Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By RichardC1973
We have a number of chemicals etc. at work. Following Fire Risk Assessment I have moved those that are "flammable" etc. from our office to the store. This includes smoke generating pellets and matches for testing flues, engine oil, aerosol cans of leak detecting spray, silicone sealants, and additives for heating systems. It would seem sensible to move these as in the event of a fire they could add to the hazards within the office environment. Having done this I see that Arco and the likes are selling nice looking cabinets (flammable and COSHH) at rather nice prices too. What I don't know is if i should be getting one of those to store this aggregation of chemicals in now that they are housed within our store with additional items such as the odd tin of paint, solvent cement, 5L of petrol, and some white spirit. I was wondering if any cabinet would do or should I approach the boss for the £300-00 for one of those 'proper' cabinets - and how do I justify such an expense as I am not sure where it says you need one.
Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By David Bannister
Hi Richard, I wonder whether you need to be retaining all these hazardous substances.
The first and most effective control to be adopted following any risk assessment is to remove the risk. In my experience the range of materials that tend to accumulate in offices include half-used containers that are kept "just in case" whereas in reality the local hardware store or DIY outlet has them by the pallet load, readily available at little cost.
Once you have been ruthless in (correctly) disposing of the non-vital substances you may well find that you are left with very little to worry about. Half a gallon of petrol for the mower, in its metal can and a few slug pellets can sit quite happily in the store, well away from any ignition sources.
If, however, you have genuine need to retain significant quantities of nasties then be aware that there may be a need to segregate some substances from others eg oxidisers & fuels. Cabinets or cages may be then needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By RichardC1973
Thanks for the information. I have reduced to as much as I can the quantities of nasties that we need for the business. However there is still a reasonable pile of substances. Is there any guidance which would suggest that if you had x chemical in y quantity then it should be stored in one of theses cabinets.
I see there are varying bits of information regarding storage of different chemicals together or not within the forums but are there any simplified guides that explain it or is it down to the judgment and experience of the person who is deciding where they need to be stored.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Phillip
You are talking of storing small quantities of highly flammable materials. Yes these should be stored is a flame proof cabinet.
From memory, general rule is no more than 50 litres in a fire resistant cabinet
HSG51 the storage of flammable liquids in containers
or HSE website. i think under the COMAH section where they are discussing laboratories.
if you want an authoritative source try
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By David Bannister
Richard, apart from the flammable stuff (50 litres in a bin, otherwise in a dedicated store, as per HMG Guidance on fire risk assessments) you need to consider the other properties of the substances, the affects of exposure, likelihood of exposure (tampering, accidental) and persons likely to be exposed (pregnancy, young etc).
If any of the substances are sufficiently worrying then a cabinet is needed, firstly to prevent unauthorised access, secondly to reduce the likelihood of spillage and thirdly to give some additional protection in the event of fire. The level of risk will determine the level of protection required: highly toxic substances at one end of the scale, small amounts of merely mildly harmful at the other.
Yes, knowledge and experience will assist your decision. I am not aware of any specific guidance that will provide answers to your quantities v substance question. The data sheets may give an indication but probably not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Son of SkyWalker
Richard
I have e-mailed you some info.
Michael
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.