RULES FOR SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS

1. Know the hazards and characteristics of the chemicals you use, and how to   deal with them. Consult the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) of each chemical.

2. Segregate all incompatible chemicals for proper storage of chemicals for hazard class codes. In other words, store like chemicals together and away from other groups of chemicals that might cause reactions if mixed.

3. Flammable materials should be stored in an approved, dedicated, flammable materials storage cabinet or room.

4. Label and date all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of all chemicals properly.

5. Liquids should be stored in unbreakable or double-contained packaging, or the storage cabinet should have the capacity to hold the contents if the container breaks.

6. Wear proper personal protective equipment like aprons, lab coats, gloves, safety goggles and face shield when handling hazardous chemicals.

7. Be aware of all emergency procedures including spillage, fire fighting and building evacuation plans.

8. Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin or eyes. Use emergency eyewash and/or shower whenever necessary immediately.

9. Chemicals should be stored no higher than eye level and never on the top shelf of a storage unit.

10. Shelf assemblies should be firmly secured to the walls to prevent any kind of collapsing or tumbling.

11. Look for unusual conditions in chemical storage areas, such as:

    * Improper storage of chemicals

    * Leaking or deteriorating containers

    * Spilled chemicals

    * Temperature extremes (too hot or cold in storage area)

    * Lack of or low lighting levels

    * Blocked exits or aisles

    * Lack of security

    * Waste accumulation

    * Smoking or open lights or matches

    * Fire equipment blocked, broken, missing or due for service

    * Lack of safety signs (e.g. No Smoking, Flammable Liquids, Corrosives, etc.)

Inspections of chemical storage areas on a routine basis will help to correct deficiencies and prevent accidents. Any hazardous conditions or anomaly found should be corrected immediately.

KEY FACTS ABOUT CONFINED SPACES

What Is A Confined Space?
A confined space is one which is both enclosed, or largely enclosed, and which also has a reasonably foreseeable risk of fire, explosion, loss of consciousness, asphyxiation or drowning. 

A confined space exhibits these types of characteristics:

1. Is large enough and configured such that an employee can bodily enter and perform work

2. Has limited openings for entry and exit;

3. Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy;

4. Has the potential for a hazardous atmosphere that may include the lack of or too much oxygen, and/or the presence of toxic or explosive vapors or gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane; and/or 

5. Has physical safety hazards such as machinery, sources of electrical shocks, liquids (drowning or fires), steam (burn hazard), or loose, unstable materials that can cause employees to be trapped, crushed, or buried.  

Examples of confined spaces include but are not limited to: fuel tanks, manholes, water reservoirs, sewer pipes, pumping stations, boilers, silos, storage bins, tunnels, ballast tanks, grit chambers, utility tunnels, crawl spaces under floors, holding tanks, pits, and sumps.

Why Are Confined Spaces Deadly?

Confined Space Entry is one of the most dangerous jobs around. Confined spaces are deceiving and often appear to be harmless. Danger signs are often not apparent and the space may have been entered before without incident. Never assume that conditions have not changed and that the space is safe for entry at all times.

Entering a confined space without following all required procedures and having an effective emergency rescue plan can result in serious injuries or death.  More than 60% of confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers. 

When is Atmospheric Testing Required?

Atmospheric testing is required using a multi-gas tester every time an employee enters a permit required confined space containing, or having the potential to contain an atmospheric hazard. 

Confined or enclosed spaces should be tested for oxygen content, for flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants to ensure that the parameters are within defined safe limits before entry permit is approved.

Regulations on confined space require all employers to have:

i. A written confined space plan, including recognizing and marking all confined spaces on site

ii. Procedures to test and monitor the air inside confined spaces before and during all employee entries

iii. Procedures to prevent unauthorized entries and to have an attendant outside the space at all times

iv. Effective controls of all existing atmospheric or safety hazards inside the confined space

v. Employee and supervisor training on safe work procedures, hazard controls, and rescue procedures

          vi. Effective emergency rescue procedures