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#1 Posted : 01 October 2009 16:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Barry Bruce Looking for some advice on the storage of paints within a brick walled building, located with a large industrial manufacturing facility. No natural or forced ventilation other than the entrance door way. We can use upwards of 300 litres per month but store more than this onsite. Which piece(s) of legislation relate to storage of flammable substances and where would I get a guide to the maximum quantities allowable under said legislation or guidance? The paints and for industrial applicaion and are flammable. I am concerned that the enclosed nature of the building is without adequate ventilation to remove potentially explosive vapours. Im thinking DSEAR may be applicable but cant find the info I need to make judgement on applicable quantities. Anyone able to help/guide me Thanks
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#2 Posted : 02 October 2009 09:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By Phizzle Hiya, Unless you're storing large amounts in bulk (i.e. you're an actual supplier think COMAH etc.) I think it's largely down to your risk assssment (ooh don't you just hate that!) however regulation 6 of DSEAR does state that suitable control measures should include "prevention of the formation of an explosive atmosphere, including the application of appropriate ventilation" - as does the HSE's guide to fire risk assessment. HSG 51 "Storage of Flammable Liquids in Containers" is quoted in the regulations and is well worth looking at (especially as it's now free from the hse website http://www.hsebooks.com/...product_id=2928&MSCSProf) Although there's nothing specific with gards to quantities, the ventilation section of HSG51 will aid your Risk Assessment and could justify the need for ventilation based on the amount you are storing. Best Regards, Ian
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#3 Posted : 02 October 2009 09:25:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brian Horrocks If your looking to classify the building/room and make decisions about ventilation, the following documents are useful BS60079 part 10(take note recently amended) BSEN 1127 Identification of Explosive atmosphere. (Not exact title, but document identifies what to consider/forms of ignition in potentially explosive atmospheres) Institute of Petroleum Guide Pt 15 (3rd Ed?) is also widely used for hazardous area classification. Just Google to get further info/references. Also think they are referenced in the DSEAR guidance books. For a paint store, that only has SEALED containers, it is probably Zone 2. Normal practice to have low and high level ventilation grilles on external walls. If ventilation grilles not possible, forced/mechanical ventilation should be installed. Intrinsically safe light(s) Spill containment etc Warning signs.
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#4 Posted : 02 October 2009 09:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By Barry Bruce Thanks for that - still not sure if there is a maximum storage allowance or not. Brian, you say it may be a Zone 2, I agree, but surely this would be dependant on quantities and/or risk assessment? Or have I misunderstood your post?
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#5 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brian Horrocks Further guidance as follows http://www.hse.gov.uk/fi.../storageflammliquids.htm HSE publication HSG51 Storage of flammable liquids in containers
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#6 Posted : 02 October 2009 10:07:00(UTC)
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Posted By Brian Horrocks Main thing is to control ignition sources and to provide adequate ventilation. After that, quantity doesn't matter too much, but obviously good practice to keep to minimum. Just think of the fire triangle. No source of ignition = no fire/explosion. Adequate ventilation prevents sufficent flammable atmosphere being present - for ignition = no fire/explosion
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