Movement of petrochemicals and hazardous chemicals is very risky and requires utmost care. Admittedly, a single mistake can be fatal. Many traders hire a logistic company to handle their consignments. These companies have experienced staff, perfect machinery and well defined processes to handle such consignment meticulously without any errors. However, like any business, few companies excel over the others in handling such consignments.
While selecting the right logistic provider, make sure that you check their credentials on the following basis:
- The company should be ISO certified, which means, they follow the required standards for such tasks.
- They should be in harmony with environment department, fire department and other concerned bodies.
- Safety standard laid by all such bodies should be pursued.
- In case of small consignments, the logistics provider should be certified from carriers such as DHL, FedEx, etc.
Chemical handling requires special care not only while transporting them from one place to another but also while storing them. The following guidelines will help you store hazardous chemicals while minimizing the risk:
- Do not mix even the same chemicals if they have separate delivery date. Do proper labeling including storage date, consignment number, expiry date and even few properties of chemicals if important.
- Follow the rule of FIFO (first in, first out).
- Stock taking and checking should be done regularly.
- The warehouse should not be near the workplace.
- Do not store them in a place where the labels on containers cannot be read properly.
- Flammable chemicals should not be stored in domestic refrigerators.
- Always store them on stands or shelves, preferably wooden. Avoid placing them on the floor.
- The shelves should have a small raised pattern at the edges to prevent slipping of the containers.
- Avid storing excess amount for longer duration.
- Do not store flammable and oxidizer in the same warehouse.
- Do not store them near water sources or in damp, moist places.
- Make sure that the containers are closed tightly to avoid vaporization.
- Proper signage should be placed in the warehouse to guide to the location of fire extinguishers. Emergency contact numbers should also be placed on walls.
- Fire detectors, gas detectors and smoke detectors are an important part of the warehouse.
As different types of chemicals need different storage environment, it is important to sort them into groups before storing. Based on their chemical and physical properties, chemicals and liquids can be divided in the following broader categories for storage purpose:
- Explosive gases
- Explosive liquids
- Poisonous chemicals or gases
- Oxidizers
- Highly Flammable liquids
- Highly Flammable solid
- Compressed gases
- Radioactive chemicals or solids
- Biomedical materials
- Acidic liquids
- Organic Peroxides
- Cryogenics
Storing and transporting chemicals cannot be handled by untrained persons. People involved in the process should be properly trained and provided knowledge and information about the properties of chemicals they are dealing with. Proper training to respond in emergency situations should also be provided.
Remember; never take chemical storage very easy and effortless. A minor error can cause horrible consequences. Pay attention to the small details, train your staff well, inspect the storage place and process regularly. When it comes to transporting the chemicals, select the professional, authentic and recognized logistic company only.
Author Bio
Steve Chamley trades products from South America like footwear and bags. He supplies them unbranded to different shops in Australia and New Zealand.
