the Risk of Flammable Liquids
Many warehouse-based businesses carry Class 3 Flammable Liquids, which come with important handling and containment requirements, foremost being the provision of bunding and secondary containment equipment to protect your workplace and the environment around you from hazardous spills.
In our previous blog we talked about stillage and storage systems, but in this blog we will briefly discuss how to assess the level of risk involved when you store flammable and/or hazardous materials.
How to Determine the Level of Risk
Before making a purchasing decision, it is important to determine whether the bund or containment system is appropriate for the level of risk and the substances involved, as well as the weight, volume, climate and duration of the load. A detailed risk assessment should be undertaken, which evaluates the following factors:
Health Risks:
What potential health risk does exposure to this chemical pose to employees? For example, does it pose a burn risk if it comes in contact with skin and eyes, or does it carry a risk of respiratory problems if inhaled, or poisoning risk if ingested? Ensure that you thoroughly understand the risks of any stored substance, and supply appropriate safety directions, warning labels and PPE.
Chemical Flashpoint:
The flashpoint determines how flammable your chemicals are. The flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a chemical can ignite when it comes into contact with air. It’s important to know how easily a chemical substance could ignite or explode during a spill or leak for everyone’s safety. The chemical flashpoint will also determine the kind of containment system you will need.
Chemical Profile and Handling Requirements:
Handling requirements need to be extensively assessed. Chemicals are broadly corrosive or reactive and it’s important to determine exactly what kind of chemical you are dealing with to equip your employees with appropriate safety measures and PPE.
Liquid or Chemical Quantity, Weight and Volume:
Your bunds or containment system also needs to be able to effectively handle the chemical substances, not just in terms of withstanding their corrosive or reactive qualities, but also in terms of the weight, quantity, and volume. The kind of containment system you require will be very different for a jerry can versus a bulk tank.
Duration of Storage:
How long you will be storing hazardous liquids should also be carefully assessed so you can select appropriately durable containment systems.
Site Risks:
Does your job site, or the surrounding environment, pose any risks such as storms, flooding, heat, cold, traffic, or protected areas such as waterways and wildlife? What about adjacent properties and the goods that they carry out?
Container Risks:
No matter what containment system you use, all materials come with some inherent weaknesses. In high quality containment systems these risks are dramatically reduced, but things can still go wrong, such as if there is a collision, or incompatible chemicals are incorrectly stored together. You need to know what the risks are in the worst-case deterioration with certain chemical types when combined with some temperature points, deterioration, overfilling, and collapse. Judge what qualities your containers will need to withstand all possible emergency situations.
Consider Containit Solutions Premium Containment Systems
Containit have a wide range of premium containment systems available for Class 3 Flammable Liquids, including ICB bunds, ICB bund pallets, dangerous goods storage cabinets, battery transport boxes, drum systems, segregation boxes, fuel storage cubes, and more. Our expert consultants can advise you on the best possible solution. You also need to consider specific site regulations in place from local authorities such as the EPA or Council and also importantly your insurer
The Best Bunding and Containment Equipment in Australia
Containit Solutions is proud to be the leading supplier of industry bunding and containment solutions in Australia. To order one of our premium products today, simply request a quote online or call 1300 603 110 to receive detailed product information.