{"id":19833,"date":"2015-03-13T16:40:21","date_gmt":"2015-03-13T16:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.key-online.co.uk\/?p=19833"},"modified":"2023-12-14T16:28:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T16:28:38","slug":"how-to-store-hazardous-materialscorrectly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.manutan.co.uk\/blog\/coshh\/how-to-store-hazardous-materialscorrectly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Hazardous Materials\u2026Correctly"},"content":{"rendered":"

Johnnie was a chemist. Johnnie is no more. What he thought was H\u2082O was H\u2082SO\u2084 (Sulphuric acid)*.<\/p>\n

Storing hazardous materials<\/a> is no joke, but this little rhyme perfectly illustrates the importance of getting it right. If you\u2019re responsible for safely storing flammable or otherwise dangerous substances, remember Johnnie\u2019s cautionary tale and make sure you do it properly.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right products for the job:<\/p>\n

Storing flammable items<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The obvious danger of flammable items is that they might catch fire. To reduce this risk, keep flammable materials away from flames and anything that might spark. That means no cigarette breaks surrounded by oily rags and no using power tools next to the flammable waste bin.<\/p>\n

Apart from the danger of naked flames, remember that some substances don\u2019t get along and the results could be explosive. Keep incompatible materials well away from one another and certainly don\u2019t store them in the same place.<\/p>\n

Now you\u2019re ready to think about your storage container. Keep flammable materials in a secure container designed specifically for the purpose. It should be made of non-flammable material, steel being a great choice, and the whole thing kept isolated.<\/p>\n

Use very clear labels to highlight where flammable materials are stored and list the correct procedures for using them.<\/p>\n

Storing solvents<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Solvents, found in products such as paint removers, adhesives, and pesticides, can be very dangerous to people who come in contact with them. If solvents get onto your skin they can cause burns or irritation and the fumes can give you headaches and damage your lungs. Even worse, if you somehow swallow a solvent\u2026remember Johnnie?<\/p>\n

Needless to say, you must store and use your solvents responsibly.<\/p>\n

Choose a well-ventilated area and never leave solvent-soaked rags lying around. Use a designated, specifically designed waste bin<\/a> for this purpose and empty it daily. Store your solvents in specially marked, sealed containers and keep the lids on whenever possible.<\/p>\n

As with flammable items, make sure you label your storage container very clearly with appropriate signage<\/a> so that the dangers are obvious.<\/p>\n

Dispensing hazardous substances<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You must take just as many precautions when dispensing your hazardous materials as storing them. When pouring a flammable liquid, for example, use a container designed for the purpose. Consider products with a flame arrestor to stop the whole container from igniting.<\/p>\n

When thinking about the process of dispensing, products that allow you to carefully manage the amount of liquid flowing while avoiding glugging, splashing, or sloshing are always a good idea.<\/p>\n

Moving onto solvents, by reducing unnecessary evaporation you will minimise the risk of inhaling dangerous fumes. A simple way of doing this is to use the minimum amount of solvent required. Products that deliver a controlled amount of solvent exactly when you need it are ideal for this purpose.<\/p>\n

Lockable storage<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Safely locking away your hazardous materials will naturally reduce the risk of them being misused either accidentally or on purpose. It\u2019s vitally important to purchase lockable storage that is up to the task.<\/p>\n

When choosing your storage container, make sure it can contain your hazardous substance. For example, select a lockable bin made from a non-flammable material and\/or one that won\u2019t leak.<\/p>\n

As a bonus, consider bins that have a restraining arm fitted. This will stop the lid from falling backward unexpectedly or closing on you when you\u2019re retrieving items!<\/p>\n

\"does-a-flammable-cabinet-need-to-be-grounded?\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hazardous storage checklist<\/strong><\/p>\n