Guidance on the storage of hazardous materialsContents

P1 Who is the guidance for?P1 What is the guidance about?P1 What is a hazardous material?P2 What factors should be considered for safe storage of hazardous

materials?P2 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)P2 VentilationP2 IgnitionP3 ContainmentP4 Segregation of Incompatible ChemicalsP4 Procedures for the prevention and control leaks and spillagesP5 Safety signage for hazardous substances storage areas, cabinets and

containers.P7 Means of escapeP8 SecurityP8 Information and TrainingP8 Management of storage areasP9 Record keepingP9 Checks of storage areasP10 What additional factors should be considered for the storage of hazardous

materials in specific areas?P10 External storage areas and external store roomsP11 Storage in workroomsP11 Storage in ShopsP12 What action should be taken before hazardous materials arrive on site?P12 What action should be taken when hazardous materials arrive on site?P12 How should hazardous waste be disposed of?P12 Where can I obtain further information?P12 Relevant Legal RequirementsP14 Appendix 1 Example of Inventory

1.0 Who is the guidance for?

This guidance is aimed at all technical and academic staff particularly those responsible for areas where hazardous materials are used and stored. The guidance may however be useful to Estates staff and anybody using or storing hazardous materials on college premises.

2.0 What is the guidance about?

This guidance outlines the general factors that should be considered and where appropriate applied to ensure the safe storage of hazardous materials. The guidance is not intended to be exhaustive and the users of this guidance are reminded of the importance of consulting other information including the hazardous material’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

3.0 What is a hazardous material?

‘Hazardous materials’ include all substances which are classified as hazardous to health under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 (as

1

amended) e.g. Irritants, Harmful, Corrosive, Toxic etc. as well as any materials with harmful and dangerous properties e.g. flammable, explosive, oxidisers, harmful to the environment.

4.1 What factors should be considered for safe storage of hazardous materials?

4.2 .1 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

All hazardous materials taken into storage must be accompanied by a SDS.

A SDS for a product provides information on precautions for the safe storage, handling, transportation, use and disposal of the product as well as any emergency measures required in case of an accident. A SDS also provides specific details relating to the products reactivity, physical and chemical properties, all information which should be used to ensure the appropriate storage of the hazardous material i.e. if a SDS states that a substance has a vapour density greater than 1 the materials vapour is heavier than air (air has a vapour density of 1) meaning vapours given off by the material will gather at low level and therefore its storage area must have low level ventilation.SDS are legally required to be provided free of charge by the supplier of a dangerous substance or mixture to their customers either before or at the time of the first delivery of a substance. Where a customer reorders then the supplier does not need to re-supply the SDS unless the sheets contents have changed.

4.3 Ventilation

Stores containing hazardous materials must be well ventilated so that hazardous vapours and gases given off from any spills and leaks will rapidly disperse.Ventilation should be provided at high and low levels so gases and vapours heavier and lighter than air will disperse.5 air changes per hour are usually sufficient to ensure vapour levels in flammable stores are kept low. Openings of 1-3% of the surface area of store walls and ceilings will usually achieve 5 air changes per hour.Openings provided for ventilation must not be; below the level of any containment provided, in any internal walls or obstructed by the contents of the store.Ventilation should ideally be provided by natural ventilation; where this is not possible and mechanical ventilation is required advice should be sought from a competent specialist.Where gases and vapours are heavier than air (see the substances SDS) storage should be located away from areas where there is the potential for the gas or vapour to gather i.e. drains voids.

4.4 Ignition

All sources of ignition should be excluded from areas where flammable substances are stored this includes:

Naked flames including welding equipment. Electrical lighting, power circuits and equipment which are not suitably protected

against igniting flammable vapour, e.g. not flame proof or intrinsically safe. Processes or vehicles that involve friction or generation of sparks. Hot surfaces. Static electricity.

Smoking must be prohibited in and around storage areas with ‘No Smoking’ signs clearly displayed in the vicinity of all storage areas.If storage areas are heated, the heating provided must not be an ignition source. The maximum temperatures of any exposed heating surface should not exceed the auto ignition temperature (see the substances SDS for this information) of any of the materials in storage.

2

Suitable lighting is required in storage areas for safe access/ egress however lighting must not be a means of ignition. Stock must be kept clear of light fittings i.e. at least 1 metre gap between light fitting and stock. Lighting must also be of an appropriate standard.

Combustible materials i.e. packaging should not be kept in flammable or hazardous material stores. These may act as the first materials to be ignited in a fire rather than the flammable materials.Combustible materials, including weeds should not be allowed to build up around external storage areas. Any weed killers used to control weed growth around storage areas, should not be oxidising agents.

4.5 Containment

All hazardous materials must be stored in suitable containers.

Chemicals should wherever possible be stored in their original containers, these are designed and constructed to specific standards ensuring they are robust, have well-fitting lids and are therefore suitable for storage.

In all circumstances the material from which any container is made must be compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the substance it contains to prevent interactions which might cause leakage or spillage. The substances SDS should be consulted to determine specific storage requirements and reactivity details.

Containers can however get damaged or leak causing the escape of hazardous material. Secondary containment designed to catch spillages should therefore be provided.

The provision of secondary containment should prevent spills or burning liquids spreading to other parts of the storage areas and can also have the effect of reducing the risk of pollution. There are many methods for achieving secondary containment, one method of containment for outdoor storage areas is to provide an impervious sill or low bund around or incorporated into the storage facility with the floor and walls constructed of materials that are resistant to and compatible with the materials stored. Other alternative examples are shown below:

Secondary containment option Picture

Drip tray A simple tray placed under storage

containers to collect minor leaks and spills. Suitable for use with a single drum or a few

small containers. Ideal for small containers or drums in storage

or at their point of use.

Sump pallet• Pallets to hold containers with sump to contain

spills.• Available in different sizes suitable for use with

small containers, two, four or eight drums etc.• Containers are kept off the ground and

containment is provided.

3

Dispensing sump trolley• Proprietary system used for transporting and

then dispensing a single drum or small container.

• Item shown would be fully bunded when in horizontal position

Bunded cabinets• Bund at bottom of the cabinet contains any leaks.

Decking• Decking units allow containers, of any size, to

stand off the ground on a grid while providing containment underneath.

• Proprietary units can be added to cover the floor area required, i n the area of use or in a storeBunded shelving

Bund under shelving to contain any leaks from products stored above.

Bunded walk in chemical stores.• Bund at bottom of the store to contain leaks.

Figure 1: Secondary containment

Any secondary containment provided must as a minimum be capable of storing 110% of the capacity of the biggest container or 25% of the total volume of all of the containers within the bund whatever is the greatest.

4.6 Segregation of Incompatible Chemicals

All materials MUST be stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations detailed in their SDS. Some materials are incompatible and must be appropriately segregated to prevent interactions. For example oxidising agents must not be stored with flammable materials as this can enhance the risk of fire. It may also be inappropriate to store flammable materials with corrosives (even if these are also flammables) if there is a risk that the integrity of the flammable materials container may be affected.

4.7 Procedures for the prevention and control leaks and spillages

Procedures must be in place (established and communicated) for preventing and controlling spillages and releases of hazardous materials. Such procedures should consider the following:Storage areas should not generally be used for activities where spillages are likely, i.e. dispensing, mixing, decanting and repacking - such operations should be undertaken in a

4

separate area and in a way that reduce spills and dangerous releases of materials. i.e. in the open air, away from ignition sources over a spill tray using appropriate PPE

Any liquids that have been decanted should have adequate ullage space left in the container for liquid expansion to prevent spills.

Storage of large containers which pose a larger spillage risk if damaged should be avoided so far as is reasonably practicable.

The placement of materials in store areas should allow any leaking container to be quickly spotted, easily removed and appropriately dealt with.

Overhead storage of hazardous substances should be avoided where possible. If unavoidable containers should not be pulled off shelves unsighted in case a container is damaged.

In general leaking containers should be placed in or on a suitable bund or tray so any leaking product is captured whilst awaiting repacking or disposal in accordance with information provided by the supplier (see the material’s SDS).

Where liquids are stored methods for containing spillages should be provided i.e. a spill kit. Barrier materials such as sand bags or propriety absorbent pads/ socks/ granules are recommended depending on the nature of the substances and the quantities involved. The chosen absorbent should not adversely react with the substance to be absorbed (refer to the substances SDS).

Spillages of dangerous substances in fine dusty form should not be cleared up by dry brushing. Vacuum cleaners should be used in preference, or damp sweeping, and for toxic materials, a vacuum cleaner conforming to the type H of BS5415 should be used.

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) should be available for use when clearing up leaks or spills. As a minimum a plastic apron, disposable gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear and waste container should be available. In some cases additional items will be needed e.g. respiratory protective equipment.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will detail any specific action that needs to be taken for dealing with spillages including guidance on both the equipment and levels of protection required for a given substance. Any specific equipment required should be provided and suitably located, available for immediate use in the event of a spillage.

Some materials may require specific emergency evacuation procedures to be established, or specific fire extinguishers, first aid equipment or other controls to be provided for use in the event of a leak or spillage. Risk assessments should be undertaken before materials are stored on college premises to identify any specific controls required. If specific first aid equipment or training for first aiders is required you should notify the CCW H&S Advisor.Leaks and spillages can also have environmental consequences. Although this guidance does not attempt to cover environmental issues the advice it contains for safe storage conditions will generally provide some protection for the environment. Further information on the environmental hazards posed by a substance is contained in their SDS and further information on pollution prevention is available from the Environment Agency http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/.

4.8 Safety signage for hazardous substances storage areas, cabinets and containers.

Storerooms and cabinets used for storing hazardous materials should display appropriate safety signage. See CCW Guidance No 2: ‘Guidance on safety signage for areas and cabinets used for the storage of hazardous materials’ for more information.

5

Individual containers containing hazardous materials must also be clearly labelled to indicate there contents. Suppliers of hazardous chemicals in containers are required to label the containers they supply, containers should therefore be suitably labelled upon receipt. Any containers not suitably labelled by the supplier must be labelled with the following information before being stored on college premises;

the name of the substances or preparation, the name and contact number of the company supplying the material, relevant hazard symbols /pictograms (see information on CHIP4 and CLP below). the relevant risk and safety phrases set out in full or the hazard and

precautionary statements set out in full (see information on CHIP4 and CLP below).

There are currently two systems that can be used to label containers of hazardous materials:

1. The existing UK legislation the Chemical (Hazardous Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 known as CHIP4 require supplier to use the certain hazard warning symbols (see figure 2) and risk and safety phrases when labelling containers. Details of the symbols, risk and safety phrases relevant to CHIP4 can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/chip/phrases.htm

CHIP4 is however in the process of being replaced by new European Regulations on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures known as CLP. CLP implements an internationally agreed approach to the classification and labelling of substances and preparations which aims to produce one system that will be used worldwide. CLP became law in 2009 but does not apply all at once with a transitional period running through until 1st June 2017. Up until this time you may see hazardous materials with either the CHIP4 or CLP labels.

2. CLP requires the use of new symbols, referred to as pictograms (see figure 3) and replaces the Risk and Safety phrases used by CHIP4 with new Hazard and Precautionary Statements. Further information on CLP can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/ghs/implications.htm

6

Figure 2: CHIP Hazard Symbols

Figure 3: CLP Pictograms

Before labelling any containers holding hazardous substances reference must be made to the substances SDS to determine which symbols/ pictograms should be used and which risk and safety phrases or hazard and precautionary statements should be included on the label.

4.9 Means of escape

Adequate means of escape must be provided and maintained from any hazardous substances storage area.When deciding if means of escape are adequate the hazardous properties of the substances stored in the area must be considered.The most hazardous materials should be stored away from exits and circulation areas. Walkways in all storage areas should be kept clear of obstructions.In workrooms cabinets containing flammable materials should be positioned away from doors providing means of escape.

4.10 Firefighting equipment

An adequate number of suitable fire extinguishers should be provided and positioned in conspicuous locations on escape routes near storage areas.

Extinguishers should be protected against the weather if located outside and their location should be clearly identified by appropriate signage.

7

Before accepting new hazardous materials for storage on site the products SDS should be consulted to ensure suitable fire extinguishers are in place. Should additional or alternative fire extinguishers be required this should be organised through Estates.

4.11 Security

Security of chemicals storage areas is important to prevent arson or vandalism and risk assessments must consider whether the security of the storage area is adequate both during the day and at night. Factors to consider can include; keys being restricted to authorised persons i.e. storekeeper and estates, maintenance of fences and external walls, lighting, intruder alarms.

4.12 Information and Training

Persons who handle hazardous materials need to have adequate knowledge about the materials properties, storage conditions required and emergency procedures. Such person should also receive adequate training covering: how to deal with spillages, leaks, and any emergency procedures that should be followed. Generally training should include the following aspects:

The type of hazardous materials stored their properties and hazards. Procedures for dealing with leaks and spills including the use of safety and spill

control equipment. Housekeeping. Understanding the systems of labelling under CHIP4 and CLP and where

appropriate the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009.

Reporting of faults and incidents, including minor leaks and spills. Emergency procedures including; action to be taken in the event of fire or

spillage – identified during risk assessment.

All staff should be aware of the storage locations of hazardous materials including flammable liquids, and the need to exclude ignition sources from designated storage areas.

The information and training required by people other than employees e.g. students, contractors and visitors must also be considered and procedures established to ensure they receive information instruction and training as appropriate.

4.13 Management of storage areas

Every chemical storage areas should have a senior member of staff nominated to be responsible for the area i.e. a storekeeper. The name and contact number for this person should be clearly displayed at the entrance to the storage area.

The individual nominated as the storekeeper should be the sole key holder for the store area, other than the key held by the Estates team onsite.

The storekeeper should be: The only person authorised to accept hazardous materials for storage into the

area -to ensure materials are correctly stored, compatible etc. Responsible for maintaining an inventory of the substances stored in the area. Responsible for providing the Assistant Facilities Manager with regular update on

the store contents i.e. once per term or when there is a significant change to the contents whichever is occurs first.

Responsible for ensuring suitable signage is in place on both the stores and the containers held with the store.

Responsible for undertaking a risk assessment for the storage area.

8

Authorised to reject chemicals for storage i.e. if the chemicals presented for storage are incompatible with others stored, the chemicals are not appropriately labelled, no SDS has been provided for the chemicals wanting to be stored, the storage area is not appropriate for the substances wanting to be stored i.e. no low level ventilation for substances with vapour density greater than 1 or the chemicals react with moisture and the store is damp.

4.14 Record keeping

Details of the maximum storage capacity for each location should be clearly displayed in the storeroom/ on the cabinets containing hazardous materials to prevent overstocking. The maximum storage capacities will need to be established by risk assessment this may include consideration of the size of the storage area, the size of the bund, maximum capacities allowed to be stored in a workroom etc.

A product inventory must be kept up to date for each storage area and should contain detailed information:

Name and location of store Name of product/ Substance State i.e. Solid/ Liquid/ Gas Name of Supplier CAS Number (Explanation below) Quantity i.e 2 x 500 ml Classification/ Labelling information Shelf life/ Expiry date

An example of a product inventory is shown in Appendix 1.

A CAS Number is a unique numeric identifier given to a substances and provides a link to a wealth of information about a specific chemical substance. Dashes should be included in the number i.e. 74-98-6. This information is available on SDS.

A copy of the inventory records should kept in the store and at a point on the site that is unlikely to be affected in an emergency (in the Gerda Premises Information Box), so that they can be used by both management and the emergency services when dealing with an incident.

4.15 Checks of storage areas

Primary and secondary containment should be inspected regularly at least weekly, unless the material being stored requires more frequent inspection to make sure that:

Containers aren’t damaged or leaking i.e. no corrosion, deformities stained from the material being stored

Rainwater that has collected in any bund or drip tray is removed The bund or drip tray is clear of produce or debris Product label signs are undamaged Maximum storage volumes have not been exceeded Products are stored in the right area

Hazardous material storage areas should be checked periodically i.e. once per term. Checks should ensure:

Supplies are in date /out of date materials are disposed of Hazardous substances in stock are still required/ any redundant stock is disposed of Chemical inventory for the store is up to date All containers are suitably labelled Containers are not leaking

9

Signage on storage areas is correct and well maintained Chemicals are appropriately segregated Records of inspection should be maintained

5.1 What additional factors should be considered for the storage of hazardous materials in specific areas?

This section provides specific information relating to the storage in different areas. It should be noted that the information contained in section 4 should also be considered for these areas.

5.2 .1 External storage areas and external store rooms

Any flammable liquids stored outside should be located a minimum of 2 meters from occupied buildings, premises boundary and any processing units. If this cannot be achieved alternative controls i.e. the use of a fire wall may be considered in consultation with a competent person.

Where flammable liquids are stored in external storage buildings these should comply with the minimum separation distance of 2 meters from occupied buildings, premises boundary and any processing units or the building should be constructed as a fire resistant building, see figure 4. The fire resistance needs to allow adequate time in a fire to raise the alarm and evacuate the area.

Construction providing 30 minute fire resistance would be adequate. A lightweight roof would act as explosion relief, alternatively relief panels may be placed in one or more walls, provided they vent to a safe place. Unless the door of the store has been specially strengthened the door will act as explosion relief.

10

Figure 1: Fire resistant building

5.3 Storage in workrooms

Only the minimum amount of flammable/ highly flammable liquid needed to undertake frequently occurring activities should be stored in studios and workshops.

The maximum amount of flammable/ highly flammable liquid stored in any studio or workshop should never exceed 50 litres.

It is recommended that whenever reasonable containers of flammable solvents and other hazardous materials used in workshops and studios should not exceed 500ml as this volume can be easily contained should an accident occur.

Containers holding flammable materials should be kept at least 0.5 metres from fixed electrical equipment that is not protected against igniting flammable vapour or from heaters or other hot surfaces.

All containers stored in workrooms should be kept closed and properly labelled.

Flammable materials should be stored in 30 minute fire resisting cabinets, acids should be stored in cabinets made of acid resistant materials and all cabinets should be designed to retain spills, (110% of the largest container stored in it or 25% of the total volume whatever is greater).

A procedure should be in place to ensure that all flammable material is placed in the cabinets at the end of the day.

Cabinets containing flammable materials should be positioned away from doors and other means of escape from workrooms.

Flammable solvents should never be stored in fume hood or vented cabinets, since the airflow could fan a fire.

5.4 Storage in Shops

The amount of flammable and other hazardous materials displayed in shops should be kept to a minimum. Additional stocks of hazardous materials should be kept away from the sale area and stored in a store room or a storage cabinet designed to appropriate standards.

Containers of flammable liquid should be kept away from sources of ignition and from other easily ignitable materials.

11

Flammable materials should be stored away from exits so they do not restrict means of escape in case of fire.

Staff should be aware of the presence of hazardous materials and aware of the precautions to follow to prevent danger.

Containers of hazardous materials should ideally be stored on lipped shelving to so that any leaks can be contained and hey should be regularly checked for leaks or damage.

6.0 What action should be taken before hazardous materials arrive on site?

Some substances will require special conditions for storage such as segregation, separation, not to be stored under sprinklers, storage at certain temperatures etc. These should be identified by the purchaser before the materials are delivered to site to ensure the materials can be safely stored on site.

Substances requiring special storage conditions should only be accepted for storage when the required conditions are available.

SDS are a prime source of information regarding storage requirements.

7.0 What action should be taken when hazardous materials arrive on site?

On arrival the contents of each package should be checked to identify the contents against the shipping documents.

If the contents of any package are not immediately identifiable the materials should not be sent to store. These should be held in quarantine for the minimum time required to obtain the necessary information or the supplier should be required to have them removed from site promptly.

Before placing any materials into storage the store keeper and purchaser must check the materials are compatible with other materials already in storage.

8.0 How should hazardous waste be disposed of?

Hazardous waste must be disposed of via a licensed waste disposal company. If the following details are provided to your college AFM they will ask for a quote for disposal:

Chemical Description

Quantity Size (Litres/Kg)

Total Weight / Volume (Kg/Litres)

Physical Form

It is the responsibility of the course/ department that own the chemicals or have produced the waste to organise for its disposal.

9.0 Where can I obtain further information?

The Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk

The Environment agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk

10. Relevant Legal Requirements

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009

12

Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 European Regulations No 1272/2008 on the Classification, Labelling and

Packaging of Substances and Mixtures Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

13

Appendix 1 – Example of Inventory

Chemical Inventory

Updated: 09/02/2017Updated by: A.Reid

Store Name/ ID

College / site

Location Block, Floor, Room

Name of Substance / Product

State: i.e.Solid, Liquid, Gas

CASNumber

Supplier Classification i.e. Highly Flammable, Oxidising, toxic etc

Amount kept in the location

Expiry Date

1 Chelsea D Block/ Lower Ground / room D15

White Spirit

Liquid 64742-82-1

Bartoline Ltd

Harmful, Dangerous to the Environment

4x 500 ml 10/06/2020

14