Working with hazardous materials is extremely dangerous and life-threatening, which is more than enough reason to take all the precautionary measures when working with these materials or having them in storage. The truth is, even the smallest mistake can cause a colossal disaster, in terms of property damage, severe injuries and in the worst case of all – death. Hence, the utmost importance of ensuring maximum levels of safety when storing easy-flammable materials.
Experts highly recommend that unless the real significance and importance of ‘safe storage’ is well understood, one cannot take for granted all the possible risks of storing/operating with dangerous materials. Thus, everyone involved in the industry needs to be well-informed about the basics of safe hazardous-materials storage, along with all the precautions that need to be followed when working in such areas.
Due to the severity of consequences in case of an accident, even the authorities have set detailed rules and standards related to working with dangerous materials, including:
- Strict specifications about the location and construction of buildings and areas where hazardous materials will be stored.
- An explanation about what can and what cannot be stored in a combination with different types of hazardous materials.
The truth is, every type of ‘storage space’ has an own purpose. So, it is very important to know what type of storage space you dispose or work in, to determine what types of hazardous materials are allowed to be safely stored within.
First, learn the general (basic) hazards:
- Fire;
- Explosion;
- Unexpected release of pressure;
- Reactivity (a fire or explosion as a result of chemical reaction between particular materials).
When it comes to potential hazards, let’s not forget the common health consequences of working with dangerous materials: headache, skin rash and skin burns caused by severe corrosive chemicals.
What are the basic precautionary measures?
- All life-threatening materials must be labeled as ‘hazardous’ and have MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) that in detail explain all their hazards.
- Flammable or combustible liquids should be stored in flammable liquid storage cabinet.
- The main purpose of flammable liquid storage cabinet is to protect the internal content (usually, flammable liquids) in case of fire (outside the cabinet).
- Always place a flammable liquid storage cabinet in a cool and dry location (no direct sunlight and no heat source).
- Wearing protective clothing and equipment is obligatory when working in areas where hazardous materials are stored.
